Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe (2007) movie backdrop
Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe (2007) movie poster
200777 minDocumentary

Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe

Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 4.8/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.

Is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 77 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

4.810 votes
77Minutes
2007Release Year
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Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe Review

Last updated: January 10, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 2007, Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on Crump directed the feature-length documentary film Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff + Robert Mapplethorpe, which premiered in North America at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival and in Europe at Art Basel. Under the direction of James Crump, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, Sam Wagstaff. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Aspects & Direction

From a technical standpoint, Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.

📺 Where to Watch

As of January 2026, Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.

📝 Final Thoughts

With an audience rating of 4.8/10, the reception has been negative. For fans of Documentary, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.

Cast of Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe

  • Patti Smith – Self
  • Robert Mapplethorpe – Self (archive footage)
  • Sam Wagstaff – Self (archive footage)
  • Pierre Apraxine – Self
  • Dick Cavett – Self (archive footage)

Top Highlights

Patti Smith
Patti SmithSelf
Robert Mapplethorpe
Robert MapplethorpeSelf (archive footage)
Sam Wagstaff
Sam WagstaffSelf (archive footage)
Pierre Apraxine
Pierre ApraxineSelf
Dick Cavett
Dick CavettSelf (archive footage)
Dominick Dunne
Dominick DunneSelf (archive footage)
Raymond Foye
Raymond FoyeSelf
Jeffrey Fraenkel
Jeffrey FraenkelSelf - Fraenkel Gallery
Philippe Garner
Philippe GarnerSelf
Ralph Gibson
Ralph GibsonSelf

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.8/10, and global collection metrics, Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2007 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe movie hit or flop?

Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.8/10 and lower collections.

Is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe worth watching?

Based on the low rating of 4.8/10, Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.

What genre is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe?

Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is a Documentary movie that Crump directed the feature-length documentary film Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff + Robert Mapplethorpe, which premiered in North Amer...

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.8
Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/black-white-gray-a-portrait-of-sam-wagstaff-and-robert-mapplethorpe-171859" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 4.8</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe</div></div></a>

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