Hollywood: A Semi-Autobiographical Novel About Adapting Barfly into a Screenplay and Surviving the Movie Industry

Hollywood is Charles Bukowski's fictionalization of his experience adapting his novel Barfly into a screenplay. Henry Chinaski, Bukowski's alter-ego, is asked to translate a semi-autobiographical book into a screenplay for John Pinchot. He reluctantly agrees and enters the world of Hollywood, encountering eccentric and maddening characters including producers, artists, actors, actresses, film executives, and journalists. In this environment, the artistry of books and film is overshadowed by financial concerns. Chinaski struggles to navigate the deceptions and complications inherent in moviemaking. The novel contains explicit language, sexual content, and references to alcohol, while exploring moments of truth about the human condition.