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John Simon on Film Criticism 1982-2001: A Critical Appraisal of His Work

Leon Foster

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Published in John Simon On Film: Criticism 1982 2001 (Applause Books)

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John Simon was one of the most influential film critics of the 20th century. His work was characterized by its wit, erudition, and uncompromising standards. He was a master of the critical essay, and his writing is still studied by aspiring critics today.

John Simon on Film: Criticism 1982-2001 (Applause Books)

by Glenn Meyer

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	680 pages
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Simon was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1925. He came to the United States in 1938, and he began his career as a film critic in the early 1950s. He wrote for a variety of publications, including The New Leader, The New Republic, and The New York Times. In 1982, he published his first book of film criticism, "Reverse Angle: A Decade of American Films." This was followed by a number of other books, including "The View from Mount Olympus" (1995) and "The Awful Truth" (2001).

Simon's criticism was often controversial. He was not afraid to attack popular films, and he was often critical of the film industry itself. However, he was also a champion of good cinema, and he was always willing to give credit where it was due. His writing was always well-informed, and he had a deep understanding of film history and theory.

Simon's strengths as a critic include his wit, erudition, and uncompromising standards. He was a gifted writer, and his essays are still a pleasure to read. He was also a fearless critic, and he was not afraid to speak his mind. However, his weaknesses include his occasional harshness and his tendency to be dismissive of films that did not meet his high standards.

Overall, John Simon was a major figure in the world of film criticism. His work is still relevant today, and he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring critics.

Strengths

Wit
Erudition
Uncompromising standards
Gifted writer
Fearless critic

Weaknesses

Occasional harshness
Tendency to be dismissive of films that did not meet his high standards

John Simon was one of the most influential film critics of the 20th century. His work is still relevant today, and he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring critics.

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A Black And White Photo Of John Simon, A Film Critic, Wearing A Suit And Tie. John Simon On Film: Criticism 1982 2001 (Applause Books)