I admit freely that I mock Toronto film critics. Considering that T.O. is regarded as one of the big movie release cities, there seems to be a lack of good film criticism emanating from within. (I have a tendency to group these people in with 'Toronto entertainment writers'. It's not nice to do, I know.)There are exceptions, in my opinion: Toronto Star writer, Geoff Pevere, who I often disagree with, at least from film to film, knows his vegetables and can produce some insightful and tempered scribing.
Unfortunately, all too rare in this town.
I was pleasantly surprised early this morning when I read this comment from Mr. Peter Howell, also of the Toronto Star, concerning the new Directors DVD set on Stanley Kubrick...
"He challenged all comers with his movies, refusing to make his alienated characters likeable or even understandable, and eschewing simple narratives. He would hold a scene for interminable lengths if it suited his purpose. His films sometimes seemed to end almost at whim. He wanted us to think long past the parking lot, and he didn't care if we liked him."
There is nothing outstanding in the articulation... more a case of Mr. Howell nailing Stanley Kubrick as director and filmmaker.
With so many Toronto entertainment writers dispensing elucidations such as "cheesy", or, "it's so good it's awesome!", it is refreshing to read something displaying an actual thought process.
And why is it that so many movies don't stay with you past the theatre's parking lot (even if you take public transit instead)?
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