Short reviews for clear and concise verdicts on a broad range of films...
Stardust Memories (Dir. Woody Allen/1980)
This is Woody’s 8 ½.
Explicitly, from the monochrome first moments as Sandy Bates (Allen) is trapped
in a bus filling up with sand, it is clear Fellini is on his mind. Sandy is
also a filmmaker challenging the studios to accept his latest art-house
offering, opposed to his “early, funny” films that many expect (and often
prefer). Crinkly faces at the start recall Bergman while studio-execs conversing
in silhouette imitate Citizen Kane. Stardust Memories is open about its
influence, blatantly “ripping off” scenes from Allen’s heroes. Of course, there
is romance as we puzzle together three lovers: an ex-girlfriend Dorrie
(Charlotte Rampling), a potential family with Isobel (Marie-Christine Barrault)
and a young-lover in Daisy (Jessica Harper). It is his honesty that is
inviting. We like Woody’s comedies – even Martians do – but he’s desperate to
make something that matters. Stardust
Memories aspires to be more, but remains a cine-literate celebration.
Rating: 6/10
It it interesting that Woody liked this movie more than any he made up to that point.
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