Is Been Too Long at the Fair Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Been Too Long at the Fair, a standout production of 2015, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The Fair theater in Jackson Heights, Queens is one of the oldest continually running gay establishments in New York City. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The Fair theater in Jackson Heights, Queens is one of the oldest continually running gay establishments in New York City. A loyal patron of the Fair tells the history of this gay porno theater and how it has managed to stay open while all the other gay porno theaters in New York City shut down. The narrator recalls the sexual encounters he had there over the last 35 years."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Charles Lum, the performance in Been Too Long at the Fair feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Charles Lum is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 7 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Been Too Long at the Fair truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Been Too Long at the Fair explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Charles Lum respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Been Too Long at the Fair is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Charles Lum or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Been Too Long at the Fair is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.