Pauline Kael was one of the most influential film critics of the 20th century. Known for her sharp wit and unfiltered opinions, she was not afraid to speak her mind. Throughout her career, Kael wrote insightful and thought-provoking reviews that challenged conventional wisdom and pushed the boundaries of film criticism. Her writing was characterized by its passionate and often controversial nature.
Here are some of the best quotes from Pauline Kael that encapsulate her unique perspective on cinema:
“Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash, we have very little reason to be interested in them.”
“The movies are the greatest escape that people have ever found. They’re a wonderful escape – a great escape even.
“In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.”
“The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”
“A good review is usually a more objective evaluation, but an evaluation by someone who’s passionately involved in the art of movies.”
“The movies are so rarely great art that if we can’t appreciate great trash, we have very little reason to be interested in them.”
“In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.”
“The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”
“A good review is one that together with the credits and category headings, if it’s a hard-core picture, can tell you everything you need to know about a picture – the intention, the presuppositions, the treatment of people, the intellectual, social, and moral values – and, above all, whether it fails or succeeds as art. It gives you a good idea of what the picture is like, what it’s about, how it goes about it, what’s up its sleeve and what it means to say.”
“We come to the movies expecting to enter another world, and we are not excited if that world is a slightly different version of our own – bourgeois escapism. We want something richer and stranger.”
“I’m frequently asked why I don’t write my memoirs, and I think: Because I don’t want to get in any more trouble than I’ve already caused.”
These quotes demonstrate Kael’s passion for film and her commitment to providing honest and insightful criticism. She was never one to shy away from controversy and her unique voice continues to have a lasting impact on the world of film criticism.
Pauline Kael Quotes
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“In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.” |
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“Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash, we have very little reason to be interested in them.” |
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“Good movies make you care, make you believe in possibilities again. If somewhere in the Hollywood-entertainment world someone has managed to break through with something that speaks to you, then it isn’t all corruption. The movie doesn’t have to be great; it can be stupid and empty and you can still have the joy of a good performance, or the joy in just a good line.” |
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“If movies are our dreams, then movie criticism is our dreams’ analysis.” |
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“Criticism starts–and ends–with personal aesthetic experience.” |
Famous Quotes by Pauline Kael
Pauline Kael was a renowned American film critic known for her bold and passionate writing style. Throughout her career, she expressed her strong opinions on various films and filmmakers. Here are some of her famous quotes:
| “In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.” |
| “Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash, we have very little reason to be interested in them.” |
| “The great art of films does not consist of descriptive movement of face and body but in the movements of thought and soul transmitted in a kind of intense isolation.” |
| “A good movie can take you out of your dull funk and the hopelessness that so often goes with slipping into a theatre; a good movie can make you feel alive again, in contact, not just lost in another city. Good movies make you care, make you believe in possibilities again.” |
| “Movies are not about the weekend that they’re released, and in the grand scheme of things, that’s probably the most unimportant time of a film’s life.” |
| “What we respond to in any work of art is the artist’s struggle against his or her limitations.” |
| “When we champion a good movie that bombs, it’s not a mistake. It’s a moral, political choice.” |
These quotes reflect Pauline Kael’s strong belief in the power of cinema as an art form and her dedication to championing the films she believed in, regardless of their commercial success. Her distinctive and compelling voice continues to influence film criticism to this day.
Inspirational Pauline Kael Quotes
1. Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.
2. To me, popcorn is not a snack. It’s a lifestyle.
3. I get a kick out of being an outsider constantly. It allows me to be creative.
4. People don’t want to be sold on movie. They want to experience it.
5. Movies touch our hearts and awaken our vision, and change the way we see things. They take us to other places, they open doors and minds. Movies are the memories of our lifetime.
6. I think the enemy of film is of course reality and films are best when they manage poetry by reducing the element of reality and emphasizing only the poetic. It’s the same with literature and painting and anything else that deals with the creative material of life – we must lose our senses to gain our senses.
7. In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.
8. Film criticism is one of the most important forms of criticism because it allows people to experience things from a different perspective and engage with art on a deeper level.
9. Don’t worry about what you should be like or what you should do. Just let yourself be what you want to be and do what you want to do.
10. Movie watching is a visceral experience. It’s about turning off your brain, relaxing and enjoying the ride.
Thought-Provoking Quotes by Pauline Kael
Pauline Kael, a renowned American film critic, was known for her insightful and controversial perspectives on cinema. Her eloquent and thought-provoking quotes continue to resonate with film enthusiasts and spark discussions within the industry. Here are some of her most memorable quotes:
“In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.”
“We all love movies, but why is that so often only the worst ones get talked about? Criticism is the only way to make sense of it all.”
“Movies are not about the big picture, they are about the small moments that touch us on a profound level. It’s the subtle gestures, the nuanced performances, and the intimate stories that truly make a film great.”
“Film criticism is not just about judging a movie, it’s about understanding it. It’s about dissecting the director’s choices, analyzing the performances, and exploring the deeper meaning behind the story.”
“The best films are the ones that challenge us, that make us question and reflect on our own beliefs and values. They don’t give us easy answers; instead, they open up new possibilities and expand our understanding of the world.”
“Great movies have the power to transport us to different time periods, cultures, and even dimensions. They allow us to experience things we would never be able to in our own lives, and in doing so, they broaden our horizons and enrich our souls.”
“Film is a collaborative art form, and it’s important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of everyone involved. From the director and actors to the cinematographer and editor, each person plays a vital role in bringing a movie to life.”
“Cinema has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and laughter to sadness and anger. It has the power to move us in ways that few other art forms can, and that is why it will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
“Film criticism should never be about tearing down a movie or dismissing it outright. It should be about engaging with the work on a deep level, acknowledging its flaws while also recognizing its strengths, and ultimately fostering a greater appreciation for the art of filmmaking.”
“Movies are more than just entertainment; they are a reflection of our society, our values, and our collective consciousness. They have the power to shape the way we see the world and challenge us to think differently. That is why film criticism is so important–it helps us make sense of the stories we see on screen and understand their broader significance.”
These quotes from Pauline Kael demonstrate her passion for the medium of film and the art of criticism. They encourage us to delve deeper into the movies we watch and approach them with a critical eye, while also celebrating their ability to inspire, challenge, and entertain.
Memorable Quotes from Pauline Kael
- “In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.”
- “A movie is never too intense for me if it’s a good movie.”
- “In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.”
- “Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash, we have very little reason to be interested in them.”
- “I’m frequently criticized for being too interested in surface appearances, but I think that when you’re a movie critic, it’s necessary to be interested in surface appearances.”
- “I don’t trust any critic who doesn’t admit that he or she is an instrument of power.”
- “When it comes to the point where you occasionally look forward to being alone – almost as if you were looking forward to catching up on your sleep – that is probably as near to being dead as you’ll ever be.”
- “Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash, we have very little reason to be interested in them.”
- “In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.”
- “I’m frequently criticized for being too interested in surface appearances, but I think that when you’re a movie critic, it’s necessary to be interested in surface appearances.”
- “I don’t trust any critic who doesn’t admit that he or she is an instrument of power.”
- “When it comes to the point where you occasionally look forward to being alone – almost as if you were looking forward to catching up on your sleep – that is probably as near to being dead as you’ll ever be.”
- “I don’t think Hollywood was trying so much to portray me as a black man as it was to portray me as a person who can relate to black people.”
Pauline Kael Quotes on Film
“Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash we have very little reason to be interested in them.”
Pauline Kael believed that even if a movie is not considered high art, it can still hold value and be appreciated for its entertainment value or its ability to evoke emotions.
“I’m frequently appalled by the books I read, the plays and movies I see, and the television shows and records I hear. Yet I’ve always found it difficult to fault the audience. It’s too easy.”
This quote reflects Kael’s belief that it is unfair to blame the audience for enjoying films that she might find lacking in quality. She acknowledged that taste in movies is subjective and that what one person enjoys might differ from what another person enjoys.
“When we championed trash culture, we had no idea it would become the only culture.”
Kael’s statement here speaks to her concern about the increasing prevalence of “trash culture” in the film industry. She believed that the focus on commercial success and high-concept films was overshadowing the potential for genuine artistic expression in cinema.
“The movie’s assumption of a bond between audience, performer, and subject is where movie acting comes closest to reflecting the way we really are.”
According to Kael, one of the strengths of film is its ability to create an intimate bond between the audience, the performers, and the subjects of the film. She believed that this connection is what makes movie acting compelling and relatable.
“The movies are probably like the bars: The best ones attract people, and the worst ones attract other kinds of people.”
This quote highlights Kael’s belief that people’s taste in movies can say a lot about their preferences and interests. Just as different bars attract different types of people, different movies attract different types of viewers.
“Movies are so much a part of our lives that to love them properly we’d have to believe we have a proper life.”
Kael recognized the significant role that movies play in people’s lives and believed that to truly appreciate them, one must believe in living a fulfilled and meaningful life. She saw movies as not just a form of entertainment, but as an integral part of the human experience.
Pauline Kael Quotes on Art and Culture
“Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash, we have very little reason to be interested in them.”
“Artists don’t thrive on repeat business. They thrive on their work being experienced as a transforming experience every time.”
“Movies are our national theater. They are the medium through which we live now and make our fictional lives.”
“The arts are not a way to make a living, but a very human way of making life more bearable.”
“To me, the point of art is to show people something they hadn’t seen before, something they couldn’t have thought of.”
“A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists.”
“Art is never finished, only abandoned.”
“Art and culture are not meant to comfort the disturbed, but to disturb the comfortable.”
“Film criticism is a celebration of all the things we love about cinema, and also a way to hold it accountable when it falls short.”
Pauline Kael Quotes on Criticism
1. “In criticism, I will be omnivorous. I am willing to go anywhere and try anything. I don’t see how you can be a critic if you have fixed tastes. That seems to me a contradiction in terms. You have to be open to the possibilities of art and culture and not limit yourself.”
2. “Criticism is an art form in itself. It requires knowledge, insight, and the ability to communicate your thoughts effectively. A good critic can make you see a film in a whole new light, or appreciate a book in a way you never thought possible.”
3. “Criticism should challenge, provoke, and inspire. It should push boundaries and question the status quo. A good critic is not afraid to be controversial, to go against the grain, and to take risks in their analysis.”
4. “A critic should never be a cheerleader or a sycophant. Their role is to provide honest and thoughtful analysis, even if it means being critical. They should be able to separate their personal opinions from their professional judgment and provide fair and balanced assessments.”
5. “Criticism is not about tearing things down, but about building a deeper understanding and appreciation for the arts. It is about fostering a dialogue between the artist and the audience, and creating a space for meaningful discussions and debates.”
6. “Criticism is subjective, but that doesn’t mean it is arbitrary. A good critic can articulate their thoughts and opinions in a way that is persuasive and backed up by evidence. They can make a strong case for why they believe what they believe.”
7. “Criticism is not about being right or wrong, but about offering insights and perspectives that may not have been considered before. It is about contributing to the ongoing conversation about art and culture and enriching our understanding of the world around us.”
Pauline Kael Quotes on the Power of Cinema
“Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash we have very little reason to be interested in them.”
“Movies are a societal conduit for our emotions, fantasies, and desires. They have the power to transport us to different times, places, and situations, allowing us to experience worlds beyond our own.”
“Through cinema, we can explore the depths of human emotions, the intricacies of relationships, and the complexity of the human condition. It is through film that we can witness the power of storytelling and the artistry of filmmaking.”
“Film has the ability to ignite our imagination, to challenge our preconceived notions, and to provoke discussion and debate. It is a medium that can inspire and enlighten, and it has the potential to change the way we see the world.”
“Cinema has the power to shape culture and society. It can influence our values, beliefs, and perceptions. It can expose us to different perspectives and challenge the status quo. Through cinema, we can confront our biases and prejudices, and gain a better understanding of ourselves and others.”
“Movies are more than just entertainment. They are a reflection of who we are as a society, a mirror that allows us to see ourselves and the world around us. They have the power to move us, to make us laugh, cry, and think. Movies have the ability to touch our hearts and minds in a way that few other art forms can.”
“The power of cinema lies in its ability to connect us, to bridge the gap between different cultures and experiences. It allows us to walk in someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes. It fosters empathy and understanding, and reminds us of our shared humanity.”
“Film is a universal language, a medium that speaks to people across borders and barriers. It has the power to unite us, to bring people together and create a sense of community. Through cinema, we can find common ground and discover the things that make us all human.”