Following on from the success of his 2007 hit Taking Liberties, documentary filmmaker Chris Atkins returns with this; Starsuckers, a stinging exposé into the world of the media and celebrity culture.
At first glance it does seem a redundant endeavour. Many of us would like to think we can see past the slimy workings of the media industry, and plenty have made a stab at exposing it. But while some of those efforts have been as unsubstantiated as the tabloid trash they target, with Starsuckers were dealt a well researched, playfully presented and thoroughly entertaining exposé.
However, dont be fooled into thinking this is a documentary baying for blood. It makes big promises, occasionally throws well armed punches, but for the most part hovers about the light and frothy point on the spectrum. There are some alarming conclusions made here, but the documentary is an eclectic one. At times, it resembles an illuminating science doc. Other times, it veers toward scathing exposé before settling on middle of the road profile pieces.
And then theres the outlandish set-ups at the expense of the public. In one, members of the production team pass themselves off as talent reps, duping desperate parents to audition their tots for some extreme reality shows. In another, a succession of wannabe celeb PAs blag their way through some ludicrous interview questions. These stunts are entertaining, but the targets are all too easy and rather than come across like a worthwhile limb to the documentary, they seem isolated and played for laughs.
But when Atkins and company hit the industry itself where it hurts, Starsuckers finds its stride. In one memorable sequence, the group begin to flog entirely fabricated celeb stories to the redtops, with the hearsay gobbled up without the slightest demand for proof. Later on, alarming revelations about the apparent charitable nature of the Live 8 concerts also make for illuminating viewing.
Undoubtedly, Starsuckers has things to say and has picked a target deserving of fresh onslaught, but its target is an all too tackled punching bag and this film doesnt quite pack enough of a right hook. There are new revelations here, but for the most part any conclusions drawn are old news. Its a worthy effort, but the continual reliance on comedic stunts and a light hearted approach tends to steal away from basic point.
Overall Verdict: An entertaining enough documentary; Starsuckers makes for a fun ride and provides the odd insight, but simply takes too much of a light hearted stance to draw any serious conclusions.
Special Features:
Commentary
100 mins of unseen celebrity interviews
Booklet
Reviewer: David Steele