Published via Ecency

(source: tmdb.org)

Just like Oscar-winning films aren’t necessarily among the best, those that “won” Razzies aren’t necessarily as abysmal as that “award” might suggest. One of such examples is Glitter, 2001 musical drama directed by Vondie Curtis-Hall, which is now remembered as one of the worst films ever made and the lowest point in the career of American pop diva Mariah Carey.

In the film, partially inspired by her own biography and partly by A Star Is Born, Carey plays protagonist, young and talented singer Billie Frank. She has inherited talent from her mother Lilian (played by Valerie Pettiford), black jazz singer whose abuse of alcohol and drugs ended her career in 1970s and had young Billie sent to foster homes. Ten years later now adult Billie, together with her friends Louise (played by Da Brat) and Roxanne (played by Tia Texada) tries to make a break as dancer at New York club scene. Path towards fame is difficult and first step occurs when she works as backup vocal for Sylk (played by Padma Lakshmi), talentless girlfriend of powerful record producer Timothy Walker (played by Terrence Howard). Her talent, however, doesn’t get unnoticed by famous DJ Julian Dice (played by Max Beesley) who decides to make her a star. As time goes by, their relationship becomes more than merely professional. Billie, despite a lot of difficulties, becomes star and Dice gradually begins to resent being her shadow, which would lead to conflict and break-up.

Glitter is film that received negative publicity before premiere over Carey’s mental breakdown shortly before the premiere and any chances for commercial success were doomed due to premiere coinciding with 9/11. The film indeed has serious problems, but Carey isn’t among them. Although her acting abilities are quite limited, they are more than adequate for playing character very much like her and Razzie for Worst Actress is completely undeserved. Same can be said for her partner, British actor and music producer Max Beesley. The worst thing about Glitter is script by Kate Lanier, author of much-lauded Tina Turner biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It. Here the script is full of implausibilities and cliches that culminate and melodramatic and predictable ending. Pathos and corniness in this film can be found in such amounts that Glitter at times looks like unintentional parody of A Star Is Born and The Rose.

Vondie Curtis-Hall, actor who became famous as star of Chicago Hope and whose directorial debut Gridlock’d was quite solid, apparently lacked experience to direct star whose acting abilities were as limited as Carey’s. On the other hand, while not intervening into script. Curtis-Hall did fine job in reconstructing 1980s New York, including costumes, props and other period details. Padma Lakshkmi was good casting choice in role of character, obviously modelled after Prince’s proteges Vanity and Apollonia. Couple of likeable and decently musical numbers ultimately make Glitter watchable, but the film is ultimately not that better than its reputation.

RATING: 3/10 (+)