Is Queer Icon: The Cult of Bette Davis Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2009)

📖 The Core Premise

Queer Icon: The Cult of Bette Davis stands as a 2009 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Documentary landscape. 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. "This documentary examines the many aspects of the gay fascination with Bette Davis, featuring film clips of Bette's most iconic moments, juxtaposed with camp burlesques of her by San Francisco actor Matthew Martin and others, including Charles Pierce and Arthur Blake; a profile of Martin highlighting his long identification with Davis; and interviews with fans, entertainers, and gay cultural historians."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Queer Icon: The Cult of Bette Davis, even the presence of Bette Davis struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. 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 Queer Icon: The Cult of Bette Davis 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, Queer Icon: The Cult of Bette Davis misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 88 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.