The Idolmaker (1980): Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Idolmaker is a 1980 biographical drama directed by Taylor Hackford. It runs 1 hour 57 minutes and earned $2.6 million worldwide. It earned 2 award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes 1981. Critics gave it 61 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 57m (117 min)
- Director
- Taylor Hackford
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- United Artists
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Idolmaker About?
The premise of The Idolmaker without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In 1950s America, music mogul Vincent Vacarri believes teen idols are manufactured, not born. He discovers talented newcomer Tomaso and transforms him into Tommy Dee, convincing him to abandon his saxophone for a career as a pop star. As Vacarri’s protégés compete for fame, the ruthless world of manufactured pop idolatry is revealed, exposing a dangerous game fueled by vanity and ambition where appearances often overshadow genuine talent.
The Idolmaker Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- musician
- music industry
- control freak
- based on real person
- rock star
- reference to bob marcucci
- reference to frankie avalon
- reference to fabian
- self destructive behavior
- worried girlfriend
- boyfriend girlfriend relationship
- busboy
+38 more Show fewer
- gusto
- single minded
- public image
- public relations
- marketing expert
- songwriter
- entertainment manager
- next big thing
- saxophone player
- overnight sensation
- life ambition
- music biopic
- rock n roll performance
- teaching singing
- rock star life style
- 1960s
- feature film directorial debut
- showbiz drama
- rock 'n' roll music
- pop rock music
- popular music
- rock music
- contract
- fame
- father son relationship
- italian american
- recording music
- adolescent
- business competitor
- choreographer
- disc jockey
- magazine editor
- fight
- fish market
- bouquet of flowers
- graft
- magazines
- jealousy
The Director of The Idolmaker
Directed by Taylor Hackford.
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Director Taylor Hackford
The Idolmaker Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Idolmaker 61 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
-
IMDb 6.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 61 Metascore
See on Metacritic
The Idolmaker Plot Summary
What happens in The Idolmaker from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the sweltering summer of 1959, the dreams of Vincent “Vinnie” Vacarri, who is working as a waiter at his family’s cherished restaurant in the Bronx, come alive again. Surrounded by the familiar hustle and bustle, his longtime confidant and talented piano accompanist Gino “G.G.” Pilato brings exciting news of an upcoming recording session at a prestigious studio run by a fearsome mobster. Vinnie’s aspirations to become a singer-songwriter feel like a distant fantasy, especially as he confides in his mother about his insecurities regarding his looks and charm. However, witnessing the captivating saxophone performances by Tomaso DeLorusso at a nearby New Jersey nightclub ignites a newfound conviction in Vinnie. He believes he can elevate Tommy to a star.
Full summary
The whole story of The Idolmaker, scene by scene
The Idolmaker Box Office
The Idolmaker grossed $2.6 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$2.6M
- US & Canada
- $2.6M
The Idolmaker Awards & Nominations
The Idolmaker earned 2 award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes 1981.
2 nominations1 ceremony
-
Golden Globes 1981 2 nominations- Nominated Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical
- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Actor) – Ray Sharkey
The Idolmaker Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Idolmaker.
How Well Do You Know The Idolmaker?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the main character who aspires to be a songwriter?
Cars in The Idolmaker
20 cars on screen, including the 1955 Buick Special and the 1963 Ford Thunderbird.
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1955 Buick Special Important role -
1963 Ford Thunderbird Important role -
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Minor role -
1959 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Minor role
The Idolmaker Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “狂热的偶像” and “Творець кумирів”.
- Also known as
-
- 狂热的偶像
- Творець кумирів
- Idolmaker - Das schmutzige Geschäft des Showbusiness
- Създателят на идоли
- Le Temps du rock'n'roll
- 아이돌메이커
- El faricant d’ídols
Seen The Idolmaker?
Movies Like The Idolmaker
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Idol, Idol and Girl You Know It's True.
The Idolmaker FAQ: Box Office, Awards & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Idolmaker, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Idolmaker?
The Idolmaker runs 1 hour 57 minutes (117 minutes).
When was The Idolmaker released?
The Idolmaker was released on November 14, 1980.
Who directed The Idolmaker?
The Idolmaker was directed by Taylor Hackford.
More films by Taylor Hackford How much did The Idolmaker make at the box office?
The Idolmaker grossed $2.6 million worldwide.
How is The Idolmaker rated?
The Idolmaker has 6.9/10 on IMDb and 61 on Metacritic.
Was The Idolmaker nominated for any awards?
The Idolmaker received 2 nominations across 1 ceremony.
Does The Idolmaker have a post-credit scene?
No. The Idolmaker has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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