Review of Maps to the Stars (2014) by Jenna G — 01 Jul 2015

Weird, uneven and controversial, Maps to the Stars is a demanding mixture of black comedy and a tragedy which explores the dull and artificial lives of Hollywood stars. While the movie would be appreciated by the fans of David Cronenberg it would most probably disappoint the average moviegoer who is searching for a straight-forward story and thrills. In spite of this, Maps to the Stars is sharp enough to provoke and to be stuck in your mind for some time after seeing it.

The story-line is kind of perplexed as it follows simultaneously two stories until they somehow collide into each other. The first one is the Weiss family: a famous young actor (Evan Bird; his father, a motivational author (John Cusack); and his mother (Olivia Williams). The second one is the story of a fading Hollywood actress (Julianne Moore) who desperately wants to be casted for the role of her famous mother who had died tragically decades ago. Their destinies collide when Julianne Moore hires a strange girl Agatha (Mia Wasikowska) who seems to be related to the Weiss Family. Slowly and without a real element of suspense, director David Cronenberg reveals a story that somehow would have resembled a classic greek tragedy if it was not for the solid amount of black humor.

Unfortunately the audience needs to have some patience in the first half of the movie, until the story rolls into the dramatic part, but once this happens the attention would surely be captures by the absurdity of everything that occurs. Special attentions should be paid to Julianne Moore who even though does not deliver her best performance, effortlessly depicts the fading actress she is supposed to be. The same could not be said about John Cusack who comes a bit flat and unconvincing as Mr. Weiss.

In conclusion, Maps to the Stars is a movie that should be seen strictly by the fans of David Cronenberg. Far from being his best delivery, it is a passable movie that would remind you why Cronenberg has a cult status in Hollywood. For the mainstream audience, the story might not really be the most entertaining thing to see.