The Age of Movies: Selected Writings of Pauline Kael

The Age of Movies collects essential film criticism from Pauline Kael's work at The New Yorker from 1968 to 1991. This volume includes reviews and essays that made Kael one of America's most influential cultural voices of the 20th century. The collection spans multiple decades of cinema history, covering landmark films from Bonnie and Clyde to Raiders of the Lost Ark. Kael's writing examines both mainstream Hollywood productions and avant-garde works, approaching each with her trademark combination of technical analysis and visceral response. Her observations on directors like Altman, Coppola, and De Palma reveal the changing landscape of American filmmaking through the 1970s and 80s. The book includes several of her longer essays that place films in broader cultural context, connecting them to shifts in American society and artmaking. These collected works demonstrate Kael's lasting impact on how we discuss and evaluate cinema. Her blend of intellectual rigor and emotional engagement created a new framework for cultural criticism that continues to influence film writing today.

Readers praise Kael's bold, unapologetic writing style and her ability to analyze films both as art and entertainment. Many note her sharp wit and cultural commentary that extends beyond just movie reviews. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear, energetic prose that remains relevant - Deep analysis of 1960s-70s cinema - Personal, conversational tone - Ability to place films in broader cultural context Common criticisms: - Collection feels incomplete compared to her full body of work - Some reviews dated or tied too specifically to their era - Strong opinions can come across as dismissive - Writing style sometimes aggressive or combative Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (183 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (58 ratings) "Her reviews read like passionate conversations," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another Amazon reader writes: "Even when I disagree with her takes, the writing itself is worth reading."

The Motion Pictures by Vachel Lindsay A pioneering work of film criticism from 1915 that established frameworks for analyzing cinema as a distinct art form.

For Keeps: 30 Years at the Movies by Philip Kael A collection of film reviews and essays spanning three decades chronicles the evolution of American cinema from 1965 to 1995.

When the Lights Go Down by Roger Ebert Film reviews from the Chicago Sun-Times critic document the transformative period of 1970s cinema through a blend of technical analysis and cultural commentary.

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 reveals the transition from Old Hollywood to New Hollywood through criticism and historical context.

American Movie Critics: An Anthology From the Silents Until Now by Phillip Lopate A compilation of film criticism from the early 1900s to contemporary times traces the development of American film analysis through multiple critical voices.

🎬 Pauline Kael wrote for The New Yorker for over 20 years (1968-1991) and revolutionized film criticism with her passionate, personal, and often controversial writing style. 📝 Unlike many critics of her era, Kael refused to watch movies more than once, believing that first impressions were the most honest and valuable reactions to film. 🌟 Her 1967 review of "Bonnie and Clyde," included in this collection, was credited with saving the film from box office failure and establishing its place in cinema history. 🎯 Kael was famous for her battles with directors, particularly Warren Beatty and Robert Altman, and she wasn't afraid to savage films that other critics praised - including "The Sound of Music," which she dubbed "The Sound of Money." 📚 The collection includes her legendary 7,000-word review of "Citizen Kane," titled "Raising Kane," which challenged the prevailing view of Orson Welles as the film's sole creative genius and sparked intense debate in film circles.