Star! (1968)

**Star! (1968)** is a lavish and ambitious biographical musical that chronicles the tumultuous life of legendary British stage actress and singer Gertrude Lawrence. Starring Julie Andrews in a demanding, multi-faceted role, the film plunges into Lawrence's vibrant career, from her humble beginnings and rise through London's music halls to achieving unparalleled theatrical stardom on both sides of the Atlantic. The narrative unflinchingly portrays her relentless pursuit of fame and artistic perfection, often at the significant cost of personal happiness, a theme underscored by her complex relationships, financial woes, and relentless professional drive. Despite its opulent production values, extensive musical numbers, and groundbreaking use of black-and-white flashback sequences contrasting with vibrant color, *Star!* was a critical and commercial challenge upon its initial release. While not as universally acclaimed as his other musical triumphs, *Star!* nonetheless earns its place on a "Best Robert Wise Movies" list for what it reveals about the director's extraordinary versatility, ambition, and technical mastery. Following the colossal successes of *West Side Story* and *The Sound of Music*, Wise took a bold creative risk, tackling a complex, non-linear narrative that blended lavish musical spectacle with a gritty, often melancholic character study. This grand epic showcases Wise's command over intricate production, his meticulous attention to historical detail, and his willingness to push cinematic boundaries, such as the experimental integration of documentary-style footage. *Star!* exemplifies Wise's consistent pursuit of artistically challenging projects and his skill in bringing complex human dramas to the screen, solidifying his reputation as a director unafraid to explore the full spectrum of human experience, even when the subject matter was difficult and the commercial outcome uncertain.