Review of Maps to the Stars (2014) by Alexander P — 06 Feb 2015
David Cronenberg returns, his recently have taken on different aspects of the human psyche, from the birth of psychoanalysis with A Dangerous Method (2011) to isolation in a modern world in Cosmopolis (2012).
Now, Cronenberg takes on Hollywood his way, from a script by Bruce Wagner (Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills (1989) and Wild Palms (1993)). It's a shocking but incredible film to watch.
The mysterious Agatha (Mia Wasikowska) arrives in Los Angeles, and starts a good rapport with limo driver Jerome (Robert Pattinson), turns out Agatha has spent years in rehab after trying to kill her brother Benjie (Evan Bird), who is now a successful if troubled actor.
Agatha's parents Stafford (John Cusack) and Cristina (Olivia Williams), don't want Agatha near them. In the meantime, Agatha gets a job with actress Havana Segrand (Julianne Moore), who is heavily lobbying for a role in a remake of a film her mother made years before.
Meanwhile, Agatha meets Benjie again, and reveals some family secrets about their mother and father. It's perfect material for Cronenberg, the characters in the film are all damaged people with their fair share of emotional baggage.
It's a dark indictment on the price of fame and the things people will do to get famous and stay famous. Hollywood though Cronenberg's eyes looks like an absolutely disgusting place to work and live, but it makes for brilliant viewing.
This review of Maps to the Stars (2014) was written by Alexander P on 06 February 2015.
Maps to the Stars has generally received mixed reviews.
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