Hollywood on Netflix: The Legacy of the Golden Age of Cinema

Hollywood on Netflix: The Legacy of the Golden Age of Cinema

Netflix’s “Hollywood,” a 2020 limited series created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, isn’t a historically accurate documentary. Instead, it’s a reimagining of the post-World War II Hollywood landscape, a wish-fulfillment fantasy that tackles themes of racism, sexism, and homophobia prevalent during the Golden Age of Cinema (roughly the 1930s to the 1960s) through a revisionist lens. To understand the impact and appeal of “Hollywood,” and why it resonates despite its historical liberties, it’s crucial to examine the actual Golden Age and the legacy it left behind.

The Real Golden Age: Glamour, Oppression, and Studio Power

The Golden Age of Hollywood was characterized by several defining elements:

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  Studio System Dominance: Five major studios – MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, and RKO – controlled virtually every aspect of filmmaking, from production and distribution to exhibition. They owned theaters across the country, ensuring a captive audience for their films. This vertically integrated system allowed them to dictate which actors were cast, what stories were told, and how films were marketed.

• Star System: Actors were under long-term contracts with studios, essentially becoming their property. Studios cultivated their images, controlled their personal lives, and often typecast them into specific roles. While this created iconic stars like Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Katharine Hepburn, it also severely limited their artistic freedom and earning potential.

• Genre Specialization: Each studio developed a reputation for specializing in certain genres. MGM was known for its lavish musicals and prestige dramas, Warner Bros. for its gritty crime films and social commentaries, and Paramount for its sophisticated comedies. This genre specialization allowed studios to efficiently produce films and cater to specific audience demographics.

• Production Code (Hays Code): Enforced from the 1930s to the late 1960s, the Production Code was a set of moral guidelines that dictated what could and could not be depicted on screen. It prohibited profanity, nudity, drug use, and any portrayal of immoral behavior that might corrupt the audience. This resulted in creative censorship and a sanitized version of reality, often masking social issues and reinforcing conservative values.

• Technical Innovations: The Golden Age saw significant advancements in filmmaking technology, including the widespread adoption of sound, color, and widescreen formats. These innovations enhanced the cinematic experience and contributed to the escapist appeal of Hollywood films.

However, beneath the shimmering surface of glamour and entertainment lay a darker reality:

• Racial Segregation and Stereotyping: Hollywood films overwhelmingly featured white actors in leading roles, while people of color were relegated to supporting roles, often portraying stereotypical and demeaning characters. Black actors were frequently cast as servants, entertainers, or criminals, perpetuating harmful racial biases. Asian actors were often portrayed as villains or exoticized objects of desire, while Native Americans were depicted as savage enemies of civilization.

• Gender Inequality and Misogyny: Women in Hollywood faced significant challenges, both on and off screen. They were often paid less than their male counterparts and were subjected to sexist attitudes and behaviors. Actresses were pressured to conform to narrow beauty standards and were often typecast as damsels in distress or seductive temptresses. The Production Code further limited the portrayal of female characters, often punishing them for expressing their sexuality or ambition.

• Homophobia and Repression: Homosexuality was strictly taboo in Hollywood. Gay actors and filmmakers were forced to hide their identities for fear of losing their careers. The Production Code explicitly prohibited the depiction of homosexuality on screen, further reinforcing societal prejudice.

“Hollywood” on Netflix: A Revisionist Dream

“Hollywood” takes the realities of the Golden Age and reimagines them through a contemporary lens, offering a more inclusive and equitable version of history. The series follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers in post-World War II Los Angeles as they navigate the challenges of the industry.

• Diversity and Inclusion: The series features a diverse cast of characters, including a Black screenwriter, a Filipino actor, and a gay couple, all of whom are given opportunities to succeed despite the prejudice they face. This is a stark contrast to the real Hollywood of the Golden Age, where these groups were systematically excluded.

• Challenging Stereotypes: “Hollywood” actively challenges the stereotypes that were prevalent in Golden Age films. The Black screenwriter writes a script that tells a nuanced and authentic story about the Black experience, while the Filipino actor defies expectations and becomes a leading man.

• Empowerment and Agency: The characters in “Hollywood” are not passive victims of circumstance. They actively fight for their dreams and challenge the oppressive structures of the industry. They form alliances, support each other, and ultimately create a more inclusive and equitable Hollywood.

• Redemption and Justice: The series offers a sense of redemption and justice for those who were marginalized and oppressed during the Golden Age. Characters who were historically denied opportunities are given a chance to shine, and those who perpetuated prejudice are held accountable for their actions.

• Addressing Homophobia: “Hollywood” directly confronts the homophobia that was rampant in the Golden Age. The gay characters in the series are not forced to hide their identities and are able to find love and acceptance. The series also explores the challenges faced by closeted actors and filmmakers.

The Allure of Alternate History and Escapism

The appeal of “Hollywood” lies in its ability to offer viewers a sense of escapism and hope. By reimagining the Golden Age, the series allows us to imagine a world where prejudice and discrimination are not insurmountable obstacles, and where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

• Wish Fulfillment: The series taps into our collective desire for a more just and equitable world. It offers a vicarious experience of seeing marginalized groups triumph over adversity and achieve success in a field that was historically closed off to them.

• Nostalgia and Glamour: “Hollywood” retains the glamour and nostalgia of the Golden Age while simultaneously critiquing its flaws. The series features stunning costumes, sets, and cinematography that evoke the era’s iconic style.

• Relevance to Contemporary Issues: Despite being set in the past, “Hollywood” addresses issues that are still relevant today, such as racial inequality, gender inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights. The series serves as a reminder of how far we have come and how much work still needs to be done.

• Emotional Resonance: The characters in “Hollywood” are relatable and sympathetic, even if their circumstances are fantastical. The series explores themes of love, loss, ambition, and identity, which resonate with viewers on a personal level.

Criticisms and Considerations

While “Hollywood” has been praised for its inclusivity and progressive themes, it has also faced criticism for its historical inaccuracies and overly simplistic portrayal of complex issues.

• Historical Distortion: Critics argue that the series glosses over the harsh realities of the Golden Age and presents a sanitized version of history. The series’ revisionist approach can be seen as disrespectful to those who suffered discrimination and oppression during that era.

• Simplistic Solutions: The series offers relatively easy solutions to complex problems, such as racism and homophobia. This can be seen as unrealistic and even patronizing to those who continue to face these challenges today.

• Melodramatic Tone: The series’ melodramatic tone and over-the-top performances can be off-putting to some viewers. The series often sacrifices subtlety for emotional impact.

• Focus on Individual Success: The series primarily focuses on the individual success of its characters, rather than addressing the systemic issues that perpetuated inequality in Hollywood. This can be seen as a limited and ultimately unsatisfying approach to social change.

The Enduring Legacy and Impact

Despite its flaws, “Hollywood” has sparked important conversations about representation, diversity, and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The series has also raised awareness of the historical injustices faced by marginalized groups in Hollywood and has inspired viewers to demand a more equitable and inclusive future.

• Increased Awareness of Historical Injustices: The series has brought attention to the historical injustices faced by marginalized groups in Hollywood, such as the lack of opportunities for people of color, the sexism faced by women, and the homophobia that forced gay actors and filmmakers to hide their identities.

• Sparked Conversations about Representation: “Hollywood” has sparked important conversations about the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. The series has highlighted the need for more diverse stories and perspectives on screen.

• Inspired Calls for Change: The series has inspired viewers to demand a more equitable and inclusive future for Hollywood. Many have called for greater diversity in casting, writing, and directing, as well as for more accountability for those who perpetuate prejudice and discrimination.

• Influence on Future Productions: “Hollywood” may influence future productions to be more inclusive and to challenge the stereotypes that have historically been prevalent in the entertainment industry. The series has demonstrated that there is an audience for stories that celebrate diversity and promote social justice.

Ultimately, “Hollywood” on Netflix serves as a powerful reminder of the complex legacy of the Golden Age of Cinema. It invites us to reflect on the progress that has been made, the challenges that remain, and the potential for a more inclusive and equitable future for Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole. It’s a dream of what could have been, a reflection on what still needs to be.