Watch Starsuckers

Starsuckers is a 2009 documentary film directed by Chris Atkins that explores the obsession of celebrities among the general public and the manipulative tactics of the media industry to create and sustain this culture. The film features interviews with various well-known figures including PR executive Max Clifford, celebrity journalist Neil Sean, and film director Richard Curtis.

The film's opening scene sets the tone for what follows as a camera crew infiltrates an audition for a celebrity reality show, revealing the desperate and often humiliating lengths that contestants will go to in order to achieve fame. The film then delves into the world of celebrity journalism, exposing the pressure placed on journalists to create sensationalist stories and the complicity of celebrities in the creation of their own image.

One of the main themes of the film is the exploitation of ordinary people by the media industry. The film explores the psychological reasons why people become so obsessed with celebrities, arguing that many people use celebrity culture as a way to fill a void in their own lives. the industry manipulates this obsession in order to create celebrities and sell products. The film highlights the effects this has on people's self-esteem and the negative impact it has on society.

Another central focus of the film is the role and power of PR agencies in the creation and maintenance of celebrity culture. The film features interviews with Max Clifford, who speaks openly about the tactics he uses to create and manipulate celebrity stories, and how he has encouraged many people to sell their stories to the press. The film also exposes the story of a fake celebrity, who was completely fabricated by a PR agency in order to make money, revealing the extent to which those in the industry will go to benefit financially.

The film tackles some of the most challenging and controversial topics including the impact of the media on public opinion, the power of tabloid newspapers, and the ethical implications of celebrity culture. Director Chris Atkins exposes the true nature of celebrity culture, revealing the often-dark reality that lies beneath the shiny veneer presented to the public, and the implicit collusion between the media and PR industries that perpetuates it.

The documentary highlights the role of citizen journalism and the importance of independent media in revealing the truth behind these industries. In the final act, the film moves to explore how people can fight back against these manipulative tactics and reclaim their power. It demonstrates the power of social media to rally people around a cause and the importance of transparency and honesty in the media industry.

Overall, Starsuckers is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that provides a critical analysis of celebrity culture and the media industry. It uncovers the truth behind the glossy facades put forward by these industries, revealing their manipulative and exploitative nature. This is a film that is sure to make viewers think twice about who they idolize and why, and the impact that the media has on our society as a whole.

Starsuckers is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.