Star 80 (1983) is a harrowing biographical drama that chronicles the tragic rise and fall of Dorothy Stratten, a young Canadian model who became Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1980. Directed by Bob Fosse, the film meticulously traces Stratten's journey from a Vancouver ice cream shop to the heights of fame, and her ultimately fatal relationship with Paul Snider, the small-time hustler who discovered her and became her manager and husband. The narrative is framed through Snider's perspective in the hours leading to the murder-suicide, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere from the outset.

Mariel Hemingway delivers a poignant and sympathetic performance as Dorothy, capturing her innocence and gradual disillusionment. However, it is Eric Roberts who gives a career-defining, unnerving portrayal of Paul Snider, masterfully depicting his escalating jealousy, manipulation, and descent into violent obsession. Bob Fosse's direction is characteristically sharp and unsentimental, refusing to glamorize the story and instead focusing on the dark psychology of possession and the exploitative underbelly of fame.

Viewers should watch Star 80 for its powerful, if difficult, true-crime storytelling and its exceptional performances. It serves as a sobering examination of celebrity, exploitation, and toxic relationships. While not an easy watch, the film's artistic merit and historical significance make it a compelling piece of cinema for those interested in biographical dramas and complex character studies. The film remains a stark reminder of a real-life tragedy that shocked the entertainment world.