SUPERSTAR: Barbie doll movie...thoughts

[cam83]

Hi All,
Has anyone seen the underground cult classic by Todd Haynes, SUPERSTAR: THE KAREN CARPENTER STORY acted out by Barbie dolls? What are your thoughts?

Cameron

[Rick Henry]

I haven't seen the movie myself. But I've read probably 20 or so reviews on it, so I know a little bit about the movie.

I'm split on this one. In one way I think it's somewhat an honor to K&R, the idea that there is actually an underground cult movie made on The Carpenters lends more to their mystique and popularity. I mean how many entertainers out there actually have a controversial and popular cult film made about them?

I think also, though, some of the ways he portrays K&R are not too flattering, especially the assumptions he makes concerning Richard.

I've considered buying a copy, since I've seen it on Ebay, but for some reason I just can't bring myself to do it. Though, I am really curious and one day I may purchase it.

[Moe]

I haven't seen the movie either, but from what I've heard, it isn't flattering to the Carpenters. On one hand, it is flattering for someone to invest that kind of time into something, but if it is discrespectful, I am against it. (ie michael moore's 9/11 film...but let's not go there)

[enigma]

I did get to see it and found it enjoyable. It was totally ficticious(sp) and kind of cheesy but fun to watch and the music in the background was the highlight (of couse, it was Carpenters music). It has value as an art film and seeing it for what it was it was pretty good and kind of funny. Its worth watching but don't pay too much for it you may not get your moneys worth.

My review

[Rob813]

I haven't seen the film either, but I read that Richard was very angry about it. He filed suit and had it blocked from further showing and distribution. Of course Richard has always been very protective of their image and music, so it's not unusual for him to feel this way. I personally do not wish to view the film. I cherish my memories of Karen and don't want to pollute them with what this film depicts.

[cam83]

Hey,
Actually, everyone also jumps to the assumption that Richard is gay in this movie, when that is not so. There is a scene where he and Karen are fighting, and supposedly, Karen says something about...Wait till Mom and Dad find out about your private life...or something like that. SO it could have been anything besides that.
Anyways, the movie is well done, in terms of understanding anorexia, objectifying women's bodies, the supermarkets of that time era, war etc. It's well done. And in some ways, it paralleled THE KAREN CARPENTER STORY in some scenes, as this movie came out in 1987 and the CBS docudrama came out in January 1, 1989, but completed principal photography in Spring of 1988...a short shoot...about less than 6 weeks, I believe.

My thoughts,
Cameron