I love reading the comments by the I assume female writers who took time to critique this film. All universally saying the same thing, that the sex is either superfluous or if relevant demeaning to women. Of course its demeaning to women, it was intended to be. The guy is a rat bastard, thats what the film is all about. This film takes place a long time ago in a place that still would be considered backwards. I don't understand what people expect to see, but i assume its because they are fed a steady diet of Hollywood nonsense and have been for so long, that anything that isn't the false matriarchal utopia Hollywood longs for as a reality in life, upsets them greatly. Get over it already please. This film isn't any sort of great achievement, but it is sucessful in portraying rather accuratly conditions in post war Italy. Womens attitudes in Europe differ greatly than that of their American counterparts, and probably always will. They are as equally mystified by the total desexualization of our modern American society, as we are by their willingness to openly confront issues we deem taboo.

An Italian con man goes around all of Sicily, tricking people out of their money for a chance at stardom. I know from experience, this is something that happens every day. The main character is unsympathetic, and has very little depth until the end. The characters who confess their sins, their hopes, their dreams, their fears, in front of the camera are interesting, often emotional. However, the plot is missing, or at least weak. Also, the view of women portrayed in this movie is sexist, and I'm sorry to say, one that is common in Italy and Italian cinema that I've seen. Women are either virgins or whores. The "daughter of the Virgin Mary" shows herself to men for money, and says it's for love when she offers to give sexual favors to the main character. Another woman who gives payment with sex instead of money is treated degradingly. None of the sex in this movie is about love, it's all about giving sex to the main character to get something in return.I see some links to Cinema Paradiso, but overall, I can't believe this is by the same filmmaker.

This is such a wonderful film. I saw it originally about 2 years ago when I was living in England on cable, and back then I thought it was quite good, but this time round I enjoyed it even more. From the same director that bought us the Oscar winning Cinema Paradiso, The Star Maker is a story of a con man that travels around Sicily giving false hope to everyday folk telling them they could be the next big star of the movies for a small screen test fee. I won't bother saying any more on what it is about as I highly recommend you rent or buy this movie. Many critics say that Cinema Paradiso is the better film but I disagree. This is my favourite film by Tornatore out of the three of his movies I have seen so far. "Stanno Tutti Bene" is also worth a look as well as "Cinema Paradiso" but this is more superior to both.One of my favourite foreign films of all time...I don't know how it didn't win the Academy Award for Best Foreign film. Rating - 9/10.

This film should be taught in Film Schools worldwide. The characters are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, and they evolve onscreen. The actors are so imbued with their characters that you become completely absorbed in their stories. This film is a beautiful study of the power films have on our lives. Heartbreaking, intense, beautiful.