Todd McCarthy

Todd McCarthy is an American film critic and author best known for his long tenure as the chief film critic for Variety from 1991 to 2009. Throughout his career spanning over four decades, he has established himself as one of the most influential voices in film criticism. McCarthy served as a film critic for The Hollywood Reporter from 2010 to 2020, continuing to provide analysis of major theatrical releases and festival coverage. He has been a regular presence at international film festivals including Cannes, Venice, and Sundance, where his reviews have helped shape critical discourse around contemporary cinema. His written works extend beyond film criticism to include "Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox of Hollywood," a comprehensive biography of the legendary director published in 1997. McCarthy's documentary work includes directing "Visions of Light" (1992), an acclaimed examination of the art of cinematography, and "Man of Cinema: Pierre Rissient" (2007), which profiles the influential French film figure. McCarthy's approach to criticism is characterized by detailed analysis of both technical and narrative elements, informed by his extensive knowledge of film history. His writing continues to appear in Deadline Hollywood and other publications, maintaining his position as a respected voice in film criticism.

Readers appreciate McCarthy's deep film industry knowledge and historical context in his reviews, particularly noting his technical understanding and ability to analyze both commercial and arthouse films. His reviews show familiarity with international cinema and film festival coverage. Readers value his straightforward writing style and focus on craft elements like cinematography and editing. His "Howard Hawks" biography receives praise for its research depth and personal interviews. Some readers find his reviews overly technical or academic compared to more accessible critics. A portion of readers note his perspectives can skew traditional or conservative in assessing experimental films. Ratings: "Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox of Hollywood" - Goodreads: 4.1/5 (187 ratings) - Amazon: 4.4/5 (32 reviews) Film Reviews (Variety/THR/Deadline) - Online reader ratings average 3.8/5 across platforms - Common feedback: "informative but dry" "comprehensive analysis" "values craft over entertainment" Users cite his Variety tenure (1991-2009) as his strongest critical period, with the most detailed and impactful reviews.

Fast Women: The Legendary Ladies of Racing (2007) Chronicles the stories of female race car drivers from the early 20th century through modern times, focusing on their challenges and achievements in motorsports.

Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox of Hollywood (1997) A biography examining the life and career of film director Howard Hawks, covering his personal relationships, filmmaking techniques, and impact on American cinema.

Kings of the Bs: Working Within the Hollywood System (1975) An analysis of B-movie directors and producers who worked in Hollywood during the studio system era, including interviews and production histories.

Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography (1992) A companion book to the documentary film, exploring the history and techniques of cinematography through interviews with notable cinematographers and detailed case studies.

Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light (2003) A comprehensive biography of director Alfred Hitchcock, detailing his personal life, creative process, and complete filmography from his early British period through his final American works.

Peter Biskind writes about Hollywood history and film industry culture, focused on specific eras like New Hollywood of the 1970s. His investigative approach and insider access parallel McCarthy's film industry expertise.

David Thomson analyzes film history and the biographical details of movie industry figures. His writing combines film criticism with historical context similar to McCarthy's approach.

Molly Haskell examines cinema through cultural and social perspectives, with deep knowledge of Hollywood's golden age through modern times. Her work shares McCarthy's focus on the intersection of film criticism and industry analysis.

Richard Schickel wrote extensively about Hollywood's evolution and key industry figures over multiple decades. His career as both critic and historian mirrors McCarthy's dual role in film documentation.

Neal Gabler researches entertainment industry history with emphasis on studio systems and power structures. His work covers similar territory to McCarthy in examining how the business of Hollywood shapes its creative output.