Joe Gould's Secret (2000)

67% of critics liked it
(33 reviews)
59% of users liked it
(873 ratings)

This historical comedy-drama is based on the true story of Joe Gould, a bohemian eccentric who was a fixture in New York's Greenwich Village from his arrival in 1916 to his death in 1964. Gould, who claimed to be a graduate of Harvard, would cadge drinks and subsist on catsup as he regaled patrons… More This historical comedy-drama is based on the true story of Joe Gould, a bohemian eccentric who was a fixture in New York's Greenwich Village from his arrival in 1916 to his death in 1964. Gould, who claimed to be a graduate of Harvard, would cadge drinks and subsist on catsup as he regaled patrons of neighborhood saloons with stories, poems, opinions, and his imitation of a seagull. In a 1942 New Yorker profile by journalist Joseph Mitchell, Gould spoke of his life's work, a book entitled An Oral History of Our Times, which he claimed would be eleven times longer than the Bible, contain a variety of overheard conversations from throughout the years, and document the decline of 20th century culture. Mitchell kept tabs on Gould, and tried to introduce him to publishers who might put his work into print, but nothing ever came of it, and it wasn't until Gould's death that Mitchell discovered the surprising truth about his friend. Directed by Stanley Tucci, Joe Gould's Secret stars Tucci as Mitchell and Ian Holm as Gould; Hope Davis, Steve Martin, Susan Sarandon, and Patricia Clarkson highlight the supporting cast. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Stanley Tucci
Written By: Stanley Tucci, Howard A. Rodman
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 7, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Sep 26, 2000
Studio: USA Films

Critic Reviews

John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
promise for dealing with the homeless common man is there, but ... falls short in this vein
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
Like its lead character, eventually becomes so aggravating that it long overstays its welcome.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
An interesting little movie.
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
Tucci's slow-paced storytelling in "Big Night" was brave and worked beautifully, but the same technique in "Joe Gould's Secret" becomes annoying.

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Cast

            Marc Alan Austen as Stand-In-For Ian Holm

            Ian Holm as Joe Gould

            Andrei Belgrader as Teddy

            Stanley Tucci as Joseph Mitchell

            Patricia Clarkson as Vivian Marquie

            Ted Blumberg as Phil (The Writer)

            Harry Bugin as Newsman

            Hope Davis as Therese Mitchell

            Steve Martin as Charlie Duell

            Nell Campbell as Tamar (Hostess)

            Leigh Carlson as Janet

            Susan Sarandon as Alice Neel

            Patrick Tovatt as Harold Ross

            Mark Cassella as Cop At The Building Site

            Celia Weston as Sarah

            Alan Corduner as Francis McCrudden

            Alice Drummond as Helen

            Julie Halston as Sadie Gordon

            Tom Joseph Foral as Man In Gallery

            Hallee Hirsh as Nora Mitchell

            Sarah Hyland as Elizabeth Mitchell

            Merwin Goldsmith as Monsieur Gerard

            Ben Jones as Southern Man at the Party

            James Hanlon as Mike (Cop At Coffee Shop)

            John Tormey as Harry Kolis

            Katy Hansz as Margaret

            David Wohl as Max Gordon

            Laura Hughes as Dr. Kim Maxwell

            Peter Francis James as Man At The Party

            Justine Johnston as Mrs. Bagly

            Daniel Kaufman as Stand-In For Stanley Tucci

            Richard Litt as Bartender

            Jerry Mayer as Minetta Bartender

            Gabor Morea as Pawnbroker

            Jack O'Connell as Chef

            Jack A. O'Connell as Chef

            Ron Ryan as Jack

            Ben Shenkman as David

            Aida Turturro as Waitress

            Jessica Walling as Betsy

            Lauren Ward as Anne

            Gordon Joseph Weiss as Man At Flophouse

            Isabella Rossellini
            
            Glenn Close
            
See full cast

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