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The Singing Detective

2003·Movie
1h 49min·R
46
MediocreGoodWatch score
IMDb5.4Metacritic455.3Rotten Tomatoes40%40%

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The Singing Detective fingerprint

A , crime movie: , but darkly funny, .

Good for friends night · thought-provoking · adults

Feel

Story

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About

When it comes to murder, seduction and betrayal, he wrote the book. Now he's living it.

Tormented and bedridden by a debilitating disease, a mystery writer relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations.
Psychological ThrillerMusical FantasyDark HumorParanoid PlotsHallucinationsShowbizCrimeMelancholy

Crew

Directed by:
Keith Gordon, Jane Goldsmith
Written by:
Dennis Potter
Produced by:
Mel Gibson, Denise Chamian, Stan Wlodkowski
Composed by:
Marnie Moore, Mark Berger

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Singing Detective

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Singing Detective legally?

KanopyHoopla

You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Singing Detective worth watching?

46
MediocreGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 46/100 (IMDb 5.4, Rotten Tomatoes 40%, and Metacritic 45). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Singing Detective rated?

RViolenceStrong languageDrug use

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.

How long is The Singing Detective?

1 h 49 min

The Singing Detective runs 1 h 49 min.

Will The Singing Detective make me laugh?

Funny

Yes. The humor is mostly dark humor and absurd humor.

Is The Singing Detective plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Both, in balance. It gives its characters as much weight as its plot.

Can I half-watch The Singing Detective?

Easy watchDemanding

Better with focus. It asks for some attention to follow.

Is The Singing Detective good for date night?

Partner WatchAdultsFriends NightSolo Watch

It works for a couple. Our viewing guide lists it for watching with a partner, not for date night. Romance plays a supporting part.

Will The Singing Detective scare me?

Not scaryTerrifying

Barely. The scares are mild.

Will I feel good after watching The Singing Detective?

BleakHopeful

Probably not. Its tone is bleak and sad.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Singing Detective?

Critics43
Audiences49

Yes. Critics average 43 and audiences 49 out of 100, so both groups see The Singing Detective much the same way.

Was The Singing Detective a box office hit?

Budget$8 million
Box office$435,625

No. It cost about $8 million to make and earned $435,625 worldwide, 5% of its budget.

What language is The Singing Detective in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Singing Detective?

8AUCAGBGGIENLNZUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Singing Detective in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Singing Detective use?

Sadist TeacherArc WordsBond One-LinerLikable VillainHer Code Name Was "Mary Sue"Imperial Stormtrooper Marksmanship AcademyVideo Inside, Film OutsideGaslightingGenre-BustingYou Are Better Than You Think You AreWord Association TestPrimal Sceneand 36 more

TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for The Singing Detective, including Sadist Teacher, Arc Words, Bond One-Liner.