Star 80
Bob Fosse’s unflinching biographical drama traces a young woman’s ascent into Playboy fame alongside the possessive husband whose identity depends on controlling her.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Extreme
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Graphic
- somber
- disturbing
- bleak
- serious film night
- true crime viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly recognized the film's stylistic force and committed performances while dividing sharply over its exploitative treatment of murder and its apparent sympathy toward Paul Snider.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story dramatizes Dorothy Stratten's rise through Playboy and the violent abuse surrounding her public image.
Paul Snider remains a central figure whose narcissism and dependence shape the film's disturbing viewpoint.
Playboy success, modeling, and Hollywood opportunity are juxtaposed with coercion, jealousy, and domestic violence.
Dorothy's growing fame and apparent opportunities are shadowed by the known outcome of the relationship.
Films like Star 80, and why
The People vs. Larry Flynt
shared biographical drama, media exploitation, sexualized celebrity culture, and disturbing examination of abusive power
Raging Bull
shared tragic biographical subject, corrosive ambition, fame, and morally unsettling treatment of public image
Monster
shared true-crime drama, domestic abuse, celebrity culture, and bleak psychological intensity
Hustle & Flow
shared biographical drama, abusive masculinity, show-business ambition, and grim fascination with a destructive relationship
Movie Details
- Director
- Bob Fosse
- Release Date
- 1983-11-10
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (147)
Cast
- Mariel Hemingway
- Eric Roberts
- Cliff Robertson
- Carroll Baker
- Roger Rees
- David Clennon
- Josh Mostel
- Lisa Gordon
- Sidney Miller
- Keith Hefner
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Star 80 about?
- Bob Fosse’s unflinching biographical drama traces a young woman’s ascent into Playboy fame alongside the possessive husband whose identity depends on controlling her.
- What is Star 80 like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Star 80 as measured, its intensity as extreme and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Star 80 violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Star 80 as graphic.
- What did critics think of Star 80?
- Critics broadly recognized the film's stylistic force and committed performances while dividing sharply over its exploitative treatment of murder and its apparent sympathy toward Paul Snider.
- Which films are like Star 80?
- Films with a similar feel include The People vs. Larry Flynt, Raging Bull, Monster, and Hustle & Flow.
- How long is Star 80?
- Star 80 runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Star 80?
- In United States, Star 80 is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
