The Idolmaker (1980)

Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1959 Brooklyn, our protagonist, Vinnie Vacarri, juggles between serving patrons at his elder brother Mario's sophisticated Italian restaurant and chasing his dream of soaring in the music industry. Despite Mario's annoyance, Vinnie's passion for music never wavers, as he pens heart-touching songs with his best friend and pianist, Gino Pilato. However, Vinnie's self-consciousness about his receding hairline deprives him of the confidence to be the face of his music. In his quest for a frontman who can perform his songs under his direction, Vinnie discovers potential in his friend and struggling saxophonist, Tomaso DeLorusso. He reinvents Tomaso into a rock singer, Tommy Dee, marking Vinnie's venture into the realm of talent management. With a clear vision of the look and sound he desires, Vinnie dreams of achieving his music ambitions vicariously through his acts. Vinnie's eye for talent doesn't stop there. He spots a diamond in the rough - a bashful sixteen-year-old busboy, Guido Bevaloqua, working at Mario's restaurant. Guido is transformed into Caesare under Vinnie's guidance, much to everyone's surprise. To bring his vision alive, Vinnie must convince influential figures like Brenda Roberts, the editor of Teen Scene magazine, to believe in his radical transformations. However, the road to success isn't straightforward. Vinnie and his acts, Tommy Dee and Caesare, grapple with their personal issues. As the allure of fame blinds Tommy and Caesare, they lose sight of their humble beginnings, while Vinnie risks everything in his relentless pursuit of his unfulfilled dreams. The Idolmaker is a compelling tale of dreams, transformations, and the intoxicating power of fame, offering an intriguing glimpse into the complexities of the music industry.

The Idolmaker is a drama movie featuring Joe Pantoliano.

The Idolmaker is currently streaming on DIRECTV and Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel .