Most Influential Film Critics
Most influential film critics are those who have the ability to shape public opinion and influence the success or failure of a film through their reviews and critiques. These critics often have a large following and their opinions can sway audiences and impact box office numbers.
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Some of the most influential film critics include Roger Ebert, whose reviews were syndicated in over 200 newspapers and who co-hosted a popular television show with Gene Siskel. Ebert's opinion was highly respected in the film industry and his reviews could make or break a film's success. Another influential film critic is Pauline Kael, known for her bold and controversial reviews in The New Yorker. Kael's writing style and strong opinions made her a powerful force in the world of film criticism. Other influential critics include Andrew Sarris, who popularized the auteur theory, and Leonard Maltin, who has written numerous books and hosted television shows dedicated to film criticism. These critics have had a significant impact on the film industry and have helped shape the way audiences perceive and appreciate films.
Roger EbertView AllRoger Ebert - Renowned film critic and Pulitzer Prize winner.
Pauline KaelView AllPauline Kael - Influential film critic with bold, controversial opinions.
Gene SiskelView AllGene Siskel - Film critic known for "Siskel & Ebert" TV show.
Leonard MaltinView AllLeonard Maltin - Film critic and author with extensive movie knowledge.
Andrew SarrisView AllAndrew Sarris - Film critic and auteur theory advocate.
A.O. ScottView AllA.O. Scott - Critic for The New York Times.
Richard CorlissView AllRichard Corliss - Film critic for Time magazine.
David EdelsteinView AllDavid Edelstein - Film critic known for his insightful reviews.
Kenneth TuranView AllKenneth Turan - Film critic for the Los Angeles Times.
Todd McCarthyView AllTodd McCarthy - Film critic and journalist for The Hollywood Reporter.
Most Influential Film Critics
1.
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert was a renowned film critic and journalist, best known for his work as the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times for over 46 years. He was the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism and was known for his engaging writing style and insightful film reviews. Ebert also co-hosted the popular television show "Siskel and Ebert At the Movies" with Gene Siskel, and later with Richard Roeper. He was a prolific author and a champion of independent and foreign films, leaving a lasting impact on the world of film criticism.
Pros
Influential film critic- insightful reviews
- popularized thumbs-up rating system
Cons
Subjective opinions- occasional controversial reviews
- limited personal experience in filmmaking
2.
Pauline Kael
Pauline Kael was an influential American film critic known for her passionate and unapologetic writing style. She wrote for publications such as The New Yorker and was known for her sharp wit and controversial opinions on popular films. Kael's work challenged conventional wisdom and sparked debate among film enthusiasts and industry professionals. She was a champion of auteur directors and helped elevate the status of film criticism as a serious art form. Kael's impact on film criticism and the industry as a whole is still felt today, long after her passing in 2001.
Pros
- Influential film critic
- distinctive writing style
Cons
- Controversial opinions
- dismissive of certain filmmakers
3.
Gene Siskel
Gene Siskel was an American film critic and journalist, best known for co-hosting the popular film review show "Siskel and Ebert" with fellow critic Roger Ebert. Siskel's insightful and often controversial film reviews made him a well-respected figure in the world of film criticism. His partnership with Ebert on their show, which aired from 1986 to 1999, helped to popularize the "thumbs up, thumbs down" rating system and made them household names. Siskel's passion for cinema and his engaging, no-nonsense style endeared him to audiences and cemented his legacy as one of the most influential film critics of his time.
Pros
- Knowledgeable
- articulate
- influential film critic
Cons
- Can be overly critical
- narrow in taste
- can be dismissive of certain genres
4.
Leonard Maltin
Leonard Maltin is a well-known American film critic and historian. He is best known for his widely respected reference book "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide," which provides comprehensive information and reviews of thousands of films. Maltin has also appeared on television and in documentaries, sharing his expertise on film history and criticism. He has been a popular and influential figure in the world of film criticism for decades and continues to be a respected voice in the industry.
Pros
- Renowned film critic
- extensive knowledge of film history
Cons
- Subjective opinions
- potential bias
- limited appeal to mainstream audiences
5.
Andrew Sarris
Andrew Sarris was a prominent American film critic and a leading proponent of the auteur theory, which emphasizes the director as the primary creative force behind a film. He was known for his in-depth analyses of films and his influential writing on cinema. Sarris was a key figure in the development of film studies as an academic discipline and his work helped elevate the status of directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks, and John Ford to the level of artists. His writing and criticism continue to have a lasting impact on the study and appreciation of film.
Pros
- Influential film critic
- developed auteur theory
Cons
- Controversial rankings
- elitist views on certain filmmakers
6.
A.O. Scott
A.O. Scott is a renowned American film critic and journalist. He is currently the chief film critic for The New York Times, where he has been writing since 2000. Scott is known for his insightful and thought-provoking reviews, as well as his deep knowledge of film history and theory. He has also written for various publications, including Slate, The New York Review of Books, and Entertainment Weekly. Scott has received numerous awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize for criticism, and is considered one of the most influential voices in film criticism today.
Pros
- Insightful film criticism
- engaging writing style
Cons
- Subjective opinions
- limited space for in-depth analysis
7.
Richard Corliss
Richard Corliss was an American film critic and editor for Time magazine. He was known for his insightful and influential writing on the film industry, and his reviews were widely respected by both audiences and filmmakers. Corliss was a prolific writer, and his work covered a wide range of film genres and styles. He was also a passionate advocate for the art of cinema, and his writing often delved into the cultural and social significance of the movies he reviewed. Corliss passed away in 2015, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of film criticism.
Pros
- Knowledgeable film critic
- insightful analysis
- influential voice
Cons
- Subjective opinions
- limited scope
- potential bias
8.
David Edelstein
David Edelstein is a prominent film critic and writer known for his work in the entertainment industry. He has been a film critic for New York Magazine since 2006 and has contributed to various publications such as Slate, The New York Times, and NPR. Edelstein is known for his insightful reviews and commentary on film, television, and popular culture. He is also a frequent guest on radio and television programs, offering his expertise and opinions on the latest developments in the entertainment world. Edelstein is widely respected for his knowledge and passion for cinema.
Pros
- Experienced film critic
- articulate
- knowledgeable
Cons
- Can come across as snarky
- can be biased in his reviews
9.
Kenneth Turan
Kenneth Turan is a well-respected film critic and author known for his work with the Los Angeles Times. He has been a film critic for the paper since 1991 and has also written for various other publications including TV Guide and The Washington Post. Turan is known for his insightful and thoughtful reviews of both mainstream and independent films. He has also authored several books on film and has been a member of the National Society of Film Critics. Turan's expertise and passion for cinema have made him a trusted voice in the world of film criticism.
Pros
- Experienced film critic
- insightful analysis
Cons
- May have biases or personal preferences
- limited space for in-depth reviews
10.
Todd McCarthy
Todd McCarthy is a renowned film critic and author known for his insightful and in-depth analysis of the cinema. He has written for various publications including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Film Comment. McCarthy is also the author of several books on film, including biographies of directors such as Howard Hawks and Clint Eastwood. His expertise and knowledge of the film industry have made him a respected voice in the world of film criticism, and his work has been instrumental in shaping the way audiences and critics alike view and appreciate cinema.
Pros
- Experienced film critic
- insightful reviews
- extensive knowledge of cinema
Cons
- Some may find his reviews too harsh or overly critical