Review of Star 80 (1983) by Michael C — 22 Mar 2009

A very dark, disturbing film, but as the subject matter is pretty morbid to begin with this tone is fitting. The tragic story about the murder of Dorothy Stratten at the hands of her crazed and obsessive ex-boyfriend Paul Snider is executed very well by director Bob Fosse; in fact, after seeing this and Lenny, I have fallen in love with Fosse's biographical works and I enjoy both of these films more than his most popular film, Cabaret.

This film is elevated by two distinct but great performances; Mariel Hemingway as the very innocent yet naive Stratten, making you adore her and view her as being very pure despite her profession, and the other performance is the best in the film, Eric Roberts as the crazed Paul Snider.

In many ways this film is more about Snider than Dorothy, and Roberts gives an Oscar-worthy performance. When you watch his desperate need to fit in with the world of celebrity and the fact that it only makes him look more awkward and pathetic it will make you want to look away from how embarrassing he is as a character and yet you are compelled to watch.

It may be one of the most haunting portrayals of desperation in a major film. The craft and true-life story basis is also reasons to watch this, but Roberts is the crowning jewel in this.