Kevin Thomas of the "Los Angeles Times" observed that the film would likely be most enjoyed by those unfamiliar with Valentino or his work. Thomas praised Nureyev's debut as "impressive," adding that Phillips's portrayal of Rambova "really rivets attention. Her Natacha is far more sympathetic than past interpretations, showing her to possess an innocence and candor for all her posturing." Thomas felt the film's greatest strength, however, was its "implicit attack on the primitive, destructive concept of all-American manhood... Typically for Russell, "Valentino" is charged with sexual ambiguity, but Nureyev's Valentino emerges powerfully, if tragically, as a man."