Gold Star

Gold Star is an emotionally charged drama film that premiered in 2017, featuring acting heavyweights Robert Vaughn and Catherine Curtin, and directed by fresh talent, Victoria Negri. The film explores the themes of self-identification, family bonds, confronting mortality, and personal growth. It is a beautifully shot film with a compelling storyline that digs deep into personal relationships and bonds.

The plot centers around a young woman named Vicki, played by Victoria Negri herself, a struggling music school dropout who has yet to figure out her path in life. Her journey of personal discovery is triggered by her father's stroke, forcing her to become his primary caregiver. Robert Vaughn, in his last screen role before his demise, performs with charismatic intensity as Carmine, Vicki's elderly father. Catherine Curtin brilliantly portrays Vicki's mother.

The storyline unravels as Vicki grapples with the burden of caring for an ailing father while trying to navigate her own life. Throughout the film, viewers are taken on a powerful journey witnessing Vicki's growth as she manages her responsibilities and faces the painful realities of life. This prevailing situation tests Vicki's endurance within her personal life and becomes the narrative's driving force.

Carmine's character is an old, long-time musician passed his prime, mirroring Vicki's struggles with her own musical dreams. This parallel emphasizes the film's theme of personal satisfaction and the perpetual search for meaning. Vaughn's final performance is raw and gripping, offering the film an added layer of poignancy. The dynamic between Vaughn and Negri as father and daughter gives the narrative a realistic depth that keeps viewers engaged and emotionally invested.

Meanwhile, Curtin's performance as the mother is emotionally riveting, adding yet another dynamic layer to the film. Her portrayal of a wife and mother, trying her best to keep her family together while facing emotional turmoil, brings an emotional complexity to the narrative.

Gold Star is, in many ways, a tour de force for Victoria Negri. Not only has she crafted a complicated and heartfelt story, but she also steps into the lead role with grace and authenticity. It's clear that this film is a work of deep personal passion. She beautifully captures Vicki's internal struggle with nuanced acting that encourages the audience to reflect on their own relationships and personal journeys.

The title "Gold Star," while not explicitly explained, seems to underscore the film's exploration of success and failure, appreciation and dissatisfaction, tying into the characters' personal endeavors and the expectations placed upon them. It works as a perfect metaphor for Vicki's struggle to juggle her ambitions, familial responsibilities, and her thwarted dreams.

The cinematography of Paul Hinson complements the narrative's mood, expertly capturing the essence of the characters' emotional turmoil. The panoramic shots and close-ups help convey the storyline's raw and heartfelt emotions. The serene and picturesque Connecticut setting, where the majority of the film was shot, serves as a stark contrast to the intense and emotionally challenging circumstances the characters find themselves in.

Alain Jakubowicz's editing bridges the film's different elements and tones together to create an uninterrupted smooth narrative. The warmth and nostalgia of the film's color correction aptly heightens the characters’ emotional journey.

The film's original score, produced by Ben Levin, captures each moment's mood perfectly, whether it's a dramatic scene or a quiet reflection. The soundtrack also incorporates some pieces of classical music, resonating with the characters' connection to music.

Gold Star is a heartfelt exploration of how people cope with shifting life expectations and impending loss. The film’s working components come together to deliver a poignant tale of self-discovery, making it a film that reaches out and touches the audience. Victoria Negri's directorial debut promises a bright future in filmmaking.