Cast
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Jamie Lee Curtis
as Dorothy Stratten
Bruce Weitz
as Paul Snider
Robert Reed
as David Palmer
Mitchell Ryan
as Hugh Hefner
Tracy Reed
as Mindy Ames
Bibi Besch
as Hilda Flushing
Mark Withers
as Billy Compton
Hugh Gillin
as Max Halloran
Gloria Gifford
as Jean Wiles
Karlene Crockett
as Anna
Steven Hirsch
as Sherm
Luca Bercovici
as Pooch
Jim Boeke
as Lyman
Linda Brooks
as 1st Model
Kale Browne
as Sidney Parker
Crew
Director
- Gabrielle Beaumont
Writer
- Donald L. Stewart
Producer
- Paul Pompian
Reviews
capz888
Playmate of the Month, movie deals, a luxurious life in L.A.'s ritziest enclaves: That's a lot to handle for Dorothy Stratten, who little more than a year before was a 17-year-old working in an ice cream shop. It's even more to handle for Paul Snider, the ambitious wheeler-dealer who discovers her, puts her on a path of fame and fortune...and takes it all away from her in a brutal moment of jealousy and rage. Jamie Lee Curtis portrays the centerfold sensation, torn by her sense of obligation to Snider (whom Stratten married) yet growing up fast in the whirl of success and opportunity surrounding her. And future Hill Street Blues Emmy? winner Bruce Weitz plays the dangerous man who ultimately couldn't have Stratten. So neither would anyone else.
Mar 1, 2015
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Gabrielle Beaumont brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1981, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Indecency, which focuses more on action than character development, Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Seven Women, Seven Sins and Kaagaz explore similar territory, Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 1, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 40m
