Gleason

2002·Movie
2h 0min
84
GreatGoodWatch score

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Gleason fingerprint

High energy, strong craft.

Energy

Tense and fast-paced

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension7
  • Fast Pace7
  • Adrenaline6

Heart

Moving and melancholic

  • Pathos8
  • Melancholy7
  • Catharsis7

Humor

Some sharp wit and dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Dark Humor5
  • Cringe Humor4

World

Show business, a real life story, and the mind

  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout characters and performances

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Complexity8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

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About

How Sweet It Was!

The story begins at the height of Gleason's career. He has it all: women, wealth, and extraordinary power. But he is haunted by memories of his childhood. Gleason spends his formative years entering amateur contests, performing in sleazy night spots. Along the way, he steals gags from the best comics in town and finds love with Genevieve, a dancer whom he marries. But Gleason isn't the ideal husband or even a responsible father as he abandons his family to answer the call of Hollywood. Brash, arrogant, and egotistical, he alienates his directors and the man who discovers him. When he ends up back in New York, Gleason gets one of those rare second chances in the new medium of television, creating some of its most unforgettable characters. But even as Gleason becomes the talk of the tube, his life - ruled by demons of rage, booze, and insecurity - unravels.
Biographical DramaShowbizComplex Character StudyHistorical SettingAmbition and DownfallEmotional IntensityMoral AmbiguityCharacter-Driven

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Gleason

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Gleason legally?

Gleason is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Plex, Fawesome, and Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Gleason worth watching?

84
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 6.7 and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Gleason rated?

Strong language

Content advisories: strong language.

How long is Gleason?

2 h 0 min

Gleason runs 2 h 0 min.

Is Gleason based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on Gleason?

Critics100
Audiences66

Not quite. Critics rate Gleason higher (100) than audiences (66). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is Gleason in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States, Canada.

In how many countries can I watch Gleason?

4CAGBIEUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Gleason in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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