Star 80

Star 80 is an emotionally charged biographical drama film that captures the tragic life and death of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten. Released in 1983, this perturbing tale, directed by Bob Fosse, stars Mariel Hemingway as Stratten and Eric Roberts as the volatile Paul Snider. Cliff Robertson portrays Hugh Hefner.

The film explores Stratten's rise to fame and her destructive relationship with Snider, the man credited with launching her Playboy career. Serving as both a coming-of-age narrative and a true crime story, Star 80 examines the dark side of glamour and the destructive impact of ambition when combined with violence and control.

The movie begins with Stratten as a naive teenager, selling ice-cream in Vancouver. She possesses a captivating innocence and a natural beauty that caught the eyes of Paul Snider, a small-time promoter. Eric Roberts breathes authenticity into the portrayal of Snider, who is both charismatic and creepy, embodying the archetype of the flashy hustler looking to make it big. Snider recognizes her potential immediately, and he decides to capitalize on it--driven by a mix of love, obsession, and greed.

Mariel Hemingway performs an excellent portrayal of the alluring Playboy Playmate, Dorothy Stratten. Stratten’s life changes dramatically after meeting Snider – from the discovery by Playboy and her swift rise to fame, to being caught in the tumultuous tide of her personal life. Hemingway manages to capture Dorothy's hesitation, fear, sorrow, and occasional moments of joy while manifesting her youthful innocence throughout the film.

Star 80 is uniquely directed by Bob Fosse in a nonlinear manner, alternating between past and present, revealing snippets of the tumultuous relationship and interweaving the narrative with interviews of Dorothy's friends and family. The film presents a devastating tale of a woman ensnared by a deadly relationship while trapped is in the patriarchal system which objectifies her.

Cliff Robertson, though in a smaller role, provides a persuasive depiction of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. His character presents Hefner as genuinely caring for the girls he hires, showing conflicted emotions between his role as a pleasure industry mogul and his paternal instincts towards the women under his wing.

The screenplay of Star 80 is very thought-provoking, highlighting the gruesome aspects of fame and success. It acts as an exposé of the dark end of Hollywood glamour. There are currently mixed opinions on how the story of Stratten and Snider is best shared, and Bob Fosse's strategy in Star 80 offers a harrowing cautionary tale. The film emphasizes that behind the glossy exterior of fame often lie stories of exploitation, manipulation, and sometimes violence.

Star 80 delves into the paradoxical territory of glamour and horror, blessing and curse, dream and nightmare – all embodied in the life of Dorothy Stratten. The film is both a criticism of the misplaced ambitions inherent in the American Dream and a tragic love story that unfortunately ended in violence.

The film’s title, Star 80, originates from the license plate of Paul Snider’s car, symbolizing his ambitions for wealth and fame and encapsulates the dark side of the American Dream. The plate became an infamous symbol serving as a reminder of the crime that shocked Hollywood in the 80s.

Cinematically, Star 80 is effectively shot, showcasing the era's aesthetic and the glitzy Playboy mansion in contrast with the murkier aspects of Stratten's life and the tragic end that befell her. The cinematography, combined with a haunting score, makes this film memorable and impactful, leaving the audience to ponder over the flipped side of fame and fortune.

In conclusion, Star 80 is an emotional rollercoaster that vividly portrays the highs and devastating lows of fame. With its compelling performances, thoughtful storytelling, and powerful depiction of a remembered case, it offers both an artistic exploration of its characters and a critical commentary on the objectification and exploitation that sometimes lurk behind the baubles of the entertainment industry. While the film may be an uncomfortable watch for some, it provides a nuanced understanding of an individual who was much more than her Playboy Playmate image. Star 80 aims to humanize, evoke sympathy, and raise societal questions, leaving enduring impressions. The film serves as an unforgettable and disturbing illustration of a star that the world lost too soon.