Matialth
Good concept, poorly executed.
Claysaba
Excellent, Without a doubt!!
TrueHello
Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.
Caryl
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
blanche-2
Tab Hunter Confidential is a wonderful documentary - basically an interview with the man himself, peppered with film and television clips, photos, magazines, and reminiscences about the ups and downs of Hollywood stardom.Urged into acting by his friend and later agent Dick Clayton, Hunter was signed by Henry Willson, who had many youngsters like Hunter. Willson promptly changed his name from Art Gelien to Tab Hunter. Hunter learned acting by acting, and eventually was signed by Warner Brothers, who built him up and publicized him. He became one of the hottest teen idols of the '50s as a result. Not that he didn't have other abilities - he could sing, he was a champion ice skater, and an expert horseman.He also was gay, and the studio protected him. When he bought out his Warners contract, he found out he was fair game for the tabloids; not only that, but leaving Warners was a big mistake career-wise. After a few years of low-budget films and dinner theater, he found his way back via John Waters and Divine.Hunter today is as charming and appealing as ever, a handsome, grounded man with a keen sense of humor and insight about Hollywood and being gay in the '50s. He touches on some of his relationships and talks about his mother and his older brother.One of the most interesting things he talks about is the change in "types" and how his type - the all-American boy -- had to move over for the anti-hero. First it was the classic, heroic look, the handsomer the better, then the bad boys, then the ethnic stars mostly thanks to "The Godfather" -- and then the pretty boys came back.Director Jeffrey Schwartz has done an excellent job of keeping this documentary moving quickly and helping to make it both interesting and informative.This is a must-see for anyone interested in classic films or the old stars. Tab Hunter is an excellent interview, and it's easy to see why all those teens found him so darned appealing.
dgrod
I had the privilege of viewing the uncut version last year with Allan and Tab and I am so completely impressed with the finished and so professionally done final product.I saw it at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in La Jolla several nights ago and once again ( as obviously has been the "norm), Tab and Allan and Jeffrey got a standing ovation. It was interesting to stand outside as the earlier showing people exited and hearing them rave about it. The same thing happened after the showing we watched. They deserve all the kudos they are getting as I was captivated from beginning to end and Tab's narration was so heart warming and truthful . I have known him around 50 yrs and I learned more about him with every sentence . You could just feel the emotion in every word he said. I will never get tired of watching it and will attend the Middleburg, VA Film Festival to watch it again. Can't wait for everyone to see and experience what Tab endured on his way to his current peace and happy life with his soul completely bared . My only disappointment is you never get to see enough of what a truly gifted horseman he really is and was. Loved the whole thing !!
mmaloy9017
Tab Hunter has a life story no one else but he could do justice telling. Thankfully, he's done it first with a book (2005) and now a very moving documentary. This beautifully produced and directed film cleverly takes the viewer into his confidence touring his amazing life journey over 8 decades. The compelling stories he lets us in on are told with honesty, taste, wit, self-deprecation and a humility that is sadly uncommon in this 21st century of self-absorption and self-promotion. The secret almost all viewers will want to know about is not that during his intense fame he was a closeted gay man, a dangerous situation in the rigid era of the 1950's that led many to self-destruction. The real revelation that comes over you while watching this unique story is the focus, faith and character Hunter has and how he got it. It would give him the ability to endure all the seasons of his fame and his personal life challenges.He was a product of "the studio system" during its twilight years when moguls like Jack Warner had total control over its movies and stars. For Tab that was sometimes a blessing or a curse. What becomes clear early on is whatever Tab Hunter put his focus on - acting, professional ice skating or horse riding - he always became a master at. The documentary has something for everyone interested in movie history, social mores, pop culture and most importantly - how someone can maintain dignity and character throughout a life with compromises that could have sent anyone else off a cliff.
marjoriewlee
Saw this film at the Berkshire FF and can't wait to see it again in Provincetown, MA. Mr. Hunter and Mr. Glaser received standing "O" at the end of the film and at their appearance for the Q and A's. For all of the intricacies of storytelling (it covers Hollywood history, Tab's personal history and struggles and the resolution he has come to) the film flows seamlessly. It is fascinatingly illustrated with studio stills, film clips, interviews and personal snapshots. Tab narrates the film, and his "concentration" as he looks at us is mesmerizing. He has shared incredible insights with his audience about his fame, his loves, his family....occasionally with a delightful, self-deprecating twinkle. Profoundly, however, it is his success as a human being that will touch us most.