Critics not only influence audiences on which films to attend,
they also affect scholarly opinion. The critical reviews of Kael, Canby
and Maslin are often taught in conjunction with the theories of Derrida, Metz
and Hugo. The following sources are intended to direct the reader to
some of the "greats" as well as providing them with more commercial
and up-to-date reviews and reviewers.
Kael, Pauline. 5001 Nights at the Movies. New York : Henry Holt, c 1991.
Davis: PN1995 .K19 1991
Widely considered one of the foremost film critics of our time,
Pauline Kael's reviews are continually referred to and called upon by
film professors and other critics alike. Now retired from her post
at the NewYorker, review collections like this one are essential.
Arranged in alphabetical order with original language movie titles
included, this source lists the release date, language, and any cross
references (to other films & review collections) in addition to the
original review of the film.
Film Review Annual [serial]. Published: Englewood, NJ : J.S. Ozer, c1982-
Davis Reference Row 17: PN1995 .F465
This annual
provides an exhaustive collection of film reviews for any full-length feature
film released in a major market in the US from 1981 to 1995.
Arranged alphabetically by film title, each entry contains a complete
production citation including running time and MPAA rating. The reviews themselves
are arranged alphabetically by publication. This source has an amazing
collection of indices (10 for older editions, 8 currently) including ones
for directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, editors, music and production crew.
An indispensable source, extremely handy in that several reviews are
centrally located for a film.
The New York Times Film Reviews [serial]. Published: New York, New York Times.
Davis Reference Row 17: PN1995 .N4
Another key source for film reviews, contemporary and classic.
Particularly valuable for its original reviews dating back to 1913 (covering 16,000 film reviews from 1913-1968).
Listed in chronological order, it is easy to use and includes a title index & personal name index.
Important source for some of the foremost contemporary critics; Janet Maslin, Caryn James, and Vincent Canby.
Variety international Film Guide [serial].
London : Andre Deutsch ; Hollywood : Samuel French, c1989-
Davis: PN1993.3 .I544
Entries are arranged in alphabetical order by country, this source reports on filmmaking
around the world. Provides current filmographies (recent and forthcoming films)
for each country annually, most include full plot descriptions and production
information. This source is very straightforward and easy to use.
The critical essays that accompany each country/section are well-written and
informative, giving a brief overview of the current film situation in that
particular country.
Internet Movie Database. 1990-1998 Internet Movie Database Limited
(part of the Amazon.com group of companies).
Available online at this location -- http://us.imdb.com/
Very helpful, this site is extremely easy to navigate, providing the user with up to date reviews,
articles and links to contemporary (although primarily commercial) films.
Updated continuously, it is hyperlinked within the database, as well as to numerous external sites.
Its stated objective is to provide useful and up to date movie information freely available on-line,
across as many systems and platforms as possible. It currently covers over 170,479 titles with over 2,462,516
filmography entries and is expanding continuously.
Leslie Halliwell. Halliwell's Film Guide (U.S. ed.). New York : Scribner's, 1998.
Davis Reference Desk: PN1993.45 .H27
Entries are arranged in alphabetical order. Reviews and star ratings
for 20,000 films, together with
technical and creative production credits and critic's comments.
Also provides an index to four star films.
Very useful guide, annotations are succinct and clever.
Leonard Maltin. Leonard Maltin's Movie and Video Guide. New York, N.Y. : Plume, 1995
UL: PN1993 .L46
Provides reviews and star rating for over 20,000 films.
Includes details of directors
and cast with an index of leading directors and stars. Entries are
arranged in alphabetical order making it extremely easy to use. Although
descriptive and concise, this reviewer's style leans more to the pedestrian
rather than academic. A good starting tool.
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