Wrong Reviews

Ok, I've criticized Roger (may he turn away from the happy village of Spectre that beckons him, because his true end is many years away, and much more interesting), in my comments here and here, for his sometimes-habit of allowing his morality to prevent an "objective" critique of films. I've called such reviews "Wrong Reviews".

But, in that, I was Wrong. Roger is my favorite critic for many reasons, but chief among them is that he tends to like/dislike the same films that I do, and for similar reasons; consequently, the first and last few lines of his reviews are a pretty good indicator of whether I'll enjoy the movie (I like to leave the rest of his review until after I've seen the film - that way I can savor its flavor without adulterating my own filmgoing experience).

But, as much as Roger's views and mine overlap, the fact is, Roger is not me. He, unlike me, is substantially affected by the morality he perceives to be expressed by a film. It's not his choice - it's just part of his experience when he watches a movie. And when he writes a review, he's sharing his experience with us (albeit in entertaining prose and enriched by his vast knowledge of cinema).

A truly "objective" review would be little more than a synopsis, because movies are as much art as paintings or songs, and while some artists may apply more skill or experience or attention in creating their art, all art is necessarily a subjective experience for its audience. The very best Roger can do is communicate his own experience of the film to us, and thereby be a helpful guide to a necessarily limited subset of moviegoers who tend to have similar responses to films. Moviegoers outside of that subset are truly better off reading A.O. Scott at the NY Times, Time Out New York's movie staff (but *shudder* I hope not...), or some other movie critic (maybe one based outside New York, for example). These people are no less "cultured" or "right" or "smart" or whatever than are Roger and I - they just have different tastes, so they and I probably shouldn't see too many movies together, and they shouldn't spend much time reading Roger's reviews.

But I am part of Roger's audience, and he serves me splendidly, and for this I adore him. I've come to know when I'll disagree with his views, and mostly I agree with them, so he's the best movie compass I have. He steers me away from folly and towards unexpected delights. And then, as a bonus afterwards, I get to smile while reading his musings.

Keep on writing Wrong Reviews now and then, Roger. And I'll keep on loving you.