Los Angeles, CA – The future of arts criticism is facing uncertainty as traditional platforms crumble and public opinion is shaped by social media and online review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes. However, amidst this landscape, one thing remains constant: the power of a witty and insightful review from a talented writer. And in the realm of film criticism, director Paul Schrader has emerged as a unique voice, offering his thoughts through quirky Facebook posts.
Schrader, renowned for directing films like “First Reformed” and “Master Gardener,” is no stranger to the world of film criticism. In an interview with The Independent, he mentioned that he refrains from being a film reviewer to protect his career, but finds Facebook to be an efficient way to share his opinions without any editorial constraints.
One of Schrader’s recent reviews, focusing on the television series “True Detective: Night Country,” showcases his unconventional writing style. Starting out with a somewhat decipherable sentence, he quickly veers off into nonsensical territory, leaving readers amused and perplexed. Schrader later revealed that the review was written under the influence of Ambien, sparking even more intrigue.
This is not the first time Schrader’s reviews have gone viral. His response to Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn” was widely shared for its pitch-perfect analysis. Schrader’s unique approach to film criticism, along with other humorous reviews like those by Ayo Edebiri on Letterboxd, hints at a future where criticism is more light-hearted and entertaining.
As the traditional landscape of arts criticism evolves, the allure of a funny and incisive review will continue to captivate audiences. Whether it is on TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook, the power of a great writer’s perspective remains unparalleled. And with Paul Schrader’s offbeat and engaging posts, he just might be able to save the genre from its uncertain fate.