When Movies Mattered

When Movies Mattered collects film critic David Denby's reviews and essays from the 1970s and early 1980s, originally published in outlets like The Atlantic and New York Magazine. The pieces capture a pivotal era in American cinema when directors like Scorsese, Coppola, and Altman were at their creative peaks. Denby's writing examines both mainstream Hollywood productions and independent films with equal scrutiny and analytical depth. His reviews go beyond simple plot summaries to explore the cultural context, technical achievements, and artistic choices that shaped each work. The collection preserves a record of how critics and audiences experienced these now-classic films during their initial releases, before decades of analysis and discussion solidified their reputations. Each piece reflects both the immediate impact of the films and their connection to the broader currents in American society of that period. The essays paint a portrait of an era when serious film criticism helped bridge the gap between art and entertainment, fostering deeper public engagement with cinema as a medium. Denby's work reminds readers of a time when movies consistently aimed to challenge audiences while maintaining their power to captivate.

Readers appreciate Denby's detailed film analysis and historical context, particularly his coverage of 1970s-80s cinema. Multiple reviews note his ability to connect movies to broader cultural shifts without becoming overly academic. Common praise points: - Thoughtful comparisons between different eras of filmmaking - Personal anecdotes that illuminate the moviegoing experience - Strong writing on directors like Altman, Coppola, and Scorsese Main criticisms: - Some essays feel dated or overly nostalgic - Focus skews heavily toward male directors/perspectives - Occasional repetition between pieces Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (41 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 reviews) Notable reader quotes: "Denby writes about movies the way they deserve - as art that shapes our culture." - Amazon reviewer "Too much longing for 'the good old days' and not enough analysis of why movies evolved." - Goodreads reviewer

For Keeps: 30 Years at the Movies by Pauline Kael A collection of reviews and essays chronicles the transformation of American cinema from 1960-1990 through the lens of a prominent film critic.

The Age of Movies: Selected Writings by Stanley Kauffmann The compilation presents film criticism spanning five decades, examining the evolution of cinema and its relationship to culture and society.

American Movie Critics: An Anthology From the Silents Until Now by Phillip Lopate The volume assembles writings from major film critics throughout American history, creating a narrative of how movies have been discussed and interpreted.

Film Writing and Selected Journalism by James Agee The collection preserves the work of a writer who merged film criticism with broader cultural observation during cinema's golden age.

The Essential Raymond Durgnat by Raymond Durgnat Film criticism from the 1960s through 1980s demonstrates how movies intersect with politics, psychology, and social movements.

🎬 David Denby wrote the book while serving as film critic for The New Yorker, a position he held from 1998 to 2014, reviewing hundreds of movies during his tenure. 📚 The book collects reviews written during what many consider cinema's second golden age - the 1970s - when Denby was writing for The Atlantic and New York Magazine. 🎥 The title "When Movies Mattered" refers to an era when films were central to American cultural conversation and regularly sparked intense public debate about social issues. 🌟 The book includes Denby's contemporary reviews of now-classic films like "The Godfather," "Taxi Driver," and "Nashville" - written when these movies first premiered. 📽️ Before becoming a film critic, Denby earned a master's degree in journalism from Stanford University and studied film at Columbia University under legendary critic Andrew Sarris.