Halston

Halston is streaming on Netflix. It received positive reviews from critics and streamers alike.

Ewan McGregor will reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a Disney Plus mini-series focusing on the character. Ryan Murphy and his posse including Sarah Paulson, (my favorite actress of all time) Frances Conroy, Evan Peters, Billie Lourd, Lily Rabe & Leslie Grossman will reunite in the upcoming 10th season of “American Horror Story” or AHS for short titled, “Double Feature” airing/streaming soon on FX & Hulu this year or 2022. Don’t forget “American Crime Story: Impeachment” will air on FX and stream on Hulu this year or 2022.

This review contains no major SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to know about Halston. If you’re fully aware of Halston’s life story, perhaps you know how the mini-series ends. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. MINOR SPOILERS are listed. Tread carefully.

The Entire Mini-Series

Positive: Ewan McGregor did an excellent job for his performance as the titular character. It’s kinda weird seeing Obi-Wan as a posh yet self-centered gay businessman. Every time I hear his voice, I can automatically picture Ewan wearing a Jedi robe and holding a blue lightsaber. I expect him to say “Hello there.”

Ewan did extensive research watching interviews of Halston to match his mannerisms. He also learned to design clothing material all by himself.

Other Cast Members such as Krysta Rodriguez, Rebecca Dayan, David Pittu & Bill Pullman all did a decent job for their respective performances.

Ryan Murphy served as an executive producer and co-wrote some episodes.

Set Pieces were manually built by set decorators.

The mini-series recreates Halston’s fashion designs, fragrance and a commercial promoting his company.

Some episodes take place in The 60s, 70s & 80s. Each time period is recreated.

Costume Designers designed specific outfits from different decades to reflect which one takes place.

Chemistry between Halston and Liza Minnelli served as one of the main highlights. They were close friends in real life.

There’s some funny moment whenever Halston acts bossy or throws a hissy fit. I snickered when he wore a black turtleneck, tight black pants, slicked back hair and sunglasses. He looks like Mike Myers as Sprockets from “SNL.” I would assume Sprockets is based on Halston.

Rory Culkin (Macaulay Culkin’s real life brother) has a role playing the late filmmaker Joel Schumacher. In his early years, he used to work with Halston.

Vera Farmiga (The Departed, Godzilla: King Of The Monsters) appears in a recurring role. She’s also Taissa’s real life older sister.

Halston’s life story details his rise and fall of his professional and personal life.

Halston’s biggest flaws are arrogance, vanity, sex and drugs. All leading up to his downfall. Speaking of sex and drugs, if you have kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces or grandkids, be properly prepared. You don’t wanna make them see any naked people onscreen.

Studio 54 is featured in two episodes. It used to be a place where famous people drink booze and party all night. It’s currently a broadway production company.

Low: The mini-series felt short. Could’ve stretched more episodes to learn more about Halston’s childhood. Another 3-5 episodes wouldn’t hurt.

Each episode is somewhat short. Felt like watching half hour per episode.

Episode 1 – Becoming Halston

Upwards: Halston designs Jackie Kennedy’s iconic pink pillbox hat.

Halston recruits a design team to expand his business.

Halston designs an outfit for his close friend Liza as she preps up for a televised concert, “Liza With A Z.” Bob Fosse (Cabaret, Chicago, All That Jazz) directed the Emmy winning televised concert. He also has a mini-series titled, “Fosse/Verdon” about his life story along with his partner Gwen Verdon. Bob is of my favorite directors.

Downwards: No flaws found.

Episode 2 – Versailles

Approval: Halston and his posse go to Paris to partake in a fashion show with Liza accompanying him.

A contract moves the Story forward.

Liza shows support by performing at the fashion show.

Disapproval: Nothing terrible occurred.

Episode 3 – The Sweet Smell Of Success

Victory: Halston business becomes a growing franchise.

Halston introduces his fragrance.

A real life commercial featuring Halston is recreated. I couldn’t help but laugh. I keep picturing Obi-Wan if he had another career in fashion.

Studio 54 is featured. They made a movie about it with Salma Hayek.

Defeat: No boo boos discovered.

Episode 4 – The Party’s Over

Well: Halston’s drug addiction spirals out of control.

Studio 54 is featured yet again. The non-stop partying loses control.

Another commercial with Halston is recreated.

A shocking moment is revealed.

Sick: No flaws found.

Episode 5 – Critics

Healthy: Halston’s professional and personal life begins to crumble.

As of 2021, various “where are they now” texts reveals what Halston’s friends and colleagues are up to right now.

Halston goes on a “road trip.”

Unhealthy: No cons spotted.

The Final Verdict: B, FOR BRILLIANT!

From my perspective, Halston is a very good mini-series witnessing Halston’s rise and fall. If you’re curious to watch this particular mini-series. I highly recommend it. Could Halston be an early Emmy contender? We shall see on the future.