50
Avrich's Wasserman is less a man than a list of accomplishments, a Kane without a hint of a Rosebud and nary a whiff of significant criticism.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
70
The New York Times by Dana Stevens
More history lesson than dirt-digging expedition, and makes illuminating viewing for anyone curious about how the movies get made - information that is sometimes more interesting than the movies themselves.
70
Avrich offers a cogent appraisal of Wasserman's importance to the industry and duly notes the darker aspects of his empire (among them MCA's alleged ties to organized crime).
80
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Crust
A smart, well-paced documentary that balances the man's triumphs with his rare failures and discerningly explores the darker side of his power.
75
Highly entertaining.
88
TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh
Avrich's colorful account of Wasserman's career starts out looking like a puff piece, but quickly reveals a refreshing willingness to delve into the dirty side of a glamorous business.
80
The Hollywood Reporter by Michael Rechtshaffen
An endlessly intriguing documentary.
70
A refreshingly honest film about the life and times of Hollywood uber-power player Lew Wasserman.
70
Love him or loathe him, Avrich proposes, Wasserman mattered -- which is a lot more than can be said for most of the multinationals and their MBA-bearing surrogates who came to run the studios in his wake.