Is Fried Shoes Cooked Diamonds Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1979)

📖 The Core Premise

Fried Shoes Cooked Diamonds returns to the screen in 1979, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "After World War II a group of young writers, outsiders and friends who were disillusioned by the pursuit of the American dream met in New York City. Associated through mutual friendships, these cultural dissidents looked for new ways and means to express themselves. Soon their writings found an audience and the American media took notice, dubbing them the Beat Generation. Members of this group included writers Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg. a trinity that would ultimately influence the works of others during that era, including the "hippie" movement of the '60s. In this 55-minute video narrated by Allen Ginsberg, members of the Beat Generation (including the aforementioned Burroughs, Anne Waldman, Peter Orlovsky, Amiri Baraka, Diane Di Prima, and Timothy Leary) are reunited at Naropa University in Boulder, CO during the late 1970's to share their works and influence a new generation of young American bohemians."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Allen Ginsberg's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Fried Shoes Cooked Diamonds worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Fried Shoes Cooked Diamonds is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 56 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.