A conversation with film critic Stanley Kauffmann

with Stanley Kauffmann
in Movies, TV & Theater, Current Affairs
on Thursday, July 9, 1998 * * * * *

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A conversation with Stanley Kauffmann, film critic for "The New Republic" for forty years, about his career as a critic, the history of movies, the craft of film criticism and the future of modern film.

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Keywords:
The New Republic
Stanley Kauffmann
cinema
classic films
movies
film critic

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    1. Steve Van Dien  07/29/2008 08:17 PM Report

      Ten years later, 92-year-old Stanley Kauffmann is still at work. I've read his books and journalism since 1982. He helped me realize that for better or worse, I too am a critic. And I have learned more from Kauffmann's work than my present writing ability can adequately articulate.

      Kauffmann is the best contemporary American film critic, and -- with James Agee, Otis Ferguson, Dwight Macdonald, John Simon and Vernon Young -- one of the best in film history. His broad background in the arts, particularly literature, theater and music, gives him an especially broad perspective.

      And Kauffmann, by damn, can write. As Roger Ebert has noted, Kauffmann can express a great deal with only a few words.

      I don't always agree with him. But reading Kauffmann always makes me reevaluate my opinions. He makes his readers think deeply and carefully. And since criticism is an art -- not a science -- encouraging thought about a creative endeavor (indeed, about whether any such endeavor is art or isn't art) is the critic's most important role.

      Echoing Gore Vidal's comment about V.S. Pritchett, it would be nice if Stanley Kauffman could live forever.

    2. Stephen Grecco  12/28/2007 11:05 AM Report

      Dear Charlie,

      On July 9, 1998 you interviewed the noted film critic Stanley Kauffmann and you concluded your interview with a promise to bring him back soon to discuss film criticism. I'm still waiting for this magical moment. Mr. Kauffmann, who will turn 92 on April 24, will soon celebrate his 50th year reviewing films for the New Republic. Please feature America's best film critic again in the very near future. As one of his former students, I just can't wait to hear him talk again about what is happening today in the film world. I'm sure your legion of fans would also enjoy his return visit to your show.

      Thank you--and Happy New Year.

      Stephen Grecco

      1103 S. Garner Street

      State College, PA 16801

      (814) 238-6825