Maps to the Stars Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A family of horrible people do horrible things to each other in Hollywood while seeing ghosts, because nepotism and trauma.

🍿 Maps to the Stars: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Agatha’s Arrival and the Weiss Family

Agatha, a young woman scarred by burns, arrives in Los Angeles and seeks out Jerome, a limo driver and aspiring actor. She’s interested in the former home of Benjie Weiss, a child star fresh out of rehab. The Weiss family seems like Hollywood royalty, but Agatha’s presence stirs up buried secrets. Stafford Weiss, Benjie’s father, is a celebrity therapist, and Cristina, his mother, manages Benjie’s career. Agatha’s interest in Benjie and her connection to the family hints at a dark past.

Havana Segrand’s Obsession

Havana Segrand, an aging actress and Stafford’s patient, is haunted by her deceased actress mother, Clarice. She’s desperate to land the role in a remake of her mother’s famous film. Havana’s agent tries to manage her expectations, but her obsession grows. She hires Agatha as a personal assistant after a recommendation from Carrie Fisher, hoping it will help her career. Havana’s visions of her mother reveal deep-seated insecurities and a fear of fading into obscurity.

Secrets Unravel and Relationships Intertwine

Stafford discovers Agatha’s return and warns Benjie to stay away from her. The relationship between Agatha and Jerome deepens, even as Jerome insists he’s seeing someone else. Havana learns she didn’t get the part, intensifying her desperation. Meanwhile, Agatha introduces Jerome to Havana during a chance encounter. The film explores the intertwined relationships and the secrets that bind these characters together.

Agatha’s True Identity and Benjie’s Downfall

Agatha’s true identity as Stafford and Cristina’s daughter is revealed, but they shun her. Benjie relapses and accidentally shoots a dog. Agatha visits Cristina, leading to the revelation that Stafford and Cristina are siblings, making Agatha and Benjie products of incest. Stafford violently attacks Agatha when she reveals this knowledge. Benjie, haunted by guilt and visions, strangles a young co-star on set, jeopardizing his career.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Havana Segrand (Julianne Moore): A washed-up actress desperately seeking to revive her career by playing her deceased mother in a remake, haunted by visions and personal demons.
• Agatha Weiss (Mia Wasikowska): A pyromaniac and former mental patient returning to Hollywood, carrying secrets and seeking to reconcile with her dysfunctional family.
• Jerome Fontana (Robert Pattinson): An aspiring actor and screenwriter working as a limousine driver, caught in the web of Hollywood’s twisted relationships.
• Dr. Stafford Weiss (John Cusack): A celebrity psychotherapist and self-help guru hiding dark family secrets and engaging in unethical practices.
• Benjie Weiss (Evan Bird): A troubled child star struggling with addiction and haunted by the ghosts of his past, seeking a comeback.
• Christina Weiss (Olivia Williams): The manipulative and driven mother of Benjie, managing his career while concealing a shocking family secret.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Havana Segrand: ““I’m not trash. I’m going to play my mother!”” – Havana expresses her determination to play her mother in a remake, despite facing challenges and self-doubt.
• Agatha Weiss: “On my school notebook, on my desk and the trees, on the sand and the snow, I write your name. On all the flesh that says yes, on the forehead of my friends, on every hand held out, I write your name. Liberty.” – Agatha recites poetry from Paul Éluard’s poem, Liberty, translated from French.
• Clarice Taggart: ““You’re nothing without me. I’m the source, Havana.”” – Clarice’s ghost taunts Havana, highlighting her dependence on her mother’s legacy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $350,741
• Worldwide Gross: $4,510,934

💥 Maps to the Stars Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie was a wild ride! I went in expecting a typical Hollywood satire, but I got something so much darker and weirder. Julianne Moore’s performance was incredible – she completely embodies the desperation and madness of her character. The scene where she’s talking to her dead mother in the mirror gave me chills. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you question the true cost of fame and ambition. Not for everyone, but definitely memorable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of David Cronenberg’s films”
  • “Viewers interested in dark satires of Hollywood”
  • “Audiences who appreciate complex and disturbing characters”
  • “Those who enjoy psychological dramas with shocking twists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Incest”
  • “Murder”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mental illness”
  • “Explicit language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Cronenberg’s ‘Maps to the Stars’ is a darkly funny and disturbing look at Hollywood, filled with complex characters and unsettling imagery. While not for the faint of heart, it offers a unique and often grotesque glimpse into the lives of those chasing fame.
• The Guardian: “A twisted satire of Hollywood, ‘Maps to the Stars’ doesn’t always hit its mark, but Julianne Moore’s performance elevates the film, making it a compelling, if unsettling, watch. The film is memorable for its audaciousness, if not always for its cohesion.
• RogerEbert.com: “Despite strong performances from the cast, ‘Maps to the Stars’ feels disjointed and fails to fully connect its various plot threads. The film’s attempts at satire often come across as mean-spirited, leaving a hollow and ultimately unsatisfying experience.

Audience Reactions

Julianne Moore’s acting was absolutely phenomenal.: Viewers praised the bold performances of the cast, especially Julianne Moore, and the film’s unflinching look at the dark side of Hollywood.

The movie was unsettling and thought-provoking, leaving me with a lot to think about.: Many viewers found the movie disturbing and provocative, sparking discussions about the film’s themes of fame, family, and mental illness.

Overall Consensus: ‘Maps to the Stars’ is a divisive film that offers a disturbing and satirical look at Hollywood. While some appreciate its bold performances and dark themes, others find it disjointed and mean-spirited.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actress)- 2014

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “According to screenwriter Bruce Wagner, the casting of Robert Pattinson was what finally got the movie made, financially speaking.”
• “David Cronenberg returns to the horror genre after a hiatus of almost three decades.”

🖥️ How to Watch Maps to the Stars?

As of October 2024, “Maps to the Stars” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services or cable providers. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can also be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Maps to the Stars, you might like these similar films:

• Mulholland Drive (2001): Explores the dark side of Hollywood, blurring the lines between reality and illusion with a surreal narrative.
• Sunset Boulevard (1950): Classic film about the dark side of Hollywood fame and faded glory, with a focus on the obsessive nature of ambition.
• The Player (1992): Satirical look at the Hollywood system, with a focus on the often-absurd power dynamics and backstabbing.

🛒 Maps to the Stars Related Products

• Hollywood Movie Map – Celebrity Homes: A classic Hollywood souvenir, this map highlights the locations of celebrity homes in the area. Perfect for fans who want to explore the real-life settings of the film.
• Julianne Moore: A Biography: Explore the life and career of Julianne Moore, the award-winning actress who delivered a standout performance in ‘Maps to the Stars’. Available as a digital download for Kindle.
• Celebrity Psychology: Understanding Hollywood’s Unpredictable Personalities: Dive into the psychology of fame and explore the mental health challenges faced by celebrities. This ebook is on Kindle and sheds light on the themes explored in ‘Maps to the Stars’.
• David Cronenberg: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): An in-depth look into the mind of David Cronenberg. Read all about the director, with digital download on Kindle.

🎧 Soundtrack

Maps to the Stars features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” – performed by Julianne Moore and Mia Wasikowska
• “Howard Shore Compositions” – performed by Howard Shore

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mark Kermode reviews Maps to the Stars

Want to know what a top film critic really thought of ‘Maps to the Stars’? Mark Kermode doesn’t hold back, and whether you agree with him or not, it’s a fascinating take!

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2014 – Robert Pattinson and the cast of Maps to the stars in Cannes

Ever wonder what it’s like to be at the Cannes Film Festival? Check out this footage of the ‘Maps to the Stars’ cast on the red carpet – the energy is electric!

Cannes 2014 – MAPS TO THE STARS : Interview

Get inside the minds of the ‘Maps to the Stars’ cast and director! This interview from Cannes offers a rare glimpse into their thoughts on the film and their characters – definitely worth a watch.

✨ Rate