AllMovie

A type of drama generally portraying the life of a fictional or real show-business figure (or figures.) These ultimately melancholy films expose the underbelly of the entertainment industry, often emphasizing the unglamorous aspects of stardom. Often the protagonists must sacrifice ideals, morals and freedom to attain success in a business shown as totalitarian, artificial, backstabbing, hypocritical and greedy. Many of these films originated around the time of the Hollywood Studio system, offering writers and filmmakers' chances to bite the hand that fed them. The Bad and the Beautiful, A Star is Born, The Big Knife and Sunset Boulevard were all downbeat, cynical films about the pressures of Hollywood. During the post-war era, as the studio systems started crumbling, these dramas moved to Europe, where 8 1/2 and Contempt skewered the film business with equal fervor. Film isn't the only entertainment form denounced under this style. Theatre (All That Jazz, Funny Girl), music (The Rose, What's Love Got to Do With It?), television (Network), stand-up comedy (Lenny) and even nude modeling (Star 80) have all undergone examination.