State of the Art

State of the Art: Film Writings 1983–1985 is Pauline Kael's eighth collection of film reviews from her tenure at The New Yorker magazine. The book compiles 117 reviews written between June 1983 and July 1985, capturing a specific moment in American cinema through Kael's distinctive critical lens. The reviews cover major studio releases, independent films, and international cinema of the mid-1980s. Kael's assessments range from enthusiastic praise for performances by rising stars like Molly Ringwald to sharp criticism of established directors like Steven Spielberg and Sylvester Stallone. Films reviewed include now-classic titles like The Leopard, Sixteen Candles, and Desperately Seeking Susan, with Kael examining both mainstream Hollywood productions and art house fare. Her commentary focuses on acting, direction, and the overall impact of each film, often delivered with her trademark candor. The collection represents a snapshot of 1980s cinema while highlighting broader themes about the evolution of filmmaking and the tension between commercial and artistic priorities in Hollywood. The book stands as a cultural document of both the era's movies and the state of film criticism itself.

Readers value Kael's strong opinions and clear voice, though many find this collection less cohesive than her earlier works. Reviews note her sharp cultural commentary and ability to connect films to broader social trends. Readers appreciate: - Deep analysis of 1980s Hollywood transitions - Defense of populist entertainment - Writing style that blends academic insight with conversational tone - Coverage of overlooked films from the period Common criticisms: - Repetitive arguments across multiple reviews - Dated references that require historical context - Less focused than previous collections - Some reviews feel rushed or incomplete Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (182 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Several readers noted that State of the Art works better as a cultural snapshot than a film guide. As one Amazon reviewer wrote: "Kael captures a specific moment in Hollywood's evolution, even when her individual judgments don't hold up." Multiple reviews mentioned that first-time Kael readers should start with earlier collections.

For Keeps: 30 Years at the Movies by Pauline Kael Another essential collection of Kael's film criticism spanning three decades of cinema history from 1965-1991.

When Movies Mattered: Reviews from a Transformative Decade by Dave Kehr Film criticism from the Chicago Reader focused on the pivotal 1970s era through a similar analytical lens as Kael.

The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929-1968 by Andrew Sarris A foundational text of film criticism that provides deep analysis of Hollywood directors and their artistic contributions.

I Lost it at the Movies by Pauline Kael The first collection of Kael's reviews covering 1954-1965, establishing many of the critical approaches used in State of the Art.

The Great Movies by Roger Ebert A compilation of critical essays examining influential films through detailed analysis of technique, performance, and cultural impact.

🎬 Pauline Kael was the first film critic to win a National Book Award, receiving it for her 1974 collection "Deeper into Movies" 📝 She wrote for The New Yorker for 23 years (1968-1991), never watching a movie twice, even when reviewing it 🎯 The mid-1980s period covered in "State of the Art" saw the rise of the modern blockbuster, with films like "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "Ghostbusters" 🌟 Molly Ringwald, whom Kael discusses in the book, became the face of 1980s teen films through her work with director John Hughes in movies like "Sixteen Candles" and "The Breakfast Club" 🎥 Luchino Visconti, one of the directors featured in the collection, was a pioneer of Italian Neorealism and known for his lavish historical films like "The Leopard"