From Cronenberg-influenced horror to the oeuvre of the man himself. Maps to the Stars, Cronenberg's latest cinematic outing, follows a disparate ensemble of characters in Los Angeles as they jockey for position in the showbiz landscape. The film is less a commentary on fame itself, but focuses heavily on the makeup of Hollywood culture as an incestuous world which is all but impenetrable to most people, regardless of their talent. The film's central character, Agatha, is someone who has been cast out of the LA world by her parents. As the story unfolds, the literal and figurative incest and nepotism of the Hollywood world is revealed in grotesque detail. It seems that everyone is either related to someone in the business, having sex with them, or both in a handful of horrifying cases. Cronenberg is a filmmaker who has always defied the Hollywood system, working mostly in Canada. However, Bruce Wagner's script enticed him to shoot for the first time in LA, in order to accurately convey the world of Hollywood. There are twists of both horror and absurdist comedy to the film, altogether creating a sophisticated takedown of the film industry.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
