BOB FOSSE

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB. 

USA, 1983.  The Ladd Company.  Screenplay by Bob Fosse, based on the article Death Of a Playmate by Teresa Carpenter.  Cinematography by Sven Nykvist.  Produced by Wolfgang Glattes, Kenneth Utt.  Music by Ralph Burns.  Production Design by Michael S. Bolton,  Jack G. Taylor Jr..  Costume Design by Albert Wolsky.  Film Editing by Alan Heim.  

The tragic story of Playboy centerfold Dorothy Stratton is told through fictional interviews and dramatic recreations in this film by Bob Fosse. Mariel Hemingway is compelling as Stratton, a kind and naive girl who went to the top of the magazine’s stardom but was constantly held back by her no-good, small-timer of a husband (Eric Roberts).  Stratton never wanted to deny him his part in making her a success, but her wanting to distance herself from him eventually drove him to viciously murder her in cold blood. Fosse uses creative editing and photography to put across this story of lost innocence and corruption, coaxing amazing performances from his stars as well as a brilliant Carroll Baker in a supporting role as Stratton’s mother. This powerful account of fame gone sour was Fosse’s last completed film.

Berlin Film Festival:  In Competition

Golden Globe Award Nomination:  Best Actor-Drama (Eric Roberts)