What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael
Pauline Kael (1919–2001) was undoubtedly one of the greatest names in film criticism. A Californian native, she wrote her first review in 1953 and joined ‘The New Yorker’ in 1968. Praised for her highly opinionated and feisty writing style and criticised for her subjective and sometimes ruthless reviews, Kael’s writing was refreshingly and intensely rooted in her experience of watching a film as a member of the audience. Loved and hated in equal measure – loved by other critics for whom she was immensely influential, and hated by filmmakers whose films she trashed - Kael destroyed films that have since become classics such as The Sound of Music and raved about others such as Bonnie and Clyde. She was also aware of the perennial difficulties for women working in the movies and in film criticism, and fiercely fought sexism, both in her reviews and in her media appearances.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the life and career of Pauline Kael, the controversial and influential film critic for The New Yorker. It delves into her provocative writing style, her impact on film criticism, and her often contentious relationships within the film industry. Through interviews with critics, filmmakers, and Kael herself, the film aims to understand her lasting legacy. It examines her rise to prominence, her unique approach to reviewing, and the debates she sparked.
Critical Reception
The documentary received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its insightful look into Pauline Kael's significant, albeit divisive, contribution to film criticism. Reviewers often noted the film's success in capturing Kael's vibrant personality and her lasting impact on how films are discussed and analyzed.
What Reviewers Say
- A compelling portrait of a legendary and often controversial film critic.
- Effectively captures Kael's sharp wit and her significant influence on film discourse.
- Offers valuable insights into the art of criticism and Kael's unique place in film history.
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Fun Fact
The documentary features archival footage and interviews that showcase Pauline Kael's unfiltered opinions and her famous 'Notes on Nova' which announced her arrival as a major critical voice.
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