Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe

  • 2007
  • Not Rated
  • 77m
movieMx RATING
4.8/1010
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe Review

Last updated: February 7, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 7, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe features a noteworthy lineup led by Patti Smith . Supported by the likes of Robert Mapplethorpe and Sam Wagstaff , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe (2007) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.8/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe

Quick Plot Summary: Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is a Documentary film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe

Ending Breakdown: Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Documentaries films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe

All Cast & Crew →
Robert Mapplethorpe
Robert MapplethorpeSelf (archive footage)
Sam Wagstaff
Sam WagstaffSelf (archive footage)
Dick Cavett
Dick CavettSelf (archive footage)
Dominick Dunne
Dominick DunneSelf (archive footage)
Jeffrey Fraenkel
Jeffrey FraenkelSelf - Fraenkel Gallery
Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
Timothy Greenfield-SandersSelf - photographer
John Giorno
John GiornoSelf - poet
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Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe Parents Guide & Age Rating

2007 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe has not been officially rated yet.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is 77 minutes (1h 17m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.8/10, and global performance metrics, Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2007 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe. Rating: 4.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe worth watching?

Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 4.8/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe?

The total duration of Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is 77 minutes, which is approximately 1h 17m long.

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How Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.8
Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe
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