Film criticism is almost as old as film itself. In this seminar, we will examine what prominent critics have written about the cinema and explore how they use words to review and clarify a predominantly visual medium. How do critics like Roger Ebert, Pauline Kael, and Andrew Sarris approach the task of distilling what they experience in the theater into reviews on the page? What kinds of critical approaches do different critics adopt, and how do their outlooks differ and affect how they perceive the films they watch? This seminar will expose students to prominent critics from the history of film and offer suggestions for further reading to those with an interest in the medium.

Please note: This class or event will be held online (using Zoom or a similar live platform). To participate, students or attendees should have a stable internet connection. Class participants: you should have a computer or device with a webcam and microphone; and your Zoom link will be automatically sent to you after you register. Check your spam box if you don't see it.