Joe Gould's Secret
USA Films | Release Date: April 7, 2000 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
74
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Critic Reviews
Positive:
19
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
A delicate yet haunting movie, a meditation on friendship, on the roots of bohemianism, on the sad comedy of madness. Read full review
90
L.A. WeeklyF. X. Feeney
The alchemy of good acting under the pressure of sublime film sense makes for a miracle in the hearts of the audience. Read full review
90
Washington PostRita Kempley
A brainy, superbly acted buddy movie. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
There is anguish here that makes "American Beauty" pale by comparison. Read full review
88
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
A wonderful, heart-breaking movie. Read full review
88
San Francisco ExaminerEdvins Beitiks
Tucci and Holm brilliant as magazine writer and artist. Read full review
85
Mr. ShowbizLarry Terenzi
Tucci has crafted a poignant remembrance of a bygone era, and a touching examination of the responsibilities of creativity. Read full review
80
Film.comRobert Horton
A fitting tribute to an era, a writer, and an unapologetic eccentric. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
A series of subtly interlocking character studies. Read full review
80
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
A movie to savor. Read full review
80
Dallas ObserverBill Gallo
A vivid double portrait of the artistic sensibility in its many weathers -- expressed by two fine actors clearly engaged in a labor of love. Read full review
75
New York PostJonathan Foreman
An elegant, quietly comical but slightly constricted period piece whose stately pace is all but offset by several impressive performances. Read full review
75
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
Holm is dazzling as the grubby little misfit, just a little brilliant and a little insane. Read full review
75
Portland OregonianShawn Levy
Finely etched and acted but too often limpid and punchless in its impact. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleEdward Guthmann
(Holm) nails one of the best roles of his career. Read full review
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
Makes for a great story. Read full review
70
Rolling StonePeter Travers
It's a tall order that Tucci is not up to filling. But don't discount the pleasure of watching him try.
70
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
A quietly ambitious, well-wrought, and tastefully poignant treatment of two local literary legends. Read full review
67
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
A gentle and often beautiful study in opposites. Read full review
60
The New York TimesStephen Holden
Settles for being an atmospheric scenes-in-the-life biography of someone's most unforgettable character. It could have been so much more. Read full review
60
Film.comErnest Hardy
Drags on far too long. Read full review
50
SalonCharles Taylor
Carefully made, respectful and dull. Read full review
50
TimeRichard Schickel
There's a great story here, but Tucci's literate, civilized, wistful movie lacks savage impulse and refuses to show how mutual exploitation led to minor tragedy. Read full review
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