Pauline Kael, a Pulitzer-winning author who was also a renowned film critic, revolutionized the way movies were discussed and reviewed. Kael’s work not only earned her critical acclaim but also established her as one of the most influential voices in film criticism. Known for her sharp wit, insightful analysis, and passionate opinions, she played a pivotal role in shaping film criticism into an art form.
Throughout her career, Pauline Kael wrote extensively about films, directors, and the movie industry, contributing to publications like The New Yorker. Her reviews were more than just critiques; they were vivid, engaging narratives that captured the essence of cinema. This guide explores the journey of this Pulitzer-winning author who made an indelible mark as a film critic.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Pauline Kael was born on June 19, 1919, in Petaluma, California. In her early life, she avidly pursued her passion for literature and cinema. After dropping out of the University of California, Berkeley, she dabbled in various odd jobs, including working as a seamstress and managing an art-house cinema in Berkeley. It was during these early years that Kael began to write film reviews, often expressing her bold and unorthodox opinions.
The Breakthrough in Film Criticism
Kael’s breakthrough came in 1965 when she published a lengthy essay on the movie “Bonnie and Clyde” in The New Yorker. The essay was a turning point, not only for her career but also for film criticism as a whole. Her impassioned defense of the film’s artistry against mainstream criticism captured the attention of both readers and industry insiders. As a result, she received an offer for a permanent position as a film critic for The New Yorker, where she remained for the next two decades.
Contributions to Film Criticism
Revolutionary Writing Style
Kael gained recognition for her distinctive writing style, which was conversational, highly personal, and often provocative. She wrote with a fearless voice, unafraid to challenge popular opinion or criticize revered filmmakers. Her reviews featured vivid descriptions, witty remarks, and a deep understanding of the filmmaking process. Kael’s ability to connect with her readers on an emotional level set her apart from her contemporaries.
Influential Works and Publications
During her tenure at The New Yorker, Kael wrote some of the most influential film criticism of the 20th century. Her reviews were collected in several books, including “I Lost It at the Movies” (1965), “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” (1968), and “Reeling” (1976). These collections not only cemented her reputation as a leading critic but also influenced a generation of filmgoers and aspiring critics.
Kael’s impact extended beyond print; her radio broadcasts and lectures further amplified her influence. She was an advocate for auteur theory but was also willing to critique it, making her a complex and sometimes controversial figure in the world of film criticism.
Pulitzer Prize Recognition
Recognition and Awards
While Pauline Kael never won the Pulitzer Prize herself, she was awarded the prestigious George Polk Award for her film criticism in 1970. Her contributions to journalism and film criticism were widely recognized, and she was honored with a special citation from the National Book Awards in 1994. Although not a Pulitzer Prize winner in the traditional sense, Kael’s impact and influence were on par with Pulitzer-winning critics.
Legacy and Influence
Kael’s legacy as a film critic is enduring. She inspired countless writers and critics, and her reviews continue to be studied and admired. Her fearless approach to criticism and her ability to articulate the emotional experience of watching a film helped elevate the craft of film reviewing. Kael’s work has been credited with broadening the audience for film criticism and making it an integral part of cultural discourse.
Challenges and Controversies
Criticism of Her Approach
Despite her acclaim, Kael was not without her detractors. Some critics and filmmakers took issue with her sometimes scathing reviews and her tendency to champion certain films while dismissing others. She was known for her strong opinions and wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers, which occasionally led to public spats with directors and fellow critics.
The “Paulettes” Phenomenon
Kael’s influence was so profound that a group of younger critics who shared her style and sensibilities were often referred to as “Paulettes.” This phenomenon highlighted her role as a mentor and influencer in the world of film criticism, though it also sparked debates about the echo chamber effect and the importance of diverse critical voices.
Kael’s Enduring Impact on Film Criticism
Shaping Modern Criticism
Pauline Kael’s approach to film criticism has had a lasting impact on the field. Her insistence on viewing movies as an art form worthy of serious critique helped elevate the standards of film journalism. Today, her reviews are often referenced for their literary quality and insightful commentary.
A Lasting Legacy
Kael passed away in 2001, but her work continues to resonate. Many of her reviews remain relevant, offering insights into both the films of her era and the evolution of cinema as a whole. Contemporary critics who strive to match her wit, passion, and depth of analysis clearly reflect her influence.
Conclusion
Pauline Kael remains one of the most celebrated and influential figures in film criticism. Boldness, wit, and an unyielding passion for movies marked her career as a film critic. Although not a Pulitzer-winning author, her contributions to the field were groundbreaking, earning her a place in the pantheon of great American critics. Kael’s legacy lives on in the countless critics and cinephiles who continue to draw inspiration from her work.
By examining Pauline Kael’s life and career, we gain insight into the transformative power of film criticism and the lasting impact one passionate voice can have on an entire industry.
FAQs: Pulitzer Winning Author Who Was Also a Film Critic
Which Pulitzer-winning author was a film critic?
While Pauline Kael was a renowned film critic, she never won a Pulitzer Prize. However, Roger Ebert is a Pulitzer-winning author who was also a celebrated film critic. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975 and became well known for his work with the Chicago Sun-Times, as well as for co-hosting the popular television show “Siskel & Ebert.”
Who is the Pulitzer-winning author film critic for TIME magazine?
Richard Corliss was a prominent film critic for TIME magazine, but he did not win a Pulitzer Prize. Currently, TIME does not have a Pulitzer-winning film critic on its staff. However, TIME has had many influential critics, including Stephanie Zacharek, who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Criticism in 2015 while working for The Village Voice before joining TIME.
Who was the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize?
Roger Ebert was the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975. His reviews and writings on film had a significant impact on the field, making him one of the most respected and recognizable critics in America.
Who is the famous movie critic?
Roger Ebert is one of the most famous movie critics, known worldwide for his insightful reviews, television shows, and his ability to connect with audiences. Other famous critics include Pauline Kael, Gene Siskel, Leonard Maltin, and Richard Roeper.
Who won the 1975 Pulitzer for criticism?
Roger Ebert won the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. He was the first film critic to receive this prestigious award, which solidified his reputation as a leading voice in film criticism.
Which authors won 4 Pulitzer Prizes?
Robert Frost and Eugene O’Neill are among the authors who won four Pulitzer Prizes. Frost won for his poetry, while O’Neill won for drama. Other notable multiple Pulitzer winners include Carolyn Kizer (3 wins for poetry) and Archibald MacLeish (3 wins for poetry and drama). No film critic has won four Pulitzer Prizes, as the award typically recognizes individual achievements rather than cumulative careers in criticism.
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