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Searching for Mr. Rugoff

2019·Movie
1h 34min
68
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.3Metacritic77–Rotten Tomatoes100%–
IMDb7.3Metacritic77–Rotten Tomatoes100%–

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Searching for Mr. Rugoff fingerprint

Strong craft, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Tension5
  • Fast Pace4
  • Adrenaline3

Heart

Nostalgic

  • Nostalgia7
  • Wonder6
  • Wholesome5

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Satire & Parody4
  • Dark Humor3

World

Show business, history, and a real life story

  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Novelty7
  • World Immersion6

Craft

Standout characters

  • Character Depth8
  • Direction7
  • Acting7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Editing7
  • Cinematography6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

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About

The feature documentary Searching for Mr. Rugoff is the story of Donald Rugoff, who was the crazy genius behind Cinema 5, the mid-century theater chain and film distribution company. Rugoff was a difficult (some would say impossible) person but was also the man who kicked art films into the mainstream with outrageous marketing schemes and pure bluster. Rugoff's impact on cinema culture in the United States is inestimable, and his influence on the art film business-from the studio classics divisions to the independent film movement to the rise of the Weinsteins-is undeniable. Yet, mysteriously, Rugoff has become a virtually forgotten figure. The story is told through the eyes of former employee Ira Deutchman, who sets out to find the truth about the man who had such a major impact on his life, and to understand how such an important figure could have disappeared so completely.
DocumentaryCinema HistoryShowbizIndependent FilmBiographyAmerican CinemaFilm DistributionCharacter StudyNostalgicEducational

Crew

Directed by:
Ira Deutchman
Produced by:
Susan Lacy, Ira Deutchman, Peter Gilbert
Composed by:
Ashley Foy, Eliott Taylor, Leo Sidran

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Searching for Mr. Rugoff

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Searching for Mr. Rugoff legally?

KanopyHooplaCriterionXumo PlayTubi TV

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

Is Searching for Mr. Rugoff worth watching?

68
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 100%, and Metacritic 77). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

How long is Searching for Mr. Rugoff?

1 h 34 min

Searching for Mr. Rugoff runs 1 h 34 min.

Is Searching for Mr. Rugoff based on a true story?

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

Do critics and audiences agree on Searching for Mr. Rugoff?

Critics89
Audiences73

Not quite. Critics rate Searching for Mr. Rugoff higher (89) than audiences (73). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is Searching for Mr. Rugoff in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Searching for Mr. Rugoff?

23BEBGBZCACVCYCZEEFIGBGGGRIEIL+9

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Searching for Mr. Rugoff in 23 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.