Mondo Hollywood

Watch Mondo Hollywood

"Hollywood laid bare!"
  • NR
  • 1967
  • 6.1  (196)

Mondo Hollywood is a fascinating documentary film that explores and portrays a variety of cultural and social phenomena in Los Angeles, California, during the late 1960s. It takes the viewer on a surreal and hypnotic journey through the city's streets, clubs, and underground scenes, introducing a cast of colorful and eccentric characters who capture the spirit of the times.

Directed by Robert Carl Cohen, the movie consists of a series of vignettes, each showcasing a different aspect of LA's counter-culture, from hippies and flower children to beatnik poets and avant-garde filmmakers. The film gives voice to these marginal communities, whose alternative lifestyles and values challenge the mainstream norms and institutions of American society.

One of the main subjects of the movie is sex and sexuality, as seen through different lenses and practices. We see a kinky artist creating erotic images with live models, a nudist enclave openly expressing their sensuality and freedom, a gay couple sharing their intimate moments, and a swinger party where people engage in group sex and experimentation. These scenes can be shocking and provocative, especially for the time when the movie was made, but they also convey a message of liberation and tolerance that is still relevant today.

Music is another central element of the film, and we get to experience a delightful variety of styles and performers. From the folk melodies of Buffy Sainte-Marie to the psychedelic rock of Love and the Doors, we get a taste of the diverse sounds that emerged from LA's music scene. The film captures some legendary performances, such as Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix, and introduces lesser-known artists who deserve more recognition, such as Little Richard and Frank Zappa.

The visuals of Mondo Hollywood are stunning and surreal, with long takes, colorful filters, and trippy compositions. The movie uses a mix of documentary footage and staged sequences, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the line between reality and fiction. The natural landscapes of LA are juxtaposed with the artificial constructions of Hollywood, giving us a sense of the city's contradictions and contrasts. We see the sun-bathed beaches, the palm trees and swimming pools, the glamorous mansions and studios, but also the rundown neighborhoods, the homeless camps, and the smog-filled skies.

The film's narrative is loosely structured around the concept of mondo movies, a genre of exploitation films that gained popularity in Italy in the 1960s. Mondo movies were known for their graphic and sensationalistic depictions of violence, sex, and exotic cultures, often using a pseudo-documentary style. Mondo Hollywood, however, subverts this genre by focusing on the positive and creative aspects of the subcultures it portrays, and by using a more nuanced and empathetic approach to their subjects.

Mondo Hollywood is not without its flaws, of course. Some of the sequences feel dragged out or repetitive, and the lack of a clear storyline or message may frustrate some viewers. Also, some of the attitudes and behaviors of the characters may seem dated or offensive to modern sensibilities, especially regarding gender and race. However, these flaws can be seen as part of the movie's historical context and its attempt to capture a moment of cultural upheaval and experimentation.

Overall, Mondo Hollywood is a psychedelic gem that offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into a pivotal era of American history. It celebrates the diversity and eccentricity of human expression, while also questioning the social norms and conventions that limit our freedom and creativity. Whether you're a fan of music, film, counterculture, or just curious about the colorful world of 1960s LA, this movie is a must-see.

Mondo Hollywood is a 1967 documentary. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.

Description
Where to Watch Mondo Hollywood
Mondo Hollywood is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon and Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Mondo Hollywood for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1967
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (196)