Starry Eyes [Film review]

Abstract

Sarah (Alex Essoe) is an aspiring actress who moonlights as a waitress at a fast food restaurant called Big Taters. Her employer Carl (Pat Healy) is displeased with her because she doesn’t prioritise work (‘real life’) over audition calls (‘dreams’). Even her friends are unsupportive, either unconcerned or downright bitchy about it, like Erin (Fabienne Therese), who never misses a chance to be insolent. On a whim, Sarah applies for a main part with Astraeus Pictures, a production company that specialises in horror movies. Although her audition doesn’t go well, the casting director (Maria Olsen) calls her back in after witnessing her breakdown in the ladies’ room, during which she pulls out strands of her hair. She asks her to repeat her episode of self-harm before the auditioning panel. Reluctantly, Sarah acquiesces. She leaves the audition feeling foolish and confused. However, a few days later she receives a call from Astraeus Pictures, informing her that the producer of the film would like to meet her. She is overjoyed at the news and, believing that she got the part, quits her job at Big Taters. [Excerpt]