Saturday, July 29, 2006

Ain't No Sunshine

I think it was John Simon who said a reviewer writes for those who haven't seen the film and a critic writes for those who have. I can see the distinction, but it still seems to me if your review comes out before most people have seen the movie, you shouldn't give away the plot.

Here's a good example: Rex Reed on Little Miss Sunshine. Reed lists just about every plot point in his fifth paragraph. I'm glad he enjoyed the film, but he should remember part of that enjoyment comes from watching the plot unfold.

I don't think Reed is much of a critic. I doubt John Simon would even call him one. But if you're going to read what he wrote about Little Miss Sunshine, I suggest you see the movie first.

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

You mean Rex Reed didn't die during the 80s?

9:50 AM, July 29, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Best response to a reviewer:

“Dear sir,” [turn of the century German composer Max]Reger wrote in reply, “I am sitting in the smallest room of my house. I have your review before me. In a moment it will be behind me.”

10:33 AM, July 31, 2006  

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