In the climax of the film, private investigator Louis Simo (played by Adrien Brody) confronts the truth behind the mysterious death of actor George Reeves (played by Ben Affleck), known for his role as Superman in the 1950s television series “Adventures of Superman.”
Throughout the movie, Simo investigates Reeves’ death, which was officially ruled a suicide but is shrouded in suspicion and conspiracy theories. Simo uncovers evidence suggesting that Reeves’ death may have been a homicide, possibly orchestrated by powerful figures in Hollywood.
As Simo delves deeper into the case, he encounters a cast of characters with motives and secrets of their own, including Reeves’ fiancée, aspiring actress Leonore Lemmon (played by Robin Tunney), and MGM studio head Eddie Mannix (played by Bob Hoskins).
In the final act, Simo confronts Mannix, who reveals that Reeves’ death was indeed a murder staged to look like suicide. Mannix explains that Reeves’ affair with Mannix’s wife, Toni Mannix (played by Diane Lane), had threatened to expose the studio’s secrets and embarrass powerful figures in Hollywood.
The film ends with Simo coming to terms with the truth behind Reeves’ death and the moral ambiguity of the Hollywood system. Though justice may never be fully served, Simo finds closure in knowing the truth and acknowledging the complexities of the case.
The ending of “Hollywoodland” is a gritty and introspective conclusion to the film’s exploration of fame, corruption, and the dark underbelly of Hollywood’s golden age. It leaves viewers with a sense of ambiguity and reflection as they contemplate the cost of success and the lengths to which people will go to protect their interests.