Is Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1990)

📖 The Core Premise

Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey returns to the screen in 1990, 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. "Documentary is about the life and work of American screenwriter Waldo Salt who won two Academy Awards and was put on the Hollywood blacklist in the 1950s. The story is told through interviews with collaborators and friends such as Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jon Voight, John Schlesinger and with clips from Salt's films, chiefly Midnight Cowboy."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Peter Coyote'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 Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey 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, Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 57 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.