What She Said: The Art Of Pauline Kae

What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael is a remarkable cinematic journey into the life and career of one of the most influential and controversial film critics of the 20th century. This engrossing documentary stars an ensemble cast including Sarah Jessica Parker, Alec Baldwin, Francis Ford Coppola, and Quentin Tarantino and presents an in-depth exploration into the world of film criticism through the lens of Pauline Kael's life and work. This film is not just about Kael's life as a critic, but it is also a tribute to the rich history of cinema and a homage to its infinite magic.

The film beautifully charts Kael's tenacious journey from her young days as a struggling, independent single mother in Berkeley, California to her meteoric rise as a revered film critic for The New Yorker. It explores her unique writing style, her unapologetic opinions, and her immense influence on the world of cinema. By blending rich archival footage, interviews with luminaries from the film industry, and excerpts from Kael's own reviews, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the passionate critic's life, taste and the significance of her opinions on modern cinema.

Sarah Jessica Parker voices Pauline Kael in the film, lending a compelling vitality to Kael's words. Through Parker's narration, audiences can experience the power, wit, and insight that were hallmarks of Kael's reviews. The renowned actress effortlessly captures the film critic's vigorous spirit, infusing the narrative with strength, authenticity, and charisma. Her role serves as a crucial link between the audiences and Kael, bridging the gap between the screen and the viewers.

Alec Baldwin, Francis Ford Coppola, and Quentin Tarantino, among other film industry giants, offer their perspectives on Kael's influence within the cinematic world. They provide first-hand accounts of their dynamic interactions with Kael, lending their own depth and bias to the narrative. It's a fascinating glimpse into the interplay between artistry and criticism, examining how Kael's astute observations and criticisms could both ruffle feathers and inspire greatness within the industry.

Francis Ford Coppola offers his unique perspective as a filmmaker who was both praised and harshly criticized by Kael, whereas Quentin Tarantino talks about how Kael's reviews served as an inspiration during his early career. Alec Baldwin, an avid fan of Kael’s work, shares his insights about her critiques' cultural impact. All these contributions create a fascinating mosaic that encapsulates the many faces of Pauline Kael, unveiling the complexities of her personality, and her profound impact on their careers and on the film industry as a whole.

What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael also brilliantly incorporates clips from numerous films that Kael reviewed during her career. These visual references not only provide a context to her reviews but also allow for a deeper appreciation of her editorial prowess and her nuanced understanding of the art of filmmaking. The director masterfully uses these clips as an illustrative tool to underline Kael's observations, at times presenting them in a whole new light.

Above all, the film is a testimony to Pauline Kael's indomitable spirit and her undying love for the cinematic art form. It thoroughly explores her belief in the transformative power of cinema and her commitment to critiquing films with unfettered honesty and courage. It delves into Kael's unwavering belief that movies should be an immersive experience, a transformative journey for the viewer. This belief is reflected in her cutting, perceptive, and often divisive reviews which reshaped the landscape of film criticism.

What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael is a must-see for movie buffs, aspiring critics, filmmakers, and anyone who appreciates the transformative power of cinema. It’s a compelling portrayal of a woman who defied the norms, carved her own path, and in the process, left an everlasting mark on the world of cinema. It is a delightful tribute to the art of critique and to Kael's enduring legacy as a writer who made film criticism an art form in its own right. In the end, the film stands as a testament to the influential critic's words: "In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising."