Watch Star 80
- R
- 1983
- 1 hr 40 min
-
6.8 (8,049)
Star 80 is a 1983 drama film based on the real-life story of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten, her relationship with her manager and husband Paul Snider, and her tragic murder. The film, written and directed by Bob Fosse, stars Mariel Hemingway as Stratten, Eric Roberts as Snider, and Cliff Robertson as Hugh Hefner. The film opens with Dorothy Stratten working at a Dairy Queen in Vancouver, Canada when she is discovered by Paul Snider, who convinces her to pose for Playboy. Soon after, Dorothy is chosen as the Playmate of the Year and moves to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She begins dating Snider, who becomes her manager and helps her land roles in movies and television shows.
Despite her success, Dorothy is unhappy with Snider's controlling behavior and begins a secret relationship with director Peter Bogdanovich. Snider becomes increasingly jealous and possessive, and their relationship becomes abusive. Meanwhile, Dorothy's star continues to rise, and she becomes a popular guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
As Dorothy prepares to leave Snider and start a new life with Bogdanovich, Snider becomes desperate and kills her before committing suicide. The film ends with a dedication to Stratten and a quote from her mother, urging parents to protect their children from the dangers of Hollywood.
The film explores themes of fame, power, and abuse, highlighting the dark side of the entertainment industry. The performances of the three leads are powerful and nuanced, with Hemingway delivering a heartbreaking portrayal of a young woman caught between ambition and danger. The film's direction, music, and cinematography also contribute to its haunting atmosphere, emphasizing the glamour and ugliness of Hollywood in equal measure.
Although Star 80 was controversial upon its release for its graphic violence and sexual content, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking drama that raises important questions about the price of fame and the dangers of unchecked male entitlement.
Star 80 is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 63.