Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston
Paladin Films | Release Date: January 20, 2012 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
34
METASCORE
Generally unfavorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews
Positive:
1
Mixed:
7
Negative:
3
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
91
Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanJan 18, 2012
The film's darkly bedazzled view of the '70s is spurred by great dish from André Leon Talley, Liza Minnelli, and Nile Rodgers, who set the stage for Halston's triumphs - and his jaw-dropping fall. Read full review
50
Slant MagazineDiego SemereneJan 21, 2012
The tension between the amateurish interviewer and the star interviewees gives the documentary a layer of authenticity that its otherwise formulaic structure and storytelling fail to find. Read full review
50
New York PostSara StewartJan 20, 2012
It's unfortunate that director Whitney Sudler-Smith seems to have spent more time on his own hair than his interview prep. Read full review
50
The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyJan 17, 2012
Despite dynamic subject matter, prime archive material and insightful interviewees, Whitney Sudler-Smith's intrusive presence onscreen somewhat trivializes his documentary tribute to Halston and the decadent disco years. Read full review
50
VarietyLeslie FelperinJan 17, 2012
In sartorial terms, the fabric is to die for, but helmer Whitney Sudler-Smith's documentary follows a banal pattern, while the finishing lacks finesse. Read full review
42
The A.V. ClubSam AdamsJan 18, 2012
Growing up, Smith relates, he thought Halston - born Ray Halston Fenwick in Des Moines, Iowa - "was the coolest," which sets the tone for the movie's googly-eyed viewpoint. Read full review
40
Los Angeles TimesSheri LindenFeb 9, 2012
A self-indulgent pilgrimage to the shrine of '70s fabulousness, Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston assembles a fine assortment of archival material but falls far short of its stated goal. Read full review
40
New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanJan 19, 2012
Fashionistas who flock to Whitney Sudler-Smith's documentary should pay heed to the entire title: this isn't simply the biography of an American icon, but the chronicle of a misguided filmmaker. Read full review
20
The New York TimesRachel SaltzJan 19, 2012
Lost in all this is Halston, who comes through only in dribs and drabs. If you're curious about him, skip this film. Read about him - you'll learn far more on his Wikipedia page - and look at his clothes. And if you're a filmmaker, go out and make a decent movie about him: he deserves it. Read full review
20
Time OutDavid FearJan 17, 2012
Such pitiable incompetence isn't charming, it's embarrassing - and simply inexcusable. Read full review
0
Village VoiceEric HynesJan 17, 2012
There's a good film to be made about Halston, the dashing man who went from Iowa-born milliner to revered fashion designer to self-popularizing entrepreneur to AIDS-era casualty, but dear Lord, Ultrasuede is not it. Read full review
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