So you want to be a film critic. The next question is... what do you do in today's modern society in order to follow in the footsteps of such writers as Roger Ebert and Michael Phillips? As "Film Critic" author Laremy Legel notes in his opening chapter, there hasn't been a definitive book that covers the process and avenues to do just this. He decided to set the record straight by becoming the first author of the pinnacle book on how to become a film critic with the bluntly titled quick read of a book. Is Legel successful in covering the bases, or is he just grasping straws?
What makes "Film Critic" a compelling book is that it almost serves as an autobiography of Laremy Legel's rise from failed fiction writer to critic through almost happenstance. Writing recaps on reality shows, he managed to rise to take the domain Film.com and make it one of the premiere film criticism websites. Since, he has also worked for Rope of Silicon and hosts the Brad N Laremy podcast with Brad Brevet. It is almost necessary to say this because the way that Legel approaches the rest of the book is a personal manner that while informative, reflects someone who has been around for a decade, made a few friends and enemies, and has had to deal with every type of junket and screening imaginable.
"Film Critic" is not an easy answers book. It does not give out phone numbers or ways to make a quick buck. Throughout the book, Legel suggests that writers take some time writing for free until they have a style. Once then, financial politics will play into the next move. In fact, with the amount of debilitating events mentioned in the book, it almost serves as an encouragement story when times are down, if just because you get to talk to Darren Aronofsky about the ending of the Wrestler.
Legel's voice is very easy to follow. While he tends to use industry terms to describe activities, he seems comfortable writing about his topics without making them sound complicated. Inserting his opinion into everything, he almost comes off as the quintessential critic buddy. This makes the rest of the read easier, especially as he dives into discussions about financial gain, how to impact the film industry despite being sexist, and also the various mediums that film criticism can go in. He notably mentions podcasts as a way to strengthen one's voice, a move which I highly endorse as a seasoned host.
Of course, there is the inevitable rejection section. Legel presents many examples of when he was rejected, with evidence to back it up. His first review, which was for the Notebook, is presented in its four page entirety, and it serves more as a dull thesis to the film than a review. At very least, this is an example of how not everyone is perfect. He event presents some examples, including V for Vendetta, in which his reviews attract attention for varying reasons that are more based on the commenter's personal politics. Of course, as he reveals, brevity is the key to success, and luckily these are vast improvements on his the Notebook review. Agree or disagree, he is unashamed to explain how he has evolved as a writer, speaker, and analyzer.
Most of all, he writes like an unapologetic film fan, not a fanboy. He has people he admires, and his occasional references only add to the casual tone that makes this almost too accessible to even people not wanting to be film critics. There's plenty of juicy material, and it all flies by so quickly that soon the history of how film criticism works has been put into your head in 20 minutes. While his reviews are a little suspect at times, I feel like "Film Critic," as a whole, is such an impressive body of work that works in two ways. It works as a whole and almost like Legel's personal biography. It also works in sections, meaning that very few are tied together enough that you'll miss something. At very least, this can serve as a reference guide upon completion.
While the book is great, it is simple information. At very least, "Film Critic" should be seen as the encouragement for those considering to take another step. He knows it is hard, but there's so much positive that it will all pay off eventually. At very least, you'll have a wider audience and more people to talk to, as he name drops varying critics from various websites. What makes this even more enticing is that this interesting man has another book in him, tentatively titled "Film Critic 2" in which he tackles online criticism. At least, that is according to the numerous teases throughout "Film Critic." If it is anything like this book, it will be a must buy when it finally comes out.
Comments
Post a Comment