10/10
Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a revealing and moving portrait of a Hollywood legend
13 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a documentary that explores the life and career of one of the most popular and handsome stars of the 1950s and 1960s, who was also a closeted gay man in a homophobic industry and society. The film is directed by Stephen Kijak, who has made several documentaries about music and culture, such as Wham! And Scott Walker: 30 Century Man.

The film is based on the biography by Mark Griffin, and features interviews with Hudson's friends, lovers, co-stars, and biographers, as well as archival footage, photos, and audio recordings of Hudson himself. The film covers Hudson's childhood, his service in the Navy, his rise to fame under the guidance of his agent Henry Willson, his marriage to Willson's secretary Phyllis Gates, his collaborations with Douglas Sirk and Doris Day, his struggle with AIDS, and his legacy as an LGBTQ icon.

Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is not just a film about a star, but also a film about a person. The film shows Hudson's charm, charisma, talent, humor, generosity, and vulnerability. It also shows his pain, loneliness, fear, and courage. The film does not shy away from the dark aspects of Hudson's life, such as his abusive relationship with Willson, his blackmail by tabloids, his denial of his sexuality, and his death at the age of 59. The film also celebrates his achievements, such as his Oscar nomination for Giant, his groundbreaking concert in China with Wham!, his participation in Live Aid and Band Aid, and his public disclosure of his illness.

Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a must-see for fans of Rock Hudson and classic Hollywood, but also for anyone who appreciates a well-made and compelling documentary. The film is informative, entertaining, emotional, and inspiring. It gives us a glimpse into the life of a man who was much more than his image, and who left an indelible mark on cinema and culture. Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a 10 star film that honors the memory of a Hollywood legend.
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