The Goddess (1958)

Kim Stanley gives a brilliant performance as a very lonely woman who has never been loved and who tries to find love in becoming a superstar movie actress. She portrays loneliness so well, I wonder what her life was like. If you are a Marilyn Monroe fan, you will want to see this. I couldn’t help but think of her when I watched it. I am a very lonely person raised by a similar woman and there are scenes where she verbalizes what I feel. Her panic attacks, her loneliness that causes her to try to find anyone to fill her emptiness. And the realization that she will never know what love is. I so relate to it. Anyone who has had very little love in their life will relate to this movie. Highly recommend it. By the way I couldn’t find this film in video or DVD for years.

It was because of Kim Stanley's performance in "The Goddess" that Iwrote the biography -"Mad As Hell - The Life and Work of PaddyChayefsky," in which the genesis and production of the film isdiscussed by those who were closely involved. The leading role wasnot only based on Marilyn Monroe, Paddy sent her the script, and shewanted to do the film. Before her husband, Arthur Miller, changed hermind and threatened to sue if it was made. Paddy, as co-producer,proceeded as planned. Piper Laurie auditioned and was consideredfor the role, but Chayefsky wanted Kim Stanley. Both she and he broughttheir own rather large degree of control and genius to the production,which its unique co-stars, Betty Lou Holland and Steve Hill. shared withme, along with theproducer Milton Perlman and a few of the key others.During the editing, Paddy, by studio pressure, cut a large chunk ofStanley's performance. But what remained was by far the most explosiveand shattering portrayal ever seen on the silver screen. The script, acover feature in "Esquire" magazine, was nominated for an AcademyAward. Kim Stanley wasn't, mainly because she refused to publicizethe film. Nonetheless, it became a cult classic. especially with otheractresses, who are still amazed by the emotional force and visceralimpact of her performance. Columbia Pictures are to be commendedfor releasing it on DVD.[[ASIN:B00696KYA0 Mad As Hell - The Life and Work of Paddy Chayefsky]

very pleased with item

A cautionary melodrama about a woman who believes the American dream created by Hollywood will solve all her emotional problems. One can easily substitute social media for Hollywood in today's "Like" driven internet culture of would be "influencers". There are some very sad and stark moments in the film, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland came to mind as I watched this. It's a straight forward film that doesn't hide what it means to chase a reality that isn't real at all.

This is a rare opportunity to watch perhaps the greatest stage actress of her generation. Her technique is by all means theatrical, more than we're used to seeing on film, but it's rock solid. And Lloyd Bridges really holds his own with her. A great archival film of its time.

The Goddess is interesting because of Kim Stanley and a few Actors Studio actors really acting. Oh my, how some of them ACT. The script is heavy-handed(one could actually be injured by it). It had been rumored to be the life of Marilyn Monroe, but that doesn't help. It's hard getting through it. Stanley looks forty and plays seventeen--opposite actors almost seventeen. Not a wise move. This is strictly for the strong who want an example of Stanley's work; she was a terrific actress, and we're lucky to have this. You should see it, at least once. Also in the cast: Elizabeth Wilson(always good), Joyce Van Patten, Joan Copeland and Patty Duke. Curt Conway is credited but can only be seen in one background shot, only to vanish in the next shot.

I originally saw this movie on TV- enjoyed it, but forgot the title. I was very happy to rediscover it. Kim Stanley gives an outstanding performance as well as Betty Lou Holland. The movie is full of true emotion.

I'm sure this film was very shocking and interesting for it's day, but the story veers off into the boring self pity party that finishes it. The actors make this a must watch, but only a one time watch. The whole speech at the end about the psychiatrist saying she will never get better was the clincher of hilarity. Pass the Xanex, please! I watched it for kitsch value, but got a movie that took itself way to seriously. It was neither kitsch, or serious y today's standards, which just makes it kinda dull. Rent this one unless you collect dvds.