The It Girl

Author: D.W. Dillon
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

"The It Girl"

Directed by Peter Bogdanvoich
Written by Larry McMurtry & Peter Bogdanovich
Music by Ian Whitcomb

Principal Cast:

Jena Malone - Clara Bow
Kelly Gould - Clara Bow (younger)
Jane Fonda - Sarah Gordon (mother)
David Strathairn - Robert Bow (father)
Guy Pearce - Rex Bell
Paul Giamatti - BP Shulberg (Producer)
Val Kilmer - Gary Cooper
Nicole Kidman - Jean Harlow
John Cusack - Victor Fleming
Sean Penn - Bela Lugosi

Tagline: "Adoring fans, a loving family and shock treatment couldn't control the uncontrollable"

Synopsis: Before the likes of Monroe, Roberts and Johansson, there was Clara Bow (Malone). The silent film star and first Hollywood sex symbol lived the hardest and shined the brightest. A rough upbringing spawned a memorable career. Facing an abusive alcoholic father (Strathairn) and a mentally unstable prostitute of a mother (Fonda), Clara found her way out of the gutter and into America's hearts with her first silent film feature "Beyond The Rainbow". She would later star in the best picture Oscar-awarded "Wings" and onto the tough transition with her first speaking role in "The Wild Party". But not all was glamorous for Clara as she was an easy target for the press. Living an unconservative and open life style. She never shied away from her past, she drank hard, and had numerous affairs with fellow celebrities; Bela Lugosi (Penn), Gary Cooper (Kilmer) and director Victor Fleming (Cusack). Ultimately leading to her downfall, living as an outcast in the Hollywood social scene. Trying to shake her reputation, Clara finally settled down with western actor Rex Bell (Pearce). But depression would soon sink on the fallen idol and she would meet her toughest critic of all...herself, as she would battle with Schizophrenia.

What the press would say:

One of the most honest biopics ever filmed. Peter Bogdanovich teams up with Larry McMurtry (The Last Picture Show) once again to deliver a memorable film about the first sex symbol, flapper actress Clara Bow, portrayed by Jena Malone. As expected, with a life she endured comes unforgettable performances by a star-studded cast; David Straithairn as the abusive alcoholic dependent father, and traumatizing mother played by Jane Fonda brings sure fire Oscar nominated performances. Their strong performances, along with scene-stealing roles by Paul Giamatti (Shulberg) and Sean Penn (Lugosi), and Jena Malone (Clara Bow) who allows herself to be completely succumbed by her character, delivering a very brave and difficult performance that consisted of dancing, silent acting and true dramatic tragedy. The only thing missing from this film are the statues that await it.

Best Picture
Best Director - Peter Bogdanovich
Best Actress - Jena Malone
Best Actor - David Strathairn
Best Supporting Actor - Sean Penn
Best Supporting Actor - Paul Giammati
Best Supporting Actress - Jane Fonda
Best Original Screenplay - Larry McMurtry & Peter Bogdanovich
Best Cinematography - Bruno Delbonnel (The Cat's Meow, Infamous)
Best Score - Ian Whitcomb
Best Editing - Michael Ruscio (Sopranos)
Best Costume Design - Colleen Atwood (Chicago)