
- Replacements for “At the Movies”
July 22, 2008 - An interview with Scott Prendergast, writer, director and star of KABLUEY
July 9, 2008 - FilmRadar Field Trip July 5th to see GONZO
July 4, 2008 - A visit to the set of “Dark and Stormy Night”
July 3, 2008


discomfort with labels
Recently someone was talking to me about FilmRadar and they referred to me as a film critic. I immediately said, “OH NO I’m not a critic---not at all!!!” Admittedly, my tone was very defensive. Then it left me wondering why I had such an immediate revulsion to that comment and specifically to the word “critic.” By definition to be a critic means to criticize. When I was in film school, I remember that the criticism was so painful. It often left me feeling belittled and discouraged. I felt as if I had no talent and no potential to ever develop any. I have spoken with other people I went to school with who felt the same way. I guess for anyone who is creative, encouragement or a positive word is much like oxygen.
Sometimes people send me little fan e-mails about FilmRadar and often site certain movies they saw and enjoyed that were posted on the calendar, etc. I actually save every one of these e-mails. When I have a terrible day, these e-mails help me. They remind me that my work is on some small level being enjoyed. They give me hope to keep on keeping on. I guess the label of “critic” carries with it (for me at least) some very negative connotations.
Then in a separate conversation someone introduced me as a “historian”. While I didn’t get annoyed by that, I demurred and said that I didn’t feel right with that label. I always saw a historian as someone who had books and articles published and/or a Master’s or PHD. I have a BA in Film and have done the historic cemetery tour at Hollywood Forever for 6 years now and been on TCM....but I don’t know that it makes me a historian.
I guess I would describe myself as a film enthusiast or connoisseur or even aficionado. I hate labels to be honest.
Just don’t call me a critic!
First Comment:
I’m not totally sure what I am, either. I’m perfectly fine with the label “movie nerd”. After all, I have been a nerd in many other ways for a long time.
Posted by Jack Maxfield on 07/24 at 06:09 PM









