What is it that fascinates many of us about Downtown?

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by Chicano3000X

To me, areas like downtown is the real L.A.

I see hollywood the same way. Not the industry, but the area. Downtown Hollywood.

To me, I admire those areas more than I do the other parts such as much of the west side, beverley hills and other parts of the city manufactured by an industry. No, I'm not trying to hate on hollywood. Infact, 500 Days of Summer was the first movie I have ever seen that gives downtown some dignity.

But for the most part, after watching "Los Angeles Plays Itself", I realize that hollywood has never really had much respect for much of Los Angeles.

The show 'New Girl' that also stars Zooey Deschanel is located on the Arts District downtown. I find it pretty funny but might warrant a watch based on the LA location.

Also I agree the 'real' LA is mostly east of the 405.

[Nihilove]

Originally Posted by Chicano3000X

To me, areas like downtown is the real L.A.

I see hollywood the same way. Not the industry, but the area. Downtown Hollywood.

To me, I admire those areas more than I do the other parts such as much of the west side, beverley hills and other parts of the city manufactured by an industry. No, I'm not trying to hate on hollywood. Infact, 500 Days of Summer was the first movie I have ever seen that gives downtown some dignity.

But for the most part, after watching "Los Angeles Plays Itself", I realize that hollywood has never really had much respect for much of Los Angeles.

I agree with you. Maybe it's partially because I'm a native New Yorker, but I feel more attracted to the denser and more urban parts myself-of which there are much more than people give Los Angeles credit for.
I would argue however, that the specific character of Downtown LA is unique and should not be transformed into a "little New York". Nor is it, currently.
The East side of LA is overall less gentrified than NYC and I think that's a good thing. It is happening, in many places more than I'd like, but it still retains something that has been lost in other cities, in my opinion.
I would like to add that the "sprawl" extending outward in all directions has it's own charm, too. And that there is much to love and be fascinated by in the more suburban Los Angeles as well.
That's really what distinguishes Los Angles from every other city- it is many places, many environments, all at once, interlocking and overlapping and weaving in and out of one another. With more variety than most people can handle, or care to understand.
By the way, "Los ANgles Plays Itself" is awesome. The last ten minutes or so sent chills down my spine.