American Movie Critics

American Movie Critics examines the evolution of film criticism in the United States from the silent era through modern times. The book compiles writings from influential critics who shaped discourse around cinema, including James Agee, Pauline Kael, and Roger Ebert. The text moves chronologically through decades of American film history, presenting key reviews and critical essays that defined each period. Original commentary from William K. Everson provides context for the featured critics' work and traces changes in critical approaches over time. Film scholars and cinephiles will find a comprehensive survey of how American critics interpreted movies from both artistic and cultural perspectives. The book includes coverage of major movements in criticism, from early newspaper reviewers to the rise of academic film studies. This compilation reveals how film criticism both reflected and influenced broader cultural conversations in America about art, entertainment, and social values. The selected writings demonstrate the role critics played in elevating cinema from popular amusement to respected art form.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of William K. Everson's overall work: Readers consistently praise Everson's deep knowledge and research, with many noting his ability to discuss technical film details while remaining engaging for non-experts. His book "American Silent Film" receives particular attention for its comprehensive coverage and clear explanations of early film techniques. What readers liked: - Clear, accessible writing style that balances academic analysis with readability - Extensive use of specific examples and frame captures to illustrate points - Thorough coverage of lesser-known films and performers What readers disliked: - Some books contain outdated information due to their publication dates - Limited availability of certain titles, leading to high secondhand prices - Occasional focus on obscure films at the expense of major works Ratings across platforms: Amazon: Average 4.6/5 across all books (127 reviews) Goodreads: "American Silent Film" - 4.3/5 (89 ratings) "The Art of W.C. Fields" - 4.4/5 (23 ratings) One reader noted: "Everson writes with authority but never talks down to the reader." Another commented: "His passion for film history shines through every page."

For Keeps: 30 Years at the Movies by Pauline Kael Film criticism essays that chronicle the changing landscape of cinema from 1965-1991 through reviews and commentary from one of America's most influential critics.

The Great Movies by Roger Ebert A collection of essays examining 100 landmark films that shaped cinema history, providing cultural context and technical analysis of each selection.

Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood by Mark Harris An examination of the five Best Picture nominees from 1967 that demonstrates how film criticism and social change intersected during a pivotal moment in American cinema.

When Movies Mattered: Reviews from a Transformative Decade by Dave Kehr Film reviews from the 1970s and 1980s that document the rise of American independent cinema and the transformation of Hollywood storytelling.

The Film Criticism of Otis Ferguson by Otis Ferguson A compilation of reviews from the 1930s that established the foundations of American film criticism and influenced generations of subsequent critics.

🎬 William K. Everson was not just a writer but also a renowned film preservationist who saved hundreds of early American films from destruction, creating one of the largest private film collections in the world. 📽️ The book explores how early movie critics helped establish film as a legitimate art form during a time when many considered movies mere novelty entertainment. 🎯 Everson taught film studies at New York University for over 20 years, influencing generations of critics and filmmakers including Martin Scorsese. 📚 Many passages in the book draw from Everson's personal interactions with pioneering film critics like Otis Ferguson and James Agee, offering unique first-hand perspectives. 🎥 The author's expertise in silent films and early Hollywood helped him identify and preserve many "lost" films that were previously thought to be destroyed, including rare works by D.W. Griffith and Cecil B. DeMille.