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Film Criticism
Film criticism studies the interpretation and evaluation of a movie within a historical, social, political, or theoretical context. Film critiques are typically written by a scholar or expert in film studies and published in scholarly or academic journals. Criticism may examine a particular film, or may look at a group of films in the same genre, or a director's or actor's body of work.
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Search for books on your topic in the library catalog. In addition to searching for books on your topic, you may also want to search by broader terms to include the cultural and/or historical context of the film.
Sample keywords include:
- film criticism
- film genre and criticism (film noir and criticism)
- film title or director (Psycho or Alfred Hitchcock) and motion picture
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E-books and e-videos are accessible through the catalog. If you see any in your search results, click 'Online access' to open.
Library Databases
The best way to locate articles is through the library databases. Go to Databases by Subject and look under Communication Studies, Film, & Theatre (CST) to find a list of relevant databases. You can also perform a search in the databases below.
Remember not to write sentences in the search box. Search by keyword, film/book title and/or name of director/author.
Look for additional keywords or subjects offered. Also make sure to look for toolbars that provide print, email, and citation options.
- Academic Search Complete (EBSCO) This link opens in a new windowA multi-disciplinary database which offers information in many areas of academic study. This database supports high-level research in the key areas of academic study by providing access to journals, periodicals, reports, books and more. (VIVA)
- Communication & Mass Media Complete (EBSCO) This link opens in a new windowJournal articles related to communication and mass media studies. (VIVA)
Suggested Resources
The Complete History of American Film Criticism by
The Complete History of American Film Criticism is a chronicle of the lives and work of the most influential film critics of the past 100 years.
Film Criticism in the Digital Age by
Now that well-paying jobs in film criticism have largely evaporated, while blogs, message boards, and social media have given new meaning to the saying that "everyone's a critic," urgent questions have emerged about the critic's status and purpose. Ten scholars from across the globe, as well as critics and bloggers, come together to consider whether we are witnessing the extinction of serious film criticism or seeing the seeds of its rebirth in a new form.
Studying Contemporary American Film by
This book takes an innovative approach to film analysis: each chapter examines the assumptions behind one traditional theory of film, distils a method of analysis from it, and then analyses a contemporary American movie. It then goes beyond the traditional theory by analysing the same movie using a more current theory and method.
Call Number: PN1995 .E59x 2002
The Art of Watching Films by
The Art of Watching Films challenges students to take their film experience further by sharpening their powers of observation, developing the skills and habits of perceptive watching, and discovering complex aspects of film art that they might otherwise overlook. The Art of Watching Films introduces the formal elements and production process of films, and helps students analytically view and understand films within their historical, cultural and social contexts.
Call Number: PN1995 .B525 2012
A Hitchcock Reader by
A Hitchcock Reader is a comprehensive anthology that may be used as a critical text in introductory or advanced film courses, while also satisfying Hitchcock scholars by representing the rich variety of critical responses to the director's films over the years. A total of 20 of Hitchcock's films are discussed in depth which will allow readers to broaden the scope of their study of Alfred Hitchcock.
Call Number: PN1998.3.H58 H574 2009
The Moment of Psycho by
In The Moment of Psycho, film critic David Thomson situates Psycho in Alfred Hitchcock’s career, recreating the mood and time when the seminal film erupted onto film screens worldwide. Thomson shows that Psycho was not just a sensation in film: it altered the very nature of our desires. Sex, violence, and horror took on new life. Psycho, all of a sudden, represented all America wanted from a film—and, as Thomson brilliantly demonstrates, still does.
- The Problem with Film Criticism Taylor, Charles. "The Problem With Film Criticism." Dissent (00123846) 58.4 (2011): 81-85. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. The article discusses the field of film criticism, looking at the emergence of film criticism on the Internet as well as print film criticism, examining issues related to quality, advertising, and the ability of critics to write about works which are not well known. The author argues that in Internet film criticism writers are often made to write about topics which will draw readers and examines discussions of motion pictures which focus on the movie's connection to outside events or films as a form of art. Other topics include responses from readers, debate, and encountering new things in digital culture.
- Film Criticism In America Today: A Critical Symposium "Film Criticism In America Today: A Critical Symposium." Cineaste 26.1 (2000): 27. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. Presents the views of several film critics in the United States (U.S.) on the state of film criticism in the U.S. Relationship between film critics and the film industry, according to David Ansen of `Newsweek'; Qualities of a memorable film critique, according to Mike Clark of `USA Today'; Influences in film criticism, according to Manohla Dargis of `LA Weekly.'
- We Have the Technology Brunick, Paul. "We Have The Technology." Film Comment 46.5 (2010): 34-37. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. The author discusses how film criticism has been transformed by the technologies of the Internet. He comments on the inevitable demise of accredited arts journalism and the need for advocates for intelligent film criticism to redirect their energy to envisioning the film critic of the future. The quality of film criticism on the Internet and the emergence of amateur film critics engaged in professional practice are discussed.
- Do Movie Critics Matter? White, Armond. "Do Movie Critics Matter?." First Things: A Monthly Journal Of Religion & Public Life 202 (2010): 16-18. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. This essay explores the significance of film criticism amidst its decline as a profession due to changes in journalistic standards and the emergence of the Internet. It describes the reason for and purpose of film criticism in relation to understanding the state of movies, cultural life, and man's general moral and political being. It comments on the inclusion of film journalism into the film industry. It also cites the inevitable connection between politics and an understanding of art.
- The Ultimate Thumb Drive "The Ultimate Thumb Drive." Newsweek Global 163.5 (2014): 1-5. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. The article discusses the career of film critic Roger Ebert, noting the release of the documentary film "Life Itself," which focuses on Ebert's life and work, in 2014. Topics addressed include Ebert's support of other film critics and his influence on the careers of certain film directors, differences between Ebert's approach to criticism and the approaches of critics such as Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris, and other critics' views on Ebert.
- Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and 'The Art of Pure Cinema' Wilshire, Peter. "Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho And 'The Art Of Pure Cinema'." Screen Education 54 (2009): 131-136. Communication & Mass Media Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. The article attempts to examine the film "Psycho," directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It notes that Hitchcock used filmic technique in making this film to manipulate the audience's emotions and expectations. It reviews the film and discusses how Hitchcock created the psychological situation using the camera.
- Faith and Idolatry in the Horror Film Telotte, J. P. "Faith And Idolatry In The Horror Film." Literature Film Quarterly 8.3 (1980): 143. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. Discusses a phenomenological approach to film criticism, specifically horror films. Normal audience experience of the genre; Perception within the structure of Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho'; Strategy used in the film.
- Psycho and the Orchestration of Anxiety Deutsch, Stephen. "Psycho And The Orchestration Of Anxiety." Soundtrack 3.1 (2010): 53-66. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. Since its release in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho has entered the consciousness of our culture as have few other films. Its striking imagery, combined with its universally recognized score, has prompted a wealth of scholarly output. New understanding in the areas of emotion and cognition now affords us the opportunity to re-examine this film from a less familiar vantage point. This article places Psycho within the context of American television drama of the 1950s and explores the effect of Bernard Herrmann's music on the emotional responses of the viewer, as well as the possible consequences of this effect on the literal reading of the film.
- Film Criticism
- Film Criticism is a peer-reviewed, online publication whose aim is to bring together scholarship in the field of cinema and media studies in order to present the finest work in this area, foregrounding textual criticism as a primary value. Our readership is academic, although we strive to publish material that is both accessible to undergraduates and engaging to established scholars.
- MOVIE - A Journal of Film Criticism
- Movie: A Journal of Film Criticism is a refereed open access publication whose aim is to create a forum for the range of analysis, debate and discussion that only a journal devoted to a detailed film criticism can adequately provide. We are committed to publishing rigorous but accessible critical writing, at a variety of lengths, that is responsive to the detailed texture and artistry of film and television, old and new. We also welcome articles that illuminate concepts, analytical methods and questions in film aesthetics that are of significance to film criticism. The journal is published annually.
- What is the Point of Critics?
- In an extract from his new book, New York Times film critic AO Scott defends his craft, arguing that criticism has never been more necessary.
- The Bright But Uncertain Future of Film Criticism
- Daniel Carlson is a freelance film and TV critic based in Houston and a member of the Houston Film Critics Society and the Online Film Critics Society. His work has appeared at The Hollywood Reporter, Salon, Indiewire, the Houston Press, and more.
- Film Criticism Is Dying? Not Online
- Thanks to the Internet, there is more and better writing about movies than ever before, says Roger Ebert.
- Thanks to the Internet, there is more and better writing about movies than ever before, says Roger Ebert.