Complete History Of American Film Criticism

From the first published movie review in the late 1800s to the 21st-century era of the great movie critics’ wake,” this chronicle reviews the nature, scope, and controversies in American film criticism. Moving through the Silent Era, the pre- and post-war years, the golden age of the 1970s, and the eventual decline of the 1980s and 1990s, this exhaustive overview includes biographical information on some of the most influential film criticsincluding Leonard Maltin, Roger Ebert, Pauline Kael, and James Ageeas well as a historical record and critical assessment of their work. Illuminating various past controversies, this invaluable reference documents the battles between auteur theorists and their opposing critics as well as between the critics and studios, filmmakers, and even themselves. Little-known aspects of film criticism lore are also related, such as the epic battles waged in print by Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris, the studio boycotts of the New York Times and New York Herald Tribune over unflattering press, and the critics barred from attending premieres by studios for writing "negative" reviews. Honoring those who shed light on the artistic visions and storytelling sensibilities that have graced the big screen, this authoritative guide is a must-have for industry professionals, film historians, and movie buffs.

"Roberts's attempt to tackle 100 years of history is remarkable."  Library Journal

"Jerry Roberts has achieved a remarkable feat of research and, in the areas where I have any knowledge, is fair and accurate. Nothing on this scale has ever been accomplished before."  Roger Ebert

"Jerry Roberts' amazingly comprehensive and well-organized The Complete History of American Film Criticism arrives at a time when the profession has become seriously endangered by the continuing decline of print journalism. Roberts, a former film critic, has not only been thorough but also has made astute appraisals of the major critics"  Kevin Thomas

"If journalismincluding film criticismis evanescent, Jerry Roberts has struck a blow for all of us who have spent our lives writing and talking about movies. I’m sure this impressive, thoughtful book will be a valuable tool for anyone interested in the subject."  Leonard Maltin

"A thorough and informative history of 100 years of film criticism in America that does not stint on satisfying gossip and score-settling."  Shelf Awareness

Jerry Roberts is an acquisitions editor for Arcadia Publishing. He was a film critic and columnist for Copley Los Angeles Newspapers and Copley News Service and has contributed to Daily Variety, DGA Magazine, and the Hollywood Reporter. He is a past coordinator of film programs for the UCLA Film & Television Archive, featuring speakers such as Elmore Leonard, Oliver Stone, Robert Altman, Robert Towne, Roy Scheider, and Horton Foote. He is the author of Encyclopedia of Television Film Directors, The Great American Playwrights on the Screen, Images of America: Hawthorne, Images of America: Hermosa Beach, Mitchum: In His Own Words, and Movie Talk from the Front Lines. He lives in Carson, California.

Publisher: Santa Monica Press
Distributor: Independent Pub Group
Publication Date: 02-19-2010
Pages: 480
Measurements: 9.00in X 6.00in X 1.30in