← Back to results
Fame
1980 133 min United States of America R 12+
★7.4
Drama, Music
Director: Alan Parker
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
Description
A chronicle of the lives of several teenagers who attend a New York high school for students gifted in the performing arts.
Budget:
$8.5M
US Gross:
$21.2M
Worldwide:
$42M
Starring
Eddie Barth
Actor
Irene Cara
Actor
Lee Curreri
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1981
— Best Original Song
BAFTA 1981
— Best Sound
Academy Awards 1981
— Best Original Score
Golden Globe 1981
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1981
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
BAFTA 1981
— Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
Academy Awards 1981
— Best Original Song
Golden Globe 1981
— Best Original Song
BAFTA 1981
— Best Director
Golden Globe 1981
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1981
— Best Sound
Academy Awards 1981
— Best Original Score
Academy Awards 1981
— Best Screenplay
César Awards 1981
— Best International Feature Film
Key opinion
Alan Parker’s Fame is widely celebrated as a raw, influential, and realistic exploration of the sacrifices required to pursue artistic success. While some find the unconventional, multi-character narrative structure disjointed or overlong, the film is largely praised for its authentic performances and its unflinching look at the disillusionment inherent in the quest for stardom.
| Acting | The ensemble cast delivers raw, authentic performances that ground the film's social critique and emotional weight. | |
| Direction | Alan Parker’s direction creates a gritty, documentary-like style that effectively captures the pressure-cooker environment of an arts school. | |
| Score | The musical numbers are masterfully integrated, serving as high-impact emotional climaxes rather than traditional, escapist performance pieces. | |
| Screenplay | The episodic, multi-protagonist narrative approach rewards viewers looking for a realistic chronicle of youth, but frustrates those expecting a traditional, cohesive plot. | |
| Pacing | The film’s long runtime and focus on myriad shifting storylines leads to an uneven experience that some find exhausting, while others appreciate for its depth. |