As I always try to look for some new way to expand my offerings, I have decided to keep an eye out across the world of entertainment news and try my hand at news reporting/commentary on stories that catch my eye. Obviously, I cannot cover everything, nor will I be able to cover most of it, or much of it at all. What I will do is catch whatever I can as I can and hope that it delivers something new to you.
Roger Ebert on the Critic's Purpose
Not really a news piece, but Roger Ebert posted a column called "'Critic' is a four-letter word". It is a fantastic piece that anyone who aspires to be a critic, thinks they are a critic, or wants to get into writing should read. It offers insight into how Mr. Ebert approaches the job, where he gets his inspiration, and how important the job can be to the art world.
In the column he references the great critic speech at the end of Ratatouille, using it to point out the importance of seeing and defending the "new." I found this to be a telling portion of the article. Think about it. Many think that critics only exist to tear films down and/or to promote an elitist agenda. I do not doubt that this may be true in some cases, but it is far from the whole truth.
I wonder how many great films, creators, performers would have slipped by unnoticed if not for the critic. Critics take their accumulated experience and use it to help recognize what is good, what is not, and offer their educated opinion on it. This includes new voices, things that are different, and things that push boundaries in the medium. The critic also has the ability to explain their positions, not allowing themselves to be content with saying "I like it" or "It's terrible." That is no way to go about forming an opinion. On top of that, reading critics and their thoughts will help the non-critic get in touch with why they like or dislike something, making them confront themselves and formulate taste.
I can only hope to be the tiniest bit like Mr. Ebert. The man is a treasure. Do yourself a favor, go read his column and then stick around to read some of his reviews.
Hammer Films Begins Production on The Wake Wood
Yes, you read that headline correctly. You did see the words "hammer" and "films" placed together in the context of a new film production. The news is being reported over at Bloody Disgusting that Hammer Films has commenced production on a new original film called The Wake Wood.
Article comments
1 - Brad Laidman
I love Ebert - he's got some biases that I understand, but he's always got his heart in the right place and he's always eloquent.
Don't ever expect Roger to give a bad review to Spike Lee or Martin Scorcese, but I can live with that.
It's interesting because I live in Cleveland and spent all morning reading about how the Cleveland Plain Dealer took their expert classical music critic off of his beat after 16 years for being too negative toward the Cleveland Orchestra.
2 - Jordan Richardson
Great piece by Ebert. Thanks for providing that, Chris. I'm really enjoying your news bites. Cool stuff!
3 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks Jordan, just trying to expand what little I can offer. Sometimes these things are just great reads (not my comments, the original columns), and I just love Ebert, the guy is above all else a fan of movies. Not many "get it" the way he gets it.