The Day of the Locust

Starring:Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, Burgess Meredith, William Atherton, Geraldine Page, Richard A. Dysart, Bo Hopkins, Pepe Serna, Lelia Goldoni, Billy Barty, Jackie Earle Haley, Gloria LeRoy, Jane Hoffman, Norman Leavitt, Madge Kennedy, Ina Gould, Florence Lake, Margaret Willey, John War Eagle, Natalie Schafer
Director: John Schlesinger
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

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Nathanael West's The Day of the Locust is by consensus the great Hollywood novel, a poison-pen letter aimed squarely at the tinsel heart of the movie biz. Only in the 1970s could Hollywood actually hazard a film of this story, and the result is suitably corrosive. William Atherton is the observer Tod, Karen Black the blond starlet Faye, and Donald Sutherland the hulking Homer--but they are easily out-acted by the colorful supporting cast. In particular, Burgess Meredith's exhausted showbizzy salesman and Billy Barty's strutting dwarf are superbly crafted gargoyles in this Hollywood wax museum. Director John Schlesinger piles on the rancid atmosphere and rampant hypocrisy until the movie fairly drowns in its own grotesque vision. Long before the climactic apocalyptic riot, the film has torn itself up. There's no substitute for West's wicked prose, so the adaptation comes across as a literal-minded screech rather than a true bonfire of the vanities. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

The Day of the Locust.......2007-07-05

A blistering adaptation of Nathanael West's novel, "Locust" might be the most audaciously cynical movie ever made about Tinseltown. Peopled with deranged healers, petulant dwarves, painted child stars, and washed-up never-weres, Schlesinger's film creates a stark divide between the pampered starlets and studio bosses of La La Land and the impoverished hangers-on and wannabes whose crushed desires fuel their fortunes. Black, Sutherland, and Meredith are mesmerizing in their respective roles, playing fringe types with utmost authenticity. By the time the film's cathartic, apocalyptic finale arrives to resolve all the dramatic and sexual tension, Hollywood has already begun to look more like hell than any place on earth.

hollywood babylon redux redux redux ..........2007-06-11

it takes longer to watch this movie based on nathaneal wests short story than it takes to read the source material. this tale has been told too many times, yet filmmakers continue to think that the seedy side of hollywood is as fascinating to us as it is to them. well, its not. that said, there ARE terrific performances to be found here: donald sutherland, burgess meredith, and others, tho william atherton is his usually vapid self in the central role. im glad i saw it, but if i ever want to pay a return trip, i will visit the library and mr wests tome.

Take Another Look.......2006-09-20

THE DAY OF THE LOCUST was slammed critically in its initial release, and many reviewers here seem irritated by both the film and the current DVD transfer. But the soft focus and grainy look here are true to Conrad Hall's brilliant, Oscar-nominated cinematography -- this picture was hazy in theatres in its first run, and certainly this transfer's a vast improvement over the VHS and laser versions, which were virtually unwatchable. As for the film itself, perhaps it's best regarded as a fantasia on West's classic novel, rather than a literal adaptation. If the viewer doesn't expect a slavish version of the book, LOCUST holds many pleasures. The acting's marvellous (has a performer ever been more bravely and cruelly exposed than Karen Black as Faye?), and Schlesinger found a style unlike his other films, a sort of acrid romanticism that isn't West's surrealism, but packs a punch nonetheless. I've seen this film several times over the years, always finding things in it with which to disagree, but images here have stuck more completely in my mind than those from many more perfect works. Ripe for reevaluation.

Truly memorable, bleak, surreal, disturbing...........2006-08-22

I just saw this film for the first time in nearly 15 years. It had always stayed with me (especially the climax, one of the greatest in cinema history), and upon seeing it again, it is even sadder, more depressing, and nihilistic than before. The names change in Hollywood, but never the substance, because there was never any substance to begin with. Many people go there with dreams of fame and fortune, but end up miserable, even the "successful" ones. Even those who "make" it still are so uneasy and unsure of everything that they're just as vulnerable as those left on the outside. L.A. has never looked so horrid. While the lead performers are adequate (William Atherton and Karen Black), the performances by Sutherland and Meredith (why Meredith didn't get a supporting actor nod is beyond me) are amazing. The supporting roles are extremely well done as well (with special kudos going to Billy Barty as a sarcastic [...]). There is a surreal tinge to this film that explodes at the climax, one of the most amazing in cinematic history. A film like this could never be made today, because Hollywood has become so terrified of doing anything different, which is a damn shame. This is very much a 1970's film, where Hollywood took chances and let chips fall over the place. They could do it again if they wanted to, you know. A must see...

Adore!!!!!.......2006-06-10

I had forgotten that I had bought the DVD version back in 2004 and I'd have to say I wasn't struck by the feeling that it was a bad transfer. I will say there was much purposeful graininess and soft focusing to the photography that could be interpreted as a bad transfer. Although, I'll have to compare my VHS copy to be positive. I won't comment on the adaptation of the West novel that I haven't read.

Yes, Karen Black may be a bit too old for the role but she is the perfect in type with the look and the style of the period. Atherton is also perfect as is everyone else in this movie. Sorry to see Atherton receiving crappier and crappier roles after doing such a solid job here so early in his career. I would have liked to see him find the kind of niche that Jonathan Pryce or Richard E. Grant have found. However, Barty, Meredith and Sutherland steal the show in supporting parts. They're work here is brilliant.

This is a morally sick film. It's sexually frustration can only be matched by That Obscure Object of Desire but not really. This is an even deeper abyss. Making this story something that can be watched is an achievement in its self but to be able to make it totally fascinating is something only Schlesinger, one of the greatest directors(Midnight Cowboy, Cold Comfort Farm, Darling), could pull off.

The story of Todd (Atherton) coming to 1930's Hollywood as an art designer, sharing the collective, tainted dreams of all of Tinsel Town's inhabitants is one of utter disillusionment. That may sound simple but this is no simple disillusionment. It's in every corner, every nook and cranny. Even for those who have cashed in on the dream there is no salvation, only more assuredness of a soulless end.

Now that the picture is sufficiently blackened let me say this is great filmmaking. There are innumerable, unforgettable scenes. Almost every the scene involving Sutherland or Meredith are burned into the psyche. Being a story about an art designer, the art design is appropriately elaborate. It appears to be the same artist who provided the artwork for the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas book.

At 140 minutes, this is a substantial meal and one not easily digested but you will be satiated for a long, long time.

Average customer rating:

The Day of the Locust
hollywood babylon redux redux redux ...
Take Another Look
Truly memorable, bleak, surreal, disturbing....
Adore!!!!!

The Day of the Locust [Region 2]
Starring: Donald Sutherland , Karen Black , Burgess Meredith , William Atherton , and Geraldine Page
Director: John Schlesinger
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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