“For the Love of Movies” (2009)

For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism (2009)

This is a movie about movie critics. It’s about how American film criticism began, and how it flourished in mid-century with writers like Bosley Crowther, Pauline Kael, Andrew Sarris, and Vincent Canby. Also how the profession is in grave danger. Media that employ critics are dissolving those positions. Science fiction fandom and the internet have given a platform to anyone who can write to sound off about movies. No training or experience required, though there are some very good reviewers and blogs out there.

Several of my favorite writers grumble about how the profession seems to be evaporating. They include Richard Corliss (Time Magazine), Owen Gleiberman (Entertainment Weekly), Jay Hoberman (The Village Voice), Wesley Morris (Boston Globe and Grantland), and Richard Shickel (Time Magazine).