The most fucked up film I have seen in a long time.
Starring: Julianne Moore and John Cusack
Plot: The Weiss family is the archetypical Hollywood dynasty: father Stafford is an analyst and coach, who has made a fortune with his self-help manuals; mother Cristina mostly looks after the career of their son Benjie, 13, a child star. One of Stafford’s clients, Havana, is an actress who dreams of shooting a remake of the movie that made her mother, Clarice, a star in the 60s. Clarice is dead now and visions of her come to haunt Havana at night… Adding to the toxic mix, Benjie has just come off a rehab program he joined when he was 9 and his sister, Agatha, has recently been released from a sanatorium where she was treated for criminal pyromania and befriended a limo driver Jerome who is also an aspiring actor.
Remarks: This is a bizarre film. You can tell so from the first minute of the film where Benjie, a 13-year-old character in the film, calls one of his workers a ‘faggot’ and ‘cunt’. It’s important to know this because if words like these offend you, then this film is not for you. There is a ton of swearing in the film but even more ‘WTF’ moments. The film takes a look at the deeper psyche of famous celebrities and what would possibly happen behind closed doors. From using the bathroom in front of their assistants, stolen rolls, death – and even incest! My friend, Jason Von Berg, hosted a screening and invited some local celebs and media. Luckily, we are all comfortable with each other because we were all laughing at the many uncomfortable moments. It’s also weird seeing such big stars in this film – especially Robert Pattinson who went from the lead in Twilight to a limo driver here. This movie is messed up on so many levels but the actors did a brilliant job. Their acting was superb (and a little bit distressing). Did I enjoy the movie? No. Did it capture my attention? Definitely.
Rating: 2/5
Maps To The Stars releases on January 23rd, 2015.
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And there I was thinking it would be an entertaining, fluffy movie *hides. I think what I took from it is the egocentric, self involved and loneliness that comes with a life in showbiz… Also how invincible these people feel they are. Disturbing really. Julianne And Mia are scarily good, and so out of character but all in all its just odd. If you like odd, go check it out. Next screening will be RomCom or something like the Lego movie, lol.