Pauline Kael

Pauline Kael

7 books

About the Author

Pauline Kael was one of the most influential and provocative film critics of the 20th century, renowned for her sharp wit, unapologetic opinions, and passionate advocacy for cinema as an art form. Born in 1919 in Sonoma, California, she began her career writing for small publications before joining The New Yorker in 1968, where her reviews became legendary for their vivid prose and fearless takedowns of both acclaimed and overhyped films. Kael's work championed innovative directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Brian De Palma while challenging the pretensions of the establishment, influencing generations of writers and filmmakers. Her collections, including I Lost it at the Movies and The Age of Movies: Selected Writings of Pauline Kael, capture her dynamic voice and enduring insights into the cultural impact of movies. She retired in 1991 but left an indelible mark on film criticism, proving that movies matter deeply.

Writing style
witty incisive passionate

Books by Pauline Kael