The Star

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stuart Heisler’s The Star, a drama starring Bette Davis, offers a raw glimpse into the life of a former Hollywood sensation grappling with the unforgiving nature of fame and fortune. At its core is Margaret Elliot, a once-celebrated actress whose golden years have faded into memory. Struggling with financial ruin and a diminished career, she clings to the hope that one good role can propel her back to stardom.

Margaret’s life is a shadow of her once-glamorous existence. Penniless, she lives in a modest bungalow and faces increasing pressures from creditors. Her unwavering ambition leads her back to Hollywood, but her refusal to adjust to age-appropriate roles mirrors the industry’s harsh judgment of aging actresses. It is this conflict between aspiration and reality that forms the heart of the film, revealing themes of self-delusion and the fleeting allure of fame.

As Margaret battles against her circumstances, she crosses paths with Jim Johannsen, a former actor played by Sterling Hayden. Jim represents a grounding force in her tumultuous life, offering much-needed stability and insight. Their dynamic is tender yet complicated, with Jim encouraging Margaret to reconcile with her realities and find a new path forward. However, her determined pursuit of a comeback consistently pulls her back into a world that no longer embraces her.

Bette Davis delivers a commanding performance as Margaret Elliot, fully immersing herself in the complexities of a character both desperate and defiant. Davis doesn’t shy away from exposing Margaret’s less flattering traits, portraying her as vain, ruthless, and stubborn, while also allowing glimpses of vulnerability to shine through. A particularly haunting scene shows Margaret drunkenly clutching her Oscar statuette as she recklessly drives, lamenting her lost status. It is a poignant and devastating reminder of how deeply she yearns for a return to the spotlight.

Sterling Hayden brings quiet strength and authenticity to his role as Jim, a man who has long abandoned the superficial allure of Hollywood for a simpler, more fulfilling life. While the chemistry between Davis and Hayden may appear understated, his character serves as a crucial anchor for Margaret’s unraveling world. Natalie Wood, in a supporting role as Margaret’s teenage daughter, delivers a heartfelt performance that adds depth to the fraught relationship between mother and daughter.

Despite Davis’s stirring performance, The Star struggled at the box office, appealing mainly to niche audiences rather than achieving widespread success. Its low-budget production and stark storytelling may have alienated some viewers, but critics lauded Davis’s work in her role, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The recognition underscored her fearless approach to complex and unflattering characters.

Ultimately, The Star is a compelling, introspective piece that, while imperfect, offers an unvarnished exploration of resilience and denial in the face of an unrelenting industry. It may not shine as brightly as Davis’s most iconic films. Still, it remains a fascinating and thought-provoking tale, brought to life by the powerhouse performance of one of Hollywood’s most enduring legends.

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle, Washington. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com.