Movies

Movies is a collection of film criticism essays written by Manny Farber between 1942 and 1977. The book compiles Farber's writings from The New Republic, The Nation, and other publications where he served as a regular film critic. Farber analyzes Hollywood studio films, European art cinema, and American underground movies through his distinct critical lens. His essays examine directors like Howard Hawks, Samuel Fuller, and Jean-Luc Godard, while developing concepts such as "termite art" versus "white elephant art" in cinema. The writing moves beyond standard film reviews to explore the broader cultural context of movies and filmmaking in mid-20th century America and Europe. Farber's influence as a critic helped shape film discourse and established new ways of understanding cinema as both art and commercial entertainment. The essays reveal tensions between high art pretensions and B-movie vitality, suggesting that true creativity often emerges from the margins rather than the mainstream. Through his sharp analysis, Farber questions conventional wisdom about what constitutes cinematic quality and value.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Manny Farber's overall work: Readers praise Farber's unique analytical approach and dense, challenging writing style in "Negative Space." Many cite his ability to notice visual details others miss and his fresh perspective on B-movies. One reader noted: "He makes you see films in ways you never considered." The main criticism centers on his complex, sometimes impenetrable prose. Multiple readers mention struggling with his run-on sentences and stream-of-consciousness style. A common complaint is needing to re-read passages several times to grasp his meaning. On Goodreads, "Negative Space" has an average rating of 4.2/5 from 287 ratings. Some readers appreciate the book more for its historical significance than its readability, with one noting: "Important but exhausting." Amazon reviews (23 total) average 4.3/5, with readers split between those who embrace his difficult style and those who find it unnecessarily obtuse. Several readers suggest starting with his famous "White Elephant Art vs. Termite Art" essay before tackling his longer works.

Negative Space by Adam Gopnik A collection of essays examining film criticism through artistic and cultural frameworks, offering perspectives on both mainstream and avant-garde cinema.

The Age of Movies by Pauline Kael Film criticism from 1954 to 1991 chronicles American cinema's development through reviews that connect films to broader social movements and artistic traditions.

For Keeps by Pauline Kael These selected writings present film criticism as an art form while analyzing the intersection between commercial cinema and experimental filmmaking.

American Movie Critics by Phillip Lopate This anthology spans the history of American film criticism from the silent era through the digital age, featuring writers who shaped cinema discourse.

When the Lights Go Down by James Agee Film reviews from a poet-critic illuminate connections between literature and cinema while exploring Hollywood's golden age through a painter's eye.

🎬 Manny Farber was not only a film critic but also a celebrated painter whose work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum. 📝 The term "termite art," which Farber coined in this book, has become influential in film criticism, describing art that burrows through boundaries rather than making grand statements. 🎯 Unlike many critics of his era, Farber championed B-movies and action films, finding artistic merit in what others dismissed as mere entertainment. 📚 The essays in this collection were written between 1942 and 1977, providing a unique perspective on Hollywood's golden age through its transformation in the 1970s. 🎥 Despite his significant influence on film criticism, Farber actually stopped writing about movies in 1977 to focus entirely on painting, making this collection particularly valuable as a complete record of his critical work.