Comprehensive, frequently eye-opening, and above all vastly entertaining doumentary with a terrific subject. Modestly but beautifully made, with a pleasingly soothing effect (everyone interviewed speaks calmly and eloquently). There are many priceless moments, from Gore Vidal revealing how Stephen Boyd was subtly playing up the homosexuality of his character in "Ben Hur" while Charlton Heston had no idea, to Shirley MacLaine practically apologizing for her portrayal of "lesbian guilt" in "The Children's Hour", and from the Western version of "Show me yours and I'll show you mine" in "Red River", to what looks to be a hilarious camp classic, the 1968 "Detective" ("I only had two experiences, one in college and one in the army"!). If you're interested in the subject, this documentary is a must-see. ***1/2 out of 4.
Review of The Celluloid Closet
