“Sunset Boulevard”, 2016
Director: Lieven Debrauwer
This classic film tells the story of Norma Desmond, a fading silent film star, who ensnares a young screenwriter to help her make a comeback, only to lead to tragic consequences. It’s a dark exploration of fame, delusion, and the end of the golden era of Hollywood.
Starring: Daniëlle Martin, Jonas Jacques, Bruno De Vel, Sara Van Keer, Niels Batens, Annelies Buytaert, Paul Collart, Dave De Deyne, Cynthia De Keyser, Elke De Vuyst;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: musical;
Duration: 148 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“The Artist”, 2011
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Set in Hollywood between 1927 and 1932, this black-and-white silent film focuses on the relationship between an older silent film star and a rising young actress, as silent cinema falls out of fashion and is replaced by the “talkies.”
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle, Beth Grant, Ed Lauter, Joel Murray, Elizabeth Tulloch, Uggie, Malcolm McDowell;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “The Artist” on the website imdb.com
“My Week with Marilyn”, 2011
Director: Simon Curtis
Based on true events, this film depicts the making of “The Prince and the Showgirl” and focuses on Marilyn Monroe's life during one week of shooting, showcasing her struggles with fame, love, and her identity.
Starring: Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Julia Ormond, Kenneth Branagh, Pip Torrens, Geraldine Somerville, Michael Kitchen, Miranda Raison, Karl Moffatt, Simon Russell Beale, Emma Watson, Judi Dench, Dominic Cooper, Philip Jackson, Derek Jacobi, Toby Jones;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 99 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “My Week with Marilyn” on the website imdb.com
“La La Land”, 2016
Director: Damien Chazelle
While not about movie stars in the traditional sense, this modern musical follows the lives of an aspiring actress and a jazz musician in Los Angeles, showcasing their dreams, love, and the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of fame and artistic success.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, J.K. Simmons, Rosemarie DeWitt, Finn Wittrock, Callie Hernandez, Sonoya Mizuno, Jessica Rothe, Tom Everett Scott;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: musical, drama, melodrama, comedy, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”, 2014
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
This film tells the story of Riggan Thomson, a faded Hollywood actor famous for playing the superhero “Birdman,” as he struggles to mount a Broadway play to reclaim his past glory and prove his worth as a serious actor.
Starring: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Lindsay Duncan, Damian Young, Jeremy Shamos;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” on the website imdb.com
“Maps to the Stars”, 2014
Director: David Cronenberg
A dark tale of a dysfunctional Hollywood dynasty, it explores the lives of a former child star, now a limo driver and an actress, as they navigate the perils of fame, obsession, and legacy in the modern entertainment industry.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska, Olivia Williams, Evan Bird, Sarah Gadon, Niamh Wilson, Dawn Greenhalgh, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson, Kiara Glasco;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, comedy, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
“A Star Is Born”, 2018
Director: Bradley Cooper
This is the latest remake of a classic Hollywood story, charting the rise of a young singer and actress to fame while her husband, a former country music star, battles with his fading career and alcoholism.
Starring: Lady GaGa, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, Andrew Dice Clay, Anthony Ramos, Rafi Gavron, Greg Grunberg, Alec Baldwin, Marlon Williams;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: melodrama, music, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “A Star Is Born” on the website imdb.com
“Behind the Candelabra”, 2013
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Based on the life of the flamboyant pianist Liberace and his young lover Scott Thorson, the film delves into the glamour and the secrecy of Liberace’s life, including his rise to fame and the personal struggles he faced behind his public persona.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Dan Aykroyd, Scott Bakula, Rob Lowe, Debbie Reynolds, Eric Zuckerman, Eddie Jemison, Randy Lowell, Tom Roach;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, music;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Behind the Candelabra” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a rich tapestry of stories that articulate the dreams, challenges, and existential dilemmas faced by those in the entertainment industry, providing both a critique and a celebration of movie star culture.
In conclusion, films about movie stars offer audiences a compelling exploration of the complex and oftentimes glamorous world of cinema from the inside out. Whether they provide a fictionalized glimpse behind the scenes or a biographical account of a real star's journey, these movies capture the essence of what it means to chase the limelight, along with the personal costs and triumphs that accompany such a pursuit. They remind us that behind every glitzy premiere and accolade, there lies a human story of ambition, perseverance, and, occasionally, vulnerability. By showcasing the lives of those who have left an indelible mark on the world of film, these stories not only pay homage to the art of cinema but also humanize the icons of the silver screen, making them accessible to us all. These narratives, rich with emotion and drama, ultimately reinforce our fascination with the film industry and deepen our appreciation for the art and its artists.
