PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Bob Murawski and the late Sage Stallone’s Grindhouse Releasing, famed for cleaning up those gritty, grimy and often (and maybe rightfully so) overlooked films that existed on the fringes of “respectable” cinema, gives the seldom seen Hollywood 90028 a shiny new package with all the bells and whistles that collectors love. But, is it really worth the attention?
Synopsis
“A struggling photographer takes a job in the porn industry. Unable to handle the degradation, he begins murdering young women to vent his frustrations.”
Check out the trailer below!
Sex obsessed Mark (Chris Augustine; The Doll Squad) has the perfect job, he’s a cameraman for a porn production company ran by the sleazy Jobal (Dick Glass). In his spare time, Mark likes to do what any other single, swinging guy in 1970’s Los Angeles enjoys: he likes to get high and naked with some groovy chicks and kill them. Ya know, the usual serial killer trying to escape from childhood trauma stuff.
Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your particular perspective) Mark’s job provides plenty of potential subjects for his dark desires, until he meets the naïve, yet streetwise Michelle (Jeanette Dilger) and falls head over heels in love. Will Mark be able to keep his urges in check and not murder his paramour? Can his boss get any more disgusting? Will there be a female cast member who doesn’t get full frontal? All this, and more, is answered upon viewing Hollywood 90028—Beverly Hills 90210 this ain’t!
Initially playing like a west coast answer to Lustig’s Maniac, Hollywood 90028 has potential. A script and narrative from writer/director Christina Hornisher (Terror In The Jungle) that is positively dripping with commentary on the “dreams of stardom in Hollywood” trope, combined with artfully shot cinematography by Jean-Pierre Geuens (Lemora), the film resembles a street level Greek tragedy unwinding in the shadow of the Hollywood sign. As he gradually descends into further madness, all the while trying to break his pattern of misogynistic violence, Augustine’s portrayal of Mark is a master class in acting, convincingly bringing the lonely psycho-sexual killer to gritty life. Glass, as Jobal, is convincingly gross as the greasy smut peddler (if you told me he was actually a young Joe Fleishaker in an afro wig, I’d believe you…), and Dilger brings a strange vulnerability to the doomed Michelle.
You have to wonder why pretty much everyone involved in Hollywood 90028 never went on to do much, there’s a lot of talent on display here. However, in attempting to craft a “shocker” ending, .Hornisher misses the mark by trying to make Mark some sort of sacrificial lamb to the Hollywood gods, and the climax comes off as out-of-place and unsatisfying. I expected more.
As always, Grindhouse gives collectors the kitchen sink release that they’re known for. Two discs: one with the feature proper, and a second with alternate scenes, interviews with Augustine, Dilger and others, some of Hornisher’s 16mm shorts, trailers and galleries. A bonus audio CD, in it’s own little sleeve, featuring the soundtrack, from Basil Poledouris (who went on to do things like Conan The Barbarian, RoboCop and The Hunt For Red October, among others) is included in the slipcase/box. A 32 page booklet, with critical studies on the film and liner notes, is tucked inside the snapcase, featuring reversible artwork. Visually, the transfer, scanned from the original 35mm negative, looks bright, well contrasted, and crisp, with minimal noise and scratches—a 42nd street film never looked so un-grindhouse!
A slimy, grimy, unwashed look at the seamy underbelly of 1970’s L.A., Hollywood 90028 is worth a look for fans of the period, it features some strong performances from a capable cast, and boasts a compelling, if ultimately flawed, storyline and some truly inspired camerawork. And, hey, you can’t go wrong with all of the extras!
Grindhouse Releasing’s Blu-ray collector’s edition of Hollywood 90028 is available now from fine retailers everywhere.
