Watch Stardust Online

Stardust

Where to Watch Stardust

R
1974

Stardust is a music-infused cinematic journey chronicling the rise and fall of a young rock singer placed in the context of the turbulent 1970s British music scene. Released in 1974, this British movie features a dynamic cast with David Essex in the lead, ably supported by pop idol turned actor Adam Faith and American actor Larry Hagman, noted for his role in the television series Dallas. Directed by Michael Apted, Stardust serves as a thrilling follow-up to the preceding film, That'll Be The Day.

Stardust tracks the rise of Jim MacLaine (played by David Essex), who is introduced as a charismatic and ascendant rock singer. He is set on a meteoric path to stardom, symbolized in the film's very title. However, the underlying message of the film is that not all that glitters is gold, and the trials and tribulations that come with fame are depicted in all their rawness.

Adam Faith portrays the role of Mike, Jim's ambitious and cunning manager, who is prepared to use both fair and foul methods to further Jim's musical career. As the film progress, Mike is increasingly portrayed as a manipulative and strategizing character who starts exploiting Jim and other band members for his selfish motives. Despite his obvious self-serving intentions, Mike presents a character complex enough to not limit him to simply being a villain.

In a contrasting role, Larry Hagman plays Porter Lee Austin, an ambitious American businessman who is determined to catapult Jim to international stardom. He is a charming yet formidable presence that guides and shapes Jim's path to fame while serving as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in the cut-throat music industry.

The plot dives deep into the music of the era, not merely as a background score, but carefully intertwining it with the narrative to reflect the shifting moods and intensifying drama. The soundtrack comprises a collection of 70s hits along with the original music composed for the film, instilling a nostalgic reverie for viewers reminiscing about the grand old days of the British rock scene.

Stardust presents a compelling study of an artist's journey in the public eye. From small beginnings as a member of a local rock band to the dizzying heights of fame and adulation, Jim MacLaine embodies the archetypal rock star of the era. However, the glamour and glitz come with their own baggage, including drug addiction, damaged relationships, and underlying loneliness that the film masterfully captures.

David Essex delivers a wonderfully nuanced portrayal of Jim, embodying both the charismatic rock star persona and the tortured artist beneath the neon lights. His journey of rising from a small-time rock band member to a world-renowned music star, all while battling his personal demons, is riveting, thanks in no small part to Essex's soulful performance.

Adam Faith, too, as Mike, is remarkable in his role. He masterfully brings to life the character's unscrupulous ambition and manipulative wit, creating tension and drama that amplifies the film's overall narrative. Larry Hagman also impresses with a performance that's quintessentially American in a distinctly British storyline.

Despite its celebration of music and stardom, Stardust is as much a commentary on the cold, hard reality behind the music industry's glitzy façade. The film poignantly reveals how the industry, built upon dreams and aspiration, can often become a ruthless machine that chews up and spits out its stars.

In essence, Stardust is a potent nostalgia trip for fans of 70s rock music while being much more than a mere biographical drama. At its heart, it's a deeply human story of fame, ambition, and ultimately, self-destruction. Its depiction of the darker side of stardom serves as a somber reminder that fame can be as much a curse as it is a blessing. With fantastic performances, an engaging narrative, and memorable music, Stardust is an authentic and unforgettable journey into the world of rock and roll from a bygone era.

Stardust is a Drama movie released in 1974. It has a runtime of 111 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.5..

How to Watch Stardust

Where can I stream Stardust movie online? Stardust is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, FuboTV, Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Stardust for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.

6.5/10
Director
Michael Apted
Stars
David Essex, Adam Faith
Genres