HOLLYWOODLAND depicts an investigation of the 1959 death of TV's Superman, George Reeves (played by Ben Affleck). The investigation of the death -- revealed in bloody aftermath and even replayed a couple of times during the film, in different configurations, including suicide, accident, and assault by vengeful lover -- is conducted by private eye Louis Simo (Adrien Brody). Flashbacks reveal that Reeves had a longtime relationship with Toni Mannix (Diane Lane), ex-showgirl and unhappy wife of thuggish MGM executive Edward J. Mannix (Bob Hoskins). As Reeves ages, he starts an affair with the younger, gold-digging Leonore Lemmon (Robin Tunney). Simo's possible scenarios of the death as murder are fed by his considerations of the crime scene, lackadaisical efforts by the local detectives, and his own imagination. Recently estranged from his own wife Laurie (Molly Parker) and young, hero-seeking son (Zach Mills), Simo appreciates the need for Superman, as concept, icon, and role model. He wants to do right by the "American Way," and wants to make his own name, beyond the other dismal cases in his purview.