Hollywood

Hollywood is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows Charles Bukowski's alter-ego Henry Chinaski through the process of creating the film Barfly. The story chronicles his first venture into screenwriting and the chaotic production process of bringing his screenplay to life. The narrative captures the bizarre reality of Hollywood film production, from securing finances to working with actors, directors, and producers. Through Chinaski's encounters with various industry figures (whose real identities are thinly veiled with pseudonyms), the book documents the surreal experience of a literary outsider navigating the film business. The book maintains Bukowski's characteristic raw writing style while detailing the negotiations, compromises, and strange encounters that occur as his script moves toward production. Characters include actor Jack Bledsoe (Mickey Rourke), actress Francine Bowers (Faye Dunaway), and director Jon Pinchot (Barbet Schroeder). Beneath its surface account of filmmaking, the novel examines the collision between artistic integrity and commercial demands, while exploring the absurdity of Hollywood's social and professional hierarchies.

Readers view Hollywood as one of Bukowski's more accessible and humorous works, with a straightforward narrative about his experiences during the making of the film Barfly. Readers appreciate: - The behind-the-scenes look at film industry politics and absurdity - Self-deprecating humor and candid observations - Quick pacing and easy reading compared to other Bukowski books - The portrait of his relationship with his wife Linda Common criticisms: - Less depth than his other novels - Too much focus on drinking scenes - Some readers find the tone bitter and cynical - Character development feels thin Ratings: Goodreads: 3.95/5 (24,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) From reviews: "A hilarious takedown of Hollywood pretension" - Goodreads reviewer "Missing the raw emotion of Post Office or Factotum" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect introduction to Bukowski's style" - LibraryThing user

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🎬 The book was inspired by Bukowski's real experience with the making of "Barfly" (1987), a film starring Mickey Rourke that was based on Bukowski's own life. 📝 "Hollywood" was the last novel Bukowski completed before his death in 1994, serving as a fitting finale to his prolific career as a novelist. 🎭 The character of Jon Pinchot in the novel is based on French director Barbet Schroeder, who directed "Barfly" and spent years trying to get the film made. 🍷 During the actual filming of "Barfly," Bukowski visited the set nearly every day, taking detailed notes that would later form the foundation for "Hollywood." 🎯 Several real Hollywood figures appear in the novel under thinly veiled pseudonyms, including Dennis Hopper, Sean Penn, and Madonna - all of whom were involved with or interested in the "Barfly" project.