For The Love of Movies: A History of American Film Criticism Trailer (2009)

The trailer for For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism.

For a hundred years, virtually the history of American movies, film critics have championed this medium they so unabashedly love. They advise audiences in deciding what movies to see, and why. Better, their reviews illuminate the film-going experience, suggesting paths for readers to enter cinema more deeply, thoughtfully, appreciatively.

“For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism” is the first documentary to dramatize the rich, fascinating history of American film criticism. From the raw beginnings of criticism before “The Birth of a Nation” to Bosley Crowther’s 27-year reign at “The New York Times,” from the incendiary Kael-Sarris debates of the 1960s and 70s to the battle for audience between youthful on-liners and the print establishment, this documentary tells all.

Produced by Amy Geller (PBS’s “Murder at Harvard” and “The War that Made America”), written and directed by veteran “Boston Phoenix” critic Gerald Peary, “For the Love of Movies” offers a unique insider’s view of the film critics’ profession, with commentary from America’s best-regarded reviewers, including Roger Ebert (”The Chicago Sun-Times”), A.O. Scott (”The New York Times”), Lisa Schwarzbaum (”Entertainment Weekly”), Kenneth Turan (”The Los Angeles Times”). We also hear from young, articulate, Internet voices, including Harry Knowles (ainitcoolnews.com) and Karina Longworth (spout.com).