DVD CASE/SIDE
Length of film: 189 Minutes
Rated: 18A
Genre: Comedy, Drama, History
Director: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Jean Smart, Olivia Wilde, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, Olivia Hamilton, Eric Roberts, Tobey Maguire
IMDB Rank: 7.3/10
Part 1 Time: 72 Minutes
Part 2 Time: 117 Minutes
Where does the first part end? Manny Torres (Diego Calva) runs to a pay phone. He phones Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt) to explain what he just witnessed during the first screening of the 1927 feature film ‘The Jazz Singer.’
Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Jack? It’s Manny. Everything’s about to change.” Manny explains on the phone.
First line of dialogue on the second part: “Nell, how are you feeling?” Ruth Adler (Olivia Hamilton) asks Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie) prior to the shoot of her first talkie film.
How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the 1920’s were revolutionary in the film industry as this art/entertainment form embraces new technology, special effects and acting techniques. Will those who are already established in Hollywood (i.e., Jack Conrad and Nellie LaRoy), during the silent era of film be able to adjust to the new style of film-making?
Which part is better? The film splits following the release of the 1927 film “The Jazz Singer” (Hollywood’s first synchronized dialogue film). The success of the film brought forth new acting techniques that were not easily transferred to established silent film actors. All in all, both parts have redeeming qualities including lavish parties and the behind the scenes look at the art film-making. Part two is given the edge, as Jack and Nellie adjust to the technological changes of Hollywood and the struggles they encounter.
Academy Awards: Best Production Design (Nominated), Best Music- Original Score (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated)
THEATRICAL POSTER
Hollywood Half-Time 
I think part 1 is just too short, it ends about 97 minutes after the rattlesnake part, that’s the real break.
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Hi sergiorodriquez,
Thank you for your comment, I can see that this could work for an intermission point. Personally, I found the film hard to pinpoint a clear intermission that did not affect the ambience of the film. I felt that since there was such a change in film making with the introduction of sound as well as the fade to black screen that this point would serve as a natural intermission point.
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