Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story
Filmfest 2012
USA 1988
Original version
(Original: English)
Director: Todd Haynes
Section: Retrospective - Todd Haynes
Though a straightforward life story, this deadly earnest sociopolitical commentary features a bizarre ensemble of Barbie dolls, uncannily assembled by artist Todd Haynes, who sees Karen variously as a toy, a product and a role model for little girls. Who could imagine feeling empathy for Barbie or finding depth in the Carpenters' "Rainy Days and Mondays"? Haynes, a semiologist, achieves both in this postmodern puppet show. Rita Kempley, The Washington Post
Cast: Merrill Gruver, Michael Edwards, Melissa Brown, Rob LaBelle, Nannie Doyle
Credits
Screenplay: Todd Haynes, Cynthia Schneider
Director of Photography: Barry Ellsworth
Costume Design: Gina Garan
Producer: Todd Haynes
Production Company: Iced Tea Productions
Co-Producer: Cynthia Schneider
Director: Todd Haynes
