6.9
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Porgy and Bess fingerprint
Striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Spectacle5
- Violence3
Heart
Deeply moving and romantic
- Pathos9
- Romance8
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
History
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
- Dialogue Centrality4
Craft
Standout performances
- Acting8
- Direction7
- Character Depth7
Style
Standout score and cinematography
- Music Composition10
- Music Centrality10
- Cinematography8
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Porgy and Bess is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and romantic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, romantic, and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumHistory
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality4Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumStandout performances
The performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout score and cinematography
Look and sound: the score and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition10Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality10The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort Watch
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About
The Goldwyn Touch!...more dramatic than ever before!
In the early 1900s, the fictional Catfish Row section of Charleston, South Carolina serves as home to a black fishing community. Crippled beggar Porgy, who travels about in a goat-drawn cart, loves the drug-addicted Bess, who lives with stevedore Crown, the local bully.
Operatic Film AdaptationGershwin Musical MasterpieceTragic RomanceVibrant Color CinematographyHistorical Southern SettingPowerful Vocal PerformancesMelodramatic & PoignantCultural Icon
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Porgy and Bess
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Porgy and Bess worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 71%, and Metacritic 77). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Porgy and Bess rated?
NRViolenceDrug useStrong language
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence, drug use, and strong language.
How long is Porgy and Bess?
2 h 18 min
Porgy and Bess runs 2 h 18 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Porgy and Bess?
Critics74
Audiences73
Yes. Critics average 74 and audiences 73 out of 100, so both groups see Porgy and Bess much the same way.
Was Porgy and Bess a box office hit?
Budget$7 million
Box office$4 million
No. It cost about $7 million to make and earned $4 million worldwide, 50% of its budget.
What language is Porgy and Bess in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does Porgy and Bess use?
For Doom the Bell TollsChekhov's GunEvil Sounds DeepGrief Song"The Villain Sucks" SongMonochrome CastingLeitmotifMama BearReligion Rant SongCulturally Sensitive AdaptationPet the DogCircling Vulturesand 26 more
TV Tropes lists 38 storytelling tropes for Porgy and Bess, including For Doom the Bell Tolls, Chekhov's Gun, Evil Sounds Deep.