What's happened
The film 'The Critic', starring Ian McKellen as Jimmy Erskine, explores the power dynamics in 1930s London theatre. Adapted from Anthony Quinn's novel, it delves into themes of manipulation and morality, showcasing the changing landscape of criticism. The film opened on September 13, 2024, and has sparked discussions about the role of critics today.
Why it matters
What the papers say
In her review for The Guardian, Arifa Akbar notes that Jimmy Erskine is a 'cartoonish archetype of the evil critic', reflecting a bygone era of criticism that is now diluted by the internet. Meanwhile, Clarisse Loughrey from The Independent emphasizes the film's darkly comic premise, highlighting Erskine's manipulative nature and the moral dilemmas he faces. Peter Bradshaw, also from The Guardian, describes McKellen's portrayal as 'mesmerizing', while Rachel Cooke from the New Statesman connects the character to real-life critics, suggesting a deeper commentary on the nature of criticism itself. Each source presents a nuanced view of the film, showcasing its thematic depth and the complexities of its characters.
How we got here
Set in the 1930s, 'The Critic' reflects a time when theatre critics wielded significant influence over public opinion. The film, adapted from Anthony Quinn's novel 'Curtain Call', highlights the transition from traditional criticism to modern, diverse voices in the industry.
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Sir Ian Murray McKellen CH CBE is an English actor. His career spans genres ranging from Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction.
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Lesley Ann Manville OBE is an English actress. She is known for her frequent collaborations with director Mike Leigh, with her winning the London Film Critics Circle Award for British Actress of the Year for the films All or Nothing and Another Year, and
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Gemma Christina Arterton is an English actress and film producer. She made her professional stage debut playing Rosaline in Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost at the Globe Theatre, and first appeared on film in the comedy St Trinian's.
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Ben Barnes may refer to:
Ben Barnes (actor) (born 1981), English actor
Ben Barnes (Texas politician) (born 1938), American politician and lobbyist in Texas
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James Evershed Agate was an English diarist and theatre critic between the two world wars. He took up journalism in his late twenties and was on the staff of The Manchester Guardian in 1907–1914.
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Anthony Quinn was a Mexican-American actor, painter, writer, and film director. He was known for his portrayal of earthy, passionate characters "marked by a brutal and elemental virility" in numerous critically acclaimed movies both in Hollywood and abroa