PearlyBooks

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Product Description
Once upon a time there were professional film makers and professional critics. They didn't always agree, but there was a mutual respect. It is very different now. Starting with the celebrated TV fight between Ken Russell and Alexander Walker (the former hit the latter with a rolled up copy of his Evening Standard review!) and ending with his own admission to Steven Spielberg of a major error of judgement, Mark Kermode takes us on a journey across the modern cinematic landscape. We are all critics now and, as the professional role diminishes, the democratic opportunities of the internet have created a new monster. Relying on speed of response, rather than considered reaction, these new critics have stolen the thunder of their paid up counterparts. But there is a dark side, the shocking deceptions hidden behind the facade of our digital world's new and supposedly democratic alternative, 'the honest, unmediated audience response'. Mark questions the future of any and all genuinely impartial criticism when reviews are systemically corrupted by bribery, vote-rigging, cyber-stalking, and sock-puppetry. And he asks that crucial question, what kind of films would we have if we listened to what the audience thinks it wants?
About the Author
Outspoken, opinionated, and never lost for words, Mark Kermode has carved out a career in print, radio, and television based entirely on the belief that The Exorcist is the greatest movie ever made and that the Pirates of the Caribbean films should be buried in a very deep hole where they can never bother anyone ever again.
Review
Really loved it -- Stephen Fry A wry, robust and developed defence of accountable critical voices Total Film Mark Kermode puts up a spirited argument for honesty, integrity and individuality. An opinionated, funny and meandering study of films and their critical reception, it reminds us of the importance of standing by your view Daily Mail Entertainingly incendiary stuff Empire Very accessible, entertaining and relevant ... warmly recommended -- Den of Geek Engaging, informative and funny ... a thoroughly enjoyable and accessible book ... buy it now Vada Populist, entertaining ... A very personal examination of the usefulness and value of film criticism ... Will delight fans of Kermode's previous books, and offers a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain into the life of a professional film critic Verite A passionate history of his craft [from] Britain's premier film critic Sp!ked Mark Kermode, perhaps the UK's most prominent film critic and certainly one of its most respected, covers all the big issues involved in writing reviews: being honest and only saying things you actually believe, trying to get the facts right, writing well, being entertaining, and, sometimes, changing your mind ... It's funny, moving and angry Theaker's Quarterly Insightful, erudite ... relaxed and witty -- HeyUGuys Puts a populist, accessible front on concepts that lesser authors turn into psychobabble -- Jonathan Clements, MangaUK Entertaining ... lively ... valiant ... he still reacts to cinema with the open-minded enthusiasm of someone who sees going to the pictures as a treat New Statesman Very good -- Mark Cousins His enthusiasm for film and film criticism is infectious The List Brilliantly puts the shifting sands of contemporary film criticism under the microscope -- Digital Spy A riveting read ... essential for anyone who is even remotely interested in movies -- I'm With Geek Annoying, irritating -- Will Self Guardian