Film criticism has hit a crossroads of such. The face of movie journalism has changed dramatically, thanks to the wide usage of internet. Without making a broad statement, there are thousands of wannabe Mark Kermode’s popping up all over the place, ripping in to movies before they are even released. Scour the World Wide Web and people are voting in numbers on merely a poster, trailer or a cast list. And what’s worse, is that cynicism is rife; all trying to imitate a voice and mistaking that passion for pretension. That voice? Why, it is Mark Kermode.
In this very vocal and unique narrative, Kermode balances his personal journey through the medium of the big screen and on words to the constant changing environment in which he conducts his work. Kermode’s seeming unwillingness to accept the move from film projectors and analogue to digital and the persistence of 3D technology, could have irked his view on the film industry somewhat; arguing that artists are becoming more bound by the money and the story tellers are losing their thirst for their craft. And most of all, Kermode turns a critical eye upon the ever expanding field of film journalism and asks what is to blame for the decline of trust in film reviews. With critics becoming more polarised, could it be that audiences are gaining more control of the cinematic environment than ever?
This book is a riveting read. In fact, it is arguably an essential for anyone who is even remotely interested in movies or criticism. While you may not always agree with Kermode’s view, you cannot deny his extraordinary talent in showing the world through his eyes. Here he writes with his personality and knowledge; taking an extraordinary peek behind that iconic voice that pushes you to see movies. A man so excellently thoughtful about film and writing.
If you have any interest in films and journalism, then Kermode’s book is essential to your library. After all, with so many years in the business, you’d be very hard pushed to find a book as exciting, hilarious and intellectual as this. And on a personal note, as a person so captivated by a career in silver screen, it is simply wonderful to dabble in a wicked wide world of Kermode.