Just some film musings of a more succinct, spontaneous and sometimes seditious nature:

Friday, April 14, 2023

Today’s “Dish of the Day” concerns film criticisms, what they are, what I believe they should be, and what purpose they serve. Often comments like this one: “Personally, I have never understood the need for critics of any kind. What's the point. Seriously…” arise in various film related chat rooms (all readers are welcome to join ours here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/902349343110685). This occurs most often when a member doesn’t like what a critic has to say, all of which contributed to my thoughts:

First of all, a "critic" is anyone who lets his/her response to an art or craft be known. Informed criticism is something else entirely. If it’s a film that is being critiqued, for example, a skilled critic should have a vast familiarity with all types of cinema especially its past achievements. That, in addition to developing a thorough understanding of how a wide range of different films are appreciated and perceived by their peers. The capable critic should also maintain an awareness of, and experience in expressing, the medium’s potential. Fairness, respect and sound judgement are expected but a trait not often mentioned found in the more enlightened of critical analysis, is the ability to understand the artist(s) intentions before ascertaining whether those ambitions were realised. This, instead of judging by what the critic wants, or is expecting, to see. A skilled critic illuminates qualities others may have noticed but might not be able to articulate or perhaps did not notice at all.

Critics often point to those works less known or considered, a valuable contribution to the arts. Artists create. The critic puts their work in perspective to others in their field and perhaps even to those made by the same artist. No critic means no feedback, no response. Without the critic, every film would be of the same calibre i.e. at the same level of accomplishment. Any type of evaluation would cease. There can be no exceptionalism without mediocrity, success without failure, nor could any qualification be made without some kind of critical analysis. As soon as someone, anyone, comes along and says “this film is better than that one,” we’re talking film criticism. Filmmakers cannot successfully do this, at least in regards to their own work. That is why, despite whatever protestations are made, they care what a critic thinks. The more discerning the critic, the more artists tend to seek their approval and are elated when they receive it.

More of my thoughts on the subject of Film Criticisms can be found in Exploring the Artefacts #2: The Discerning Eye.

All responses are not only welcomed but encouraged in the comments section below.

Hope to see you tomorrow.

A.G.

The Cinema Cafe

Dish of the Day