Vox Lux

Vox Lux from 2018 is an intriguing American drama backed by the stellar performances of its talented lead actors, Natalie Portman, Jude Law, and Stacy Martin. The film is directed by Brady Corbet, widely applauded for his unique visual and dramatic style, and features a gripping original score composed by the late Scott Walker and songs by Sia. Presented as a narrative in two acts, the film explores themes of fame, violence, and the American ethos through the rise of a pop star from the ashes of a major national tragedy.

The film's narrative begins in 1998 following a heart-rending incident, introducing us to the life of the young protagonist, Celeste Montgomery (played by Raffey Cassidy in the first act and Natalie Portman in the second act). Life turns for her when this Staten Island teenager survives a violent tragedy that has deep implications for her personally and the nation at large. Amidst the trauma, Celeste finds an unusual outlet for her feelings in music, under the watchful guidance of her talented yet worried sister, Eleanor (Stacy Martin).

While Celeste's haunting vocals and Eleanor's lyrics resonate deep emotions, the duo becomes an overnight sensation when their song, served as a symbol of national healing, propels Celeste to stardom. Jude Law delivers a strong performance as the unnamed Manager, who discovers Celeste. With his assistance and mentoring, Celeste escalates from a schoolgirl to a national icon and global pop sensation.

However, Vox Lux doesn't remain a typical rags-to-riches or a star-is-born story, rather it skillfully evolves into a dark take on the personal cost, decay, and transformation that comes with tremendous fame and attention. Natalie Portman's portrayal in the second part of the film as the older, now world-famous Celeste is a tour-de-force performance, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actor. Post intermission, the narrative jumps ahead to 2017, revealing a hardened, chaotic, and somewhat jaded Celeste, grappling with her skyrocketing career, personal demons, public image, and motherhood.

Portman's performance is the veritable heartbeat of Vox Lux, with her role challenging both the physique and psyche of a superstar under extreme public scrutiny. She embodies everything from Celeste's desolate undercurrent of vulnerability to her larger-than-life on-stage persona, masterfully reflecting the complex layers of a celebrity identity.

The director, Brady Corbet, presents a series of emotionally charged sequences that alternately fascinate, unnerve, and touch its audience while pondering over the connection and influence of media, fame, and violence in America. He establishes an engrossing atmospheric and stylistic balance, switching seamlessly between emotional depth and glossy spectacle. The cinematography and visual language of Vox Lux significantly contribute to its suspense, drama, and visceral look at stardom.

Akin to its title, which translates as 'Voice of Light' in Latin, Vox Lux isn't just about Celeste's journey into stardom, but also her journey into the darkness that lurks beneath the glittering world of fame. It probes deep into the dynamics of celebrity culture and the paradoxical relationship between suffering and success.

Vox Lux cleverly uses the pop landscape as a canvas to shed light on the national psyche, directly referencing actual contemporary events providing critical commentary on America's social, cultural, and political climate. An invigorating soundtrack and electrifying concert scenes supplement the intense narrative, making Vox Lux a rare breed of a musical drama-thriller.

The movie stands out with its unique representation of the trajectory of stardom, taking the audience on an entrancing journey alongside Celeste's rise to fame and her complex struggle with the personal and public spheres of her life. Vox Lux is a riveting exploration of the power and pitfalls of fame, an examination of a society's reaction to violence, and a character study of a woman who has lost herself in her created persona. The film is a thought-provoking, stylish, and at times, discomforting experience that effectively blends drama, music, and social commentary. It's a compelling drama that offers a study in contrasts, where tragedy births fame, fame fuels excess, and joy rides side-by-side with despair, creating a captivating watch.