Pauline Kael’s film criticism wasn’t just about rating movies; it was a radical act of engaging with cinema as a vital, messy, and intensely personal experience. Her “art,” as revealed in What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael Film, lay in her ability to translate this subjective passion into prose that not only dissected films but also ignited debate and redefined the very act of watching movies.
The Heart of Kael: Passion and Provocation
Kael’s impact on film criticism is undeniable, but what exactly constituted her unique artistic approach? The documentary What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael Film, directed by Rob Garver, argues that Kael’s brilliance stemmed from her deeply subjective and fiercely independent voice. She eschewed academic detachment, embracing instead a visceral connection to the cinematic experience. She didn’t simply analyze; she reacted, often with savage wit and unapologetic enthusiasm. This personal engagement, bordering on confrontation, is what made her criticism both captivating and controversial. Her willingness to challenge established norms and express unpopular opinions, even at the cost of professional relationships, defined her style. It wasn’t just about evaluating a film’s technical merits or narrative structure; it was about exploring its emotional resonance and its impact on the viewer’s consciousness.
Kael’s work wasn’t devoid of intellectual rigor. She possessed a keen understanding of film history and theory, but she refused to let these academic frameworks dictate her reactions. Instead, she used them as tools to illuminate her own subjective experience, crafting reviews that were as much about her as they were about the films themselves. This self-awareness and unabashed subjectivity allowed her to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. They didn’t always agree with her, but they were always engaged, provoked, and ultimately, forced to confront their own biases and assumptions about cinema.
This approach wasn’t universally appreciated. Critics accused her of being impulsive, inconsistent, and even vulgar. However, her supporters argued that these very qualities were the source of her strength. She cut through the pretensions of intellectual snobbery and spoke directly to the visceral pleasures and emotional truths that cinema could offer. She championed the power of instinct and the validity of subjective experience in a world often dominated by objective analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pauline Kael’s Film Art
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the nuances of Pauline Kael’s unique approach to film criticism:
H3: What was Pauline Kael’s overall critical philosophy?
Kael’s philosophy was rooted in experiential criticism. She believed that the most important thing was how a film made you feel. She rejected rigid theoretical frameworks and prioritized her gut reactions and emotional responses. This is why her writing is often described as passionate, subjective, and even impulsive. She wanted readers to connect with her experience, not just understand her analysis.
H3: How did Kael’s background influence her writing style?
Kael’s upbringing in rural California, far from the East Coast intellectual circles that dominated film criticism, shaped her unconventional and independent voice. Her early experiences as a bohemian artist and playwright instilled in her a deep appreciation for art’s ability to provoke and challenge. This outsider perspective allowed her to approach cinema with fresh eyes, unburdened by the established orthodoxies of the time.
H3: Why was Kael so controversial in her time?
Kael’s controversial reputation stemmed from her unflinching honesty and willingness to challenge established norms. She wasn’t afraid to criticize beloved directors or champion overlooked films. Her outspoken opinions and sharp wit often ruffled feathers, particularly in a field dominated by more academic and reserved voices. She also had a penchant for attacking specific people, a tactic that drew significant criticism.
H3: What were some of Kael’s most famous critical battles?
Some of Kael’s most famous critical battles included her defense of Bonnie and Clyde against early negative reviews, her scathing critiques of Stanley Kubrick, and her championing of filmmakers like Brian De Palma. Her disagreements with other critics, particularly Andrew Sarris, were legendary, representing a clash between her subjective, experiential approach and Sarris’ more structuralist perspective.
H3: What specific qualities defined Kael’s writing style?
Kael’s writing style was characterized by its vivid imagery, rhythmic prose, and conversational tone. She used metaphor and analogy liberally, bringing films to life with her evocative descriptions. Her prose was often considered more literary than strictly critical, blurring the lines between analysis and personal essay. Her style aimed to immerse the reader in her experience of the film.
H3: How did Kael influence the landscape of film criticism?
Kael’s influence on film criticism is profound. She democratized the field, making it more accessible to general audiences. She showed that criticism could be passionate, personal, and even entertaining. Her emphasis on subjective experience paved the way for a new generation of critics who embraced their own voices and perspectives.
H3: What are some common criticisms leveled against Kael’s work?
Common criticisms of Kael’s work include accusations of inconsistency, subjectivity bordering on impulsiveness, and a tendency to elevate personal preferences above objective analysis. Some argued that her writing was more about her own cleverness than about the films themselves. Others criticized her for being too dismissive of certain genres and filmmakers.
H3: How did Kael choose which films to review?
While specifics varied, Kael largely chose films that excited or provoked her. She wasn’t interested in simply filling space or following trends. She sought out movies that offered something unique, whether it was artistic innovation, emotional depth, or simply a thrilling cinematic experience.
H3: What is the lasting legacy of Pauline Kael’s work?
Kael’s lasting legacy lies in her democratization of film criticism and her emphasis on the importance of personal experience. She empowered readers to trust their own instincts and engage with cinema on a deeper level. Her writing continues to inspire and provoke, reminding us that film is not just an art form, but a deeply personal and transformative experience.
H3: How can aspiring film critics learn from Pauline Kael’s approach?
Aspiring film critics can learn from Kael’s approach by embracing their own unique perspectives, developing a distinctive voice, and prioritizing honest and passionate engagement with cinema. It’s important to study film history and theory, but also to trust your own gut reactions and articulate them in a compelling and engaging way.
H3: What are some recommended texts to further explore Kael’s work?
Recommended texts for further exploring Kael’s work include I Lost It at the Movies, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Deeper Into Movies, and For Keeps: 30 Years at the Movies. These collections showcase her range, wit, and uncompromising critical voice. What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael Film documentary itself is a fantastic starting point.
H3: Did Kael ever direct or write her own screenplays?
No, Kael never directed a film or wrote a screenplay. Her creative outlet was primarily through her writing and criticism. However, she did wield significant influence within the film industry, particularly through her powerful position at The New Yorker. Her opinions could make or break careers and influence the success of films.
Conclusion: The Enduring Voice
Pauline Kael’s art wasn’t just about writing reviews; it was about engaging with cinema as a living, breathing entity. What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael Film beautifully captures this essence, reminding us that film criticism at its best is not just about analysis, but about passion, provocation, and the unwavering pursuit of truth. Her legacy endures, inspiring us to watch movies with open eyes and speak our minds with fearless honesty.