Is Nelson Sullivan Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1989)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Nelson Sullivan (1989), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. 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. "Nelson Sullivan, a videographer in Manhattan circa 1983 to 1989, documented a large chunk of the final six years of his life, capturing his days and nights with drag queens and other NYC outcasts of the time. His style takes on a "home movie quality" that captures a lost - and now romanticized - American era in all of its mundane glory."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Nelson Sullivan attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. 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 Nelson Sullivan worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Nelson Sullivan misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 156 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.