Dorothy Stratten

The magazine feature "Death of a Playmate" stuck out to me for a few reasons. I thought it was unlike many stories about murder and death, where they focused so much on the life of Dorothy Stratten. This interesting perspective made Dorothy more relatable. The author of the story reflects on her stardom and untimely finish as a playboy bunny and actress. It bothered me that the author of the article was trying to contend that the impression Dorothy left on men was more memorable than her herself. The article was written shortly after her death, and can hardly be seen as a eulogistic. Instead of remembering Dorothy the way those who loved her did, I think the article made her seem like a young fame-thirsty girl in some parts. In the beginning of the story it is even explained that she had very little aspirations for herself and never planned a career in Hollywood until she met Paul Snider. Another interesting detail of the story is the discussion of the actual death. The article suggests that there are theories that believe Snider is innocent. This truly bothered, throughout the article there seemed to be a darkness cast around Paul. Paul seemed to be entitled, selfish and some what of a con-artist. And his obsession with Dorothy was evident. Finding out that Dorothy had most likely been raped was a hard line to read. How could someone who claimed to love her also be the one to destroy her? A crime of passion, no doubt, but one that seems all to unfair. Dorothy was a small town girl who was pushed by a man she thought loved her, only to discover his animosity for her loving someone else.