Superstar The Karen Carpenter Story is in my opinion, one of the best and most unique examples of the musical biopic. Shortly after it’s release in ‘87, it was taken out of distribution due to legal action taken by Karen’s cranky brother Richard. It has survived through underground screenings, VHS and DVD bootlegs: the copying and recopying of which only added to the grainy look and visual appeal of the film. Director Todd Haynes (Far from Heaven, Velvet Goldmine, I’m Not There.) uses manipulated dolls to play all of the roles in the film in lieu of actors. He splices in pedestrian interviews, stolen footage from various sources, and the Carpenter’s own music to parallel and compliment Karen’s story. Footage of the Brady Bunch and David Cassidy accentuate her pressure to be perfect. Narrative devices used in horror films show her loss of control. The dolls changing form shown through Haynes carving away at doll Karen’s face and body show us her real pain: a struggle with anorexia nervosa that eventually took her life at the age of 32.
Glyn Davis’ book explores the film from it’s conception to it’s lasting impression in cult cinema. The book reads like a thesis sometimes packed a bit too full of quotes from other studies and but brings to light some very interesting points that one might miss when just watching this film for entertainment’s sake. When you watch it, the use of the dolls which is at first distracting begins to disappear. You see past the plastic toys and what exists is a dark but thoughtful love letter to Carpenter. Haynes’ talent shows in his collage of imagery, unique narration style and his boldness of using the Carpenters music without their consent. Beneath the white lace and promises, we all know how Carpenter’s story ends. Yet here it’s presented in a way that feels as incomparable as Karen’s haunting voice.
