The Day of the Locust

Aspiring artist Tod Hackett arrives in 1930s Hollywood after graduating from Yale, filled with dreams of achieving fame and success in the film industry. He secures a position as an art department production illustrator at a prominent film studio, signaling the start of his journey in this glamourous yet challenging world.

Tod moves into the San Bernardino Arms, a bungalow court that is home to a mix of colorful characters, all of whom are struggling to make their mark in the film industry. Here, he meets Faye Greener, a hopeful actress, and various eccentric residents, including her ex-vaudevillian father Harry and dwarf Abe Kusich.

Noticing a crack in the wall caused by an earthquake, Tod whimsically places a bright red flower inside it. This small act symbolizes his artistic perspective and offers a glimpse into his character, even amid the grim realities of Hollywood.

Tod's friendship with Faye grows when he accompanies her to a screening where she has a minor role. However, Faye is disheartened when her appearance on screen is significantly reduced, highlighting the harsh realities faced by aspiring actors.

At a lavish party in the Hollywood Hills, guests indulge in stag films and revelry. Faye is drawn to Tod during the event, leading to a more intimate outing, but jealousy brews within Tod when Faye dances with cowboy Miguel, culminating in a disturbing confrontation.

Tragedy strikes when Faye and Homer take her father Harry to a church service where a healer known as 'Big Sister' attempts to cure his heart condition. Despite their hopes, Harry dies shortly after, leaving Faye devastated and struggling for financial support.

In the aftermath of her father's death, Faye resorts to prostitution to make ends meet, a stark indicator of her desperation and the lengths to which she must go in the cutthroat environment of Hollywood. Her struggles emphasize the harsh realities for women in the industry.

Homer Simpson, the repressed accountant with unrequited feelings for Faye, deepens his affection for her by supporting her after Harry's death. They eventually move in together, although Faye's pursuit of acting continues to weigh heavily on her.

While filming a Waterloo-themed period drama, Faye narrowly escapes a catastrophic set collapse. Tod witnesses the chaos and reunites with her afterward, reigniting their friendship amid the rollercoaster of their lives in Hollywood.

During a shared meal between Tod, Faye, and Homer, Faye confesses her relationship with Homer lacks passion, despite providing her a sense of security. This revelation showcases her disillusionment with her current circumstances and yearning for something more.

At a party hosted by Faye and Homer, tension fills the air as Faye seeks validation from other men, particularly Claude Estee. When Homer discovers Faye in a compromising position with Miguel, it leads to a dramatic confrontation that severely tests their relationships.

During the premiere of *The Buccaneer* at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Homer's feelings of disorientation culminate in a violent outburst after confronting young Adore. This act ignites chaos, resulting in Adore's death and a riot that sends the audience into a frenzy.

In the ensuing melee of the riot, Faye becomes one of the casualties, illustrating the chaos that Hollywood has wrought on her life. This moment serves as a tragic climax, encapsulating the destructive nature of the environment she yearned to succeed in.

As chaos reigns during the riot, Tod's artistic visions manifest in the form of Goyaesque figures that descend upon the turmoil, blurring the lines between reality and art. This moment reflects Tod’s internal struggle and his perception of the chaotic world around him.

Days later, Faye is found alone in Tod's abandoned apartment, reflecting on her tumultuous journey. Tears well up in her eyes as she gazes at the solitary flower left behind, symbolizing a poignant reminder of lost opportunities and the remnants of her past.