Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987)
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Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987)
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About this listen
In this episode, we dive deep into Todd Haynes’ underground cult classic Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story—a haunting, avant-garde retelling of Karen Carpenter’s life told entirely through Barbie dolls. Banned shortly after its release due to music rights issues, this 1987 short film remains a powerful and controversial portrait of fame, control, and self-destruction.
We’ll unpack the film’s bold aesthetic choices, its unflinching depiction of eating disorders, and how it reimagines the biopic format through subversive storytelling and emotional minimalism. We also discuss the legacy of Karen Carpenter’s voice, the role of media in shaping celebrity identity, and why this film continues to resonate despite its legal exile.
Tune in as we explore what makes Superstar both a daring piece of unauthorized art and an unforgettable elegy to a voice silenced too soon.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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