The Day of the Locust is one of several novels
written by Nathanael West. I do not think it is well written, but I will give
the author a pass for now because I have not read his other works, not even the
well-regarded Miss Lonelyhearts.
The novel is set in Hollywood in the 1930s and details
the lives of individuals who have migrated there with the hope of making it big
in the movie industry. But “Mecca of broken dreams” is the common denominator
and bottom line for all of them. The novel presents in detail the downside of
hoping without hope.
There are three primary characters: Tod, a studio
production illustrator; Faye a young and blonde wannabee actress; and Homer, an
accountant who has come to southern California for his health. There are
several secondary characters, some quite memorable, all stereotypes, to
represent the dreams of others.
I found the movie (1975) to be every bit the downer
as the book, and in fact I was surprised anyone would even think of making this into
a movie. The movie was though perfectly cast, with William Atherton as Tod,
Karen Black as Faye, and Donald Sutherland as Homer. It received a half dozen
or so award nominations, but won only in the costume category, a win I agree
with.
Recommendation:
No, though I will at some point read Miss Lonelyhearts.
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