"Superstar" by Clark

Producer-composer-musician Clark has created a spooky, 21st century version of the song "Superstar," from his new album "In Camera."

The song was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, and the narrative is from the perspective of a sad, slightly deranged fan of an unnamed rock star. Considering the problematic issue of Parasocial Interaction on social media, the topic is timely. The Carpenters made the song famous in 1971, and Bette Midler recorded a heartfelt version in 1972 for her "The Divine Miss M" release. I recall hearing both versions at the time and they were sweet downtempo ballads until one realized the real story.

But this video for Clark's cover adds another layer to the story of fame and one's possible relationship to it. Writer-director Naqqash Khalid re-edited his debut film "In Camera" for Clark. The film stars Nabhaan Rizwan as an actor who is attempting to make a living at acting and become successful. But the industry at most levels does not encourage and support, it uses up and wrings out actors--especially actors of color who are only able to approach such a vicious industry on their backfoot. Constant rejection for a chance to start all over again from the bottom after each audition or job is wearing (I can attest to that from over 25 years of personal experience) and it seems "Superstar" is sung here to a distorted idea of success or, if one allows oneself to truly dream, stardom.

https://throttleclark.com/