Name in the Sky: 19 Movies About Stars and Stardom

1. A Star Is Born 1937，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 10999, ID: 0029606
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A Star Is Born (1937) is a poignant tale of ambition and heartbreak, capturing the essence of Hollywood’s allure and its pitfalls. Janet Gaynor and Fredric March deliver stellar performances as the rising star and the fading actor, respectively. The film’s authentic portrayal of the film industry, combined with its emotional depth, makes it a timeless classic that resonates with anyone fascinated by the highs and lows of stardom.
2. Babylon 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 174391, ID: 10640346
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Babylon (2022) is a chaotic and mesmerizing exploration of Hollywood’s golden age, filled with ambition, excess, and downfall. Damien Chazelle’s direction, combined with standout performances from Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt, creates a visually stunning and emotionally charged film. Babylon is a bold and unflinching look at the price of fame and the fleeting nature of stardom.
3. Sunset Blvd. 1950，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 238738, ID: 0043014
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Sunset Blvd. (1950) is a haunting and tragic portrayal of a forgotten silent film star’s descent into madness. Gloria Swanson’s performance as Norma Desmond is nothing short of iconic, capturing the desperation and delusion of a star past her prime. Billy Wilder’s direction and the film’s dark, gothic atmosphere make it a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences.
4. La La Land 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 683539, ID: 3783958
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La La Land (2016) is a modern musical that beautifully captures the dreams and struggles of aspiring artists in Los Angeles. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s chemistry, combined with Damien Chazelle’s direction and the film’s stunning visuals, create a magical and heartfelt experience. La La Land is a love letter to Hollywood and a reminder of the power of dreams.
5. The Artist 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 249481, ID: 1655442
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Michel Hazanavicius’ ‘The Artist’ is a dazzling homage to the silent film era, capturing the rise and fall of a silent movie star as talkies take over Hollywood. Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo deliver captivating performances, embodying the charm and struggles of stardom. The film’s black-and-white aesthetic and silent format are bold choices that pay off, making it a unique and memorable experience. ‘The Artist’ is a heartfelt tribute to the magic of cinema and the fleeting nature of fame.
6. Boogie Nights 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 284566, ID: 0118749
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Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Boogie Nights’ is a vibrant exploration of the adult film industry in the late 70s and early 80s. Mark Wahlberg shines as Dirk Diggler, a young man who rises to stardom in the world of adult entertainment. The film’s ensemble cast, including Julianne Moore and Burt Reynolds, delivers powerful performances that highlight the highs and lows of fame. ‘Boogie Nights’ is a compelling and unflinching look at the pursuit of stardom and its consequences.
7. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 670343, ID: 2562232
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Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s ‘Birdman’ is a masterful exploration of a washed-up actor’s attempt to reclaim his fame by staging a Broadway play. Michael Keaton delivers a tour-de-force performance as Riggan Thomson, a former superhero actor grappling with his past and present. The film’s continuous shot technique and jazz-infused score create a mesmerizing and immersive experience. ‘Birdman’ is a darkly comedic and poignant reflection on the nature of fame and artistic integrity.
8. All About Eve 1950，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 139940, ID: 0042192
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Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s ‘All About Eve’ is a timeless classic that delves into the cutthroat world of theater and the pursuit of stardom. Bette Davis delivers an iconic performance as Margo Channing, an aging actress threatened by the ambitious and manipulative Eve Harrington, played by Anne Baxter. The film’s sharp dialogue and intricate plot make it a compelling and insightful look at the darker side of fame. ‘All About Eve’ remains a definitive film about the complexities of stardom.
9. The Player 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 66487, ID: 0105151
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Robert Altman’s ‘The Player’ is a biting satire of Hollywood, following a studio executive who becomes entangled in a murder plot. Tim Robbins excels as Griffin Mill, a man navigating the treacherous waters of the film industry. The film’s numerous cameos and insider references add to its authenticity and humor. ‘The Player’ is a sharp and entertaining critique of the pursuit of success and the moral compromises it entails.
10. Singin’ in the Rain 1952，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 263283, ID: 0045152
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A timeless classic, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ is a joyous celebration of Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies. Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds deliver unforgettable performances, with Kelly’s iconic dance in the rain being a standout moment. The film’s humor, charm, and dazzling musical numbers make it a must-watch for any movie lover.
11. The Bad and the Beautiful 1952，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 16619, ID: 0044391
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A gripping tale of ambition and betrayal, ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’ offers a fascinating look at the darker side of Hollywood. Kirk Douglas shines as the ruthless producer Jonathan Shields, with strong support from Lana Turner and Dick Powell. The film’s exploration of the sacrifices and compromises made for stardom is both compelling and thought-provoking.
12. The Aviator 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 386567, ID: 0338751
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Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Aviator’ is a visually stunning biopic of Howard Hughes, brilliantly portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film captures Hughes’ rise to fame and his descent into madness, with Cate Blanchett delivering a standout performance as Katharine Hepburn. The Aviator is a captivating exploration of ambition, innovation, and the price of stardom.
13. The Bling Ring 2013，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 92749, ID: 2132285
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Sofia Coppola’s ‘The Bling Ring’ offers a stylish and unsettling look at the obsession with celebrity culture. Based on true events, the film follows a group of teenagers who rob the homes of Hollywood stars. Emma Watson stands out in a cast of young talent, and the film’s commentary on fame and materialism is both timely and thought-provoking.
14. Mank 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 83395, ID: 10618286
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David Fincher’s ‘Mank’ is a visually stunning and meticulously crafted film about the making of ‘Citizen Kane.’ Gary Oldman delivers a powerful performance as screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, and the film’s exploration of Hollywood’s golden age is both nostalgic and critical. Mank is a must-watch for cinephiles and history buffs alike.
15. Maps to the Stars 2014，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 43075, ID: 2172584
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David Cronenberg’s ‘Maps to the Stars’ is a dark, satirical exploration of Hollywood’s obsession with fame and the destructive nature of stardom. Julianne Moore delivers a powerful performance as a fading actress desperate for validation. The film’s biting commentary on the superficiality and cruelty of the entertainment industry makes it a compelling watch, despite its narrative flaws. Cronenberg’s direction is both unsettling and captivating, making ‘Maps to the Stars’ a standout in the genre of movies about stars and stardom.
16. Hail, Caesar! 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 143911, ID: 0475290
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The Coen brothers’ ‘Hail, Caesar!’ is a delightful homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood, filled with humor and charm. Josh Brolin shines as Eddie Mannix, a studio fixer navigating the chaotic world of 1950s Hollywood. The film’s witty script and stellar ensemble cast, including George Clooney and Scarlett Johansson, make it a joy to watch. ‘Hail, Caesar!’ is a loving tribute to the magic and madness of the movie industry, capturing the essence of stardom with a lighthearted touch.
17. The Neon Demon 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 104801, ID: 1974419
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Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘The Neon Demon’ is a visually stunning yet disturbing portrayal of the fashion industry’s dark side. Elle Fanning stars as Jesse, a young model whose beauty incites jealousy and obsession. The film’s haunting imagery and eerie atmosphere highlight the perils of fame and the superficiality of the modeling world. ‘The Neon Demon’ is a bold and provocative film that leaves a lasting impression, making it a unique entry in the genre of movies about stars and stardom.
18. A Face in the Crowd 1957，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 17375, ID: 0050371
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Elia Kazan’s ‘A Face in the Crowd’ is a timeless classic that explores the corrupting influence of fame and media. Andy Griffith delivers a riveting performance as Lonesome Rhodes, a charismatic drifter who rises to national stardom. The film’s sharp critique of the power of television and its impact on society remains relevant today. ‘A Face in the Crowd’ is a powerful and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences, making it a must-watch in the genre of movies about stars and stardom.
19. The Great Gatsby 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 603253, ID: 1343092
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Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ is a lavish and visually spectacular adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. Leonardo DiCaprio shines as the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, capturing the allure and tragedy of the character. The film’s opulent production design and modern soundtrack create a vibrant and immersive experience. While some may find the film’s style overwhelming, ‘The Great Gatsby’ effectively conveys the themes of ambition, love, and the American Dream, making it a memorable addition to the genre of movies about stars and stardom.