What the hell is wrong with Hollywood? The question reflects not only today’s sense of crisis but also echoes anxieties that have existed throughout the entire history of film. My journey through Hollywood’s past aims to show that every supposed “end of the movies” has ultimately fueled reinvention and resilience. On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I was struck by the dour expressions everywhere I went. “This is it!” people said. “Movies as we know them are dead!” “It’s over!”