I have a lot of criticisms of my Christian high school, but one thing they never shied away from in English and Media Studies classes was deconstructing and interpreting the texts we studied -- I guess because it’s similar to Bible study. It set me up really well to interpret the information I encounter online, which is a skill I still use daily
Thank you for unpacking this! This might help explain why I gravitate towards your takes so much. I've had a loosely similar background and have appreciated your callouts to texts, symbols, and allusions.
I admit I lost track of your criticism for a spell when you moved from CT to Vox, but the pieces I've read suggest the work of a knowledgeable, caring humanities professor.
Most of the contemporary film critics I'm familiar with are essentially literary critics, chiefly interested in unpacking the mythic structures, archetypal images, and symbols in a given movie. While this methodology is sometimes helpful--the literary bases of films do in fact yield themes to be explored and understood--it often comes at the expense of the kind of theory that acknowledges film as a medium of representation. Looking at authorial intent is important, but let's not forget to treat film qua film!
Excellent reflection on the craft of criticism. Yours are always the first reviews of movies I seek out; You've articulated well what makes your work so compelling. I appreciate your craft; Press on!
I have a lot of criticisms of my Christian high school, but one thing they never shied away from in English and Media Studies classes was deconstructing and interpreting the texts we studied -- I guess because it’s similar to Bible study. It set me up really well to interpret the information I encounter online, which is a skill I still use daily
Thank you for unpacking this! This might help explain why I gravitate towards your takes so much. I've had a loosely similar background and have appreciated your callouts to texts, symbols, and allusions.
This was very illuminating!
Do you think your aphantasia is actually a benefit in this case? As in it helps you approach films from this unique textual angle?
I admit I lost track of your criticism for a spell when you moved from CT to Vox, but the pieces I've read suggest the work of a knowledgeable, caring humanities professor.
Most of the contemporary film critics I'm familiar with are essentially literary critics, chiefly interested in unpacking the mythic structures, archetypal images, and symbols in a given movie. While this methodology is sometimes helpful--the literary bases of films do in fact yield themes to be explored and understood--it often comes at the expense of the kind of theory that acknowledges film as a medium of representation. Looking at authorial intent is important, but let's not forget to treat film qua film!
Excellent reflection on the craft of criticism. Yours are always the first reviews of movies I seek out; You've articulated well what makes your work so compelling. I appreciate your craft; Press on!