Pauline Kael

Definition

Pauline Kael was a highly influential American film critic known for her passionate, witty, and often controversial reviews that shaped film criticism in the latter half of the 20th century. Her work emphasized the importance of personal taste in film analysis and contributed significantly to the rise of auteur theory, which celebrates the director as the primary creative force behind a film.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kael was a prominent critic for The New Yorker from 1968 to 1991, where her reviews were celebrated for their sharp insight and engaging prose.
2. She championed filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Robert Altman, helping to elevate their works within mainstream culture.
3. Her criticism often emphasized the emotional impact of films over technical aspects, advocating for a more subjective approach to film appreciation.
4. Kael's collection of essays, 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,' is one of her most famous works and illustrates her distinctive voice and viewpoint on cinema.
5. Despite her acclaim, Kael faced criticism for her polarizing opinions and sometimes harsh reviews that could influence public perception of films and filmmakers.

Review Questions

• How did Pauline Kael's writing style influence the way film criticism was perceived in her time?
  • Pauline Kael's writing style was marked by its passion and wit, which resonated with both audiences and filmmakers. Her ability to blend personal anecdotes with critical analysis made her reviews not only informative but also entertaining. This approach helped shift the perception of film criticism from dry academic analysis to a more engaging and subjective discourse, encouraging readers to develop their own tastes and opinions about films.
• In what ways did Pauline Kael contribute to the development of auteur theory through her reviews?
  • Pauline Kael's reviews played a crucial role in popularizing auteur theory by highlighting the unique voices and visions of directors. She frequently focused on how an individual director’s style shaped the narrative and emotional impact of their films. By celebrating directors as the primary creative force behind their works, she reinforced the idea that films could be analyzed through the lens of personal artistry, thus legitimizing auteurism in mainstream film criticism.
• Evaluate the impact of Pauline Kael's criticism on contemporary film culture and discourse around filmmaking.
  • Pauline Kael's impact on contemporary film culture is profound; her approach to criticism encouraged audiences to engage more deeply with films while fostering an environment where subjective opinions were valued. By challenging conventional notions of taste and elevating underappreciated filmmakers, she reshaped discourse around filmmaking. Her legacy endures as critics today often draw upon her style and philosophies, promoting an ongoing dialogue about the importance of personal interpretation in understanding cinema.

Related terms

Auteur Theory: A film theory that posits the director as the principal author of a film, asserting that their unique style and vision can be seen as a signature in their work.

Cinephilia: The love or passion for cinema, which often drives individuals to engage deeply with films and film culture.

Film Criticism: The practice of analyzing and evaluating films, often involving discussions of aesthetics, narrative, performance, and cultural significance.