"Hollywood" may seem to many people lack depth, popular and playful, and even fall into the stereotype of today's "Hollywood-style political correctness". But what impresses me most about this show is that it uses gorgeous fantasy to make up for the painful reality; it uses the current narrative to soothe the pain of history, which is the charm of movies, or more specifically, Hollywood itself.
In the play, LGBT, black, Asian, and women have become the protagonists and winners of post-war Hollywood. These protagonists include real historical figures and fictional interpretations. They tell their stories with magnanimity and persistence, and eventually win awards and box office. This seemingly conventional "Hollywood ending" is behind the struggle of thousands of seniors who have been fighting for a century, but have yet to get it.
When you really understand the situation of the minority in Hollywood at that time, their oppression, sacrifice, pain, the injustice and prejudice they have suffered, the recognition and achievement that they cannot get in their entire lives, it is not because they did not work hard or lack luck, but They've never had luck, or even a fair chance for ordinary people.
When you understand that the real Locke has always hidden his orientation in history, played the "persona" that made him painful, he was unable to hold his lover's hand upright all his life, and eventually died of AIDS but was attacked and spurned;
When you understand how blacks and Asians have been discriminated against and stigmatized for granted in the long history of Hollywood, their blood and hometown have become their shame, a shame that no amount of talent and hard work can wash away;
When you know that countless talented women are labeled as sexy or stupid just because of their gender, are sold and discarded as commodities, and they are dismissed and ridiculed for revealing their true self;
When you get to know the background, get to know the people in the real history, and realize that this is a living pain at the cost of your life, watch this show again, and you'll never think it's just cheap." Political correctness" or a boring obscenity, you will be moved by the kindness of the creator.
In my opinion, this is indeed a love letter to Hollywood, to those who have been frustrated, who have been unfairly treated and neglected, and who should have a bright and happy career and life.
In real history, Locke, who died of AIDS in a closet all his life, held his lover's hand openly at the Oscars in the play and declared to the world that the man beside him was his lover.
In real history, it wasn't until 2002 that Halle Berry became the first black actress in Oscar history with "Dance on Death Row". In the play, 50 years ago, a young black actress won the Oscar for Best Actress. She can show the little black girls in front of the screen that they are equally smart, strong, and beautiful, and they can also sparkle and achieve great results. Achievements, not just funny maids.
In real history, Anna May Wong has never won an Oscar. So far, no Chinese actress has won the Oscar for Best Actress or Supporting Actress. In the play, Anna May Wong finally won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, not because of the role of a Chinese prostitute who smokes or an oriental witch, but a real woman who is upright, thoughtful, and assertive.
More than half a century has passed, and Hollywood and the Oscars have been shuffled several times, and they are still shining. And those minority groups who have been ignored, humiliated, and have never been recognized and bloomed in their entire lives, in this dream fantasy, relying on their own strength and talent, they stood on the podium one by one, harvesting their originality under the spotlight. Respect and achievement deserved.
However, this is just a dream. But even this dream was over half a century late. And they, the warriors who once sacrificed their lives for their dreams, will not know and will not be able to see this dream. Even, in their lifetime, they may not even dare to dream such a dream.
What impresses me from beginning to end in this drama is not the story of little people chasing dreams or political correctness, but this affection and tribute. This is the use of bright movies to redeem the ugly reality; this is to use the present narrative to soothe the pain of the past; this is a dialogue that transcends time and space after more than half a century; this is a kind embrace and firm recognition of these predecessors . Because this is what they deserve and what Hollywood and Oscar owe them.
Don't dodge, live for the life you like; don't need to paint, just stand in the bright corner.
In fact, this is also the charm of the film itself, the original and enduring charm of this dream machine: not only the vanity under the red carpet and flashing lights, but also the only "star" guiding the lost and the disadvantaged in the dark.
It tells us: you can choose to fight all the way, you must choose to fight all the way, because telling your own story and fighting for the splendid life that should belong to you is always the most valuable.
And your efforts and sacrifices will eventually be seen, remembered, and become "stars", encouraging and guiding thousands of dreamers who are groping and fighting in the dark.
Even if this "seeing" is more than half a century late.
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