This film has certain aspect s of a horror film. And if you closely follow the orchestration, that is even more apparent. But it is really just a tragedy that is somewhat horrible. Some solid acting prevents the film from being totally horrible, but acting can only overcome so much misfeasance in a film's writing and direction.
For the most part, this is a disagreeable film. A teenager longs for discovery as a singer, gets her big break when a film company hires her to do musicals, then finds that her life is a nightmare.
Natalie Wood plays the titular Daisy---a tomboy who submits a voice recording for consideration and is plucked from her obscure and drab existence. She is made a meal ticket by an unscrupulous horde in Hollywood and her dysfunctional family. Her public image is more important than her mental health. She becomes caught up in what Joni Mitchell called "stoking the star maker machinery/behind the popular song".
It seems that everyone betrays her. And the only person she really cares about abandons her at her most vulnerable moment.
The film is populated with unhappy people who speak unnatural dialogue. There is almost no relief from the emotional devastation, but is this meant to be a cautionary tale? If it is, how does one explain the film's ending, which is notable for its smiles?
For the most part, this is a disagreeable film. A teenager longs for discovery as a singer, gets her big break when a film company hires her to do musicals, then finds that her life is a nightmare.
Natalie Wood plays the titular Daisy---a tomboy who submits a voice recording for consideration and is plucked from her obscure and drab existence. She is made a meal ticket by an unscrupulous horde in Hollywood and her dysfunctional family. Her public image is more important than her mental health. She becomes caught up in what Joni Mitchell called "stoking the star maker machinery/behind the popular song".
It seems that everyone betrays her. And the only person she really cares about abandons her at her most vulnerable moment.
The film is populated with unhappy people who speak unnatural dialogue. There is almost no relief from the emotional devastation, but is this meant to be a cautionary tale? If it is, how does one explain the film's ending, which is notable for its smiles?