Looking for Langston (1989): cast, story & where to watch
1989 · Film · ★ 5
Released in 1989, Looking for Langston is a drama film directed by Isaac Julien, running about 45 minutes.
What it’s about. A black and white, fantasy-like recreation of high-society gay men during the Harlem Renaissance, with archival footage and photographs intercut with a story. A wake is going on, with mourners gathered around a coffin. Downstairs is an elegant bar where tuxedoed men dance and talk. One of them has a dream in which he comes upon Beauty, who seems to reject him, although when he awakes, Beauty is sleeping beside him. His story and his visits to the jazz and dance club are framed by voices reading from the poetry and essays of Hughes and others. The text is rarely explicit, but the freedom of gay Black men in the 1920s in Harlem is suggested and celebrated visually.
Who’s in it. Looking for Langston stars Ben Ellison as Alex, Matthew Baidoo as Beauty, Akim Mogaji as James and John Wilson as Karl, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, Looking for Langston has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Looking for Langston page.
If you liked it. Fans of Looking for Langston tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Looking for Langston (1989)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Looking for Langston change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Looking for Langston worth watching?
- Looking for Langston holds an audience score of 5.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Looking for Langston?
- Looking for Langston stars Ben Ellison, Matthew Baidoo, Akim Mogaji, John Wilson and Dencil Williams.
- When was Looking for Langston released?
- Looking for Langston was released in 1989, with a runtime of about 45 minutes.