Pauline Kael: The Maverick Film Critic

A Rebel with a Cause

Pauline Kael, the iconic American film critic, is renowned for her biting, witty, and sharply focused reviews that often ran contrary to those of her contemporaries. With a career spanning over three decades, Kael left an indelible mark on the art form, influencing the climate for film in America like no other single person.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 19, 1919, to Isaac Paul Kael and Judith Kael (née Friedman), Jewish immigrants from Poland, in Petaluma, California, Kael grew up on a chicken farm. She was one of five siblings, including Louis, Philip, Annie, and Rose. After losing their farm when Kael was eight, the family relocated to San Francisco. She attended Girls High School, San Francisco, and later matriculated at the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied philosophy, literature, and art. Although she dropped out in 1940, Kael's intellectual curiosity remained unwavering.

The Bohemian Years

In 1940, Kael fell in with a group of artists and moved to New York City with the poet Robert Horan. She later returned to Berkeley, leading a bohemian life, writing plays, and working in experimental film. This period laid the foundation for her later critique of mainstream cinema.

Rise to Prominence

Kael's writing career began in the 1950s, with reviews published in various magazines and journals. Her breakthrough came in 1968 when she joined The New Yorker as a film critic, a position she held until 1991. Her sharp, analytical reviews, which often targeted the Hollywood establishment, gained her both admiration and notoriety.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Kael's cinematic philosophy was rooted in her rejection of objective standards and theory. She believed that film criticism should be a personal, subjective experience, driven by emotional response rather than intellectual rationalization. Her approach was often described as intuitive, relying on her instincts to guide her assessments.

Influence on Modern Society

Roger Ebert, a fellow critic and admirer, argued that Kael's influence on the climate for film in America was unparalleled. Her reviews not only shaped public opinion but also inspired a new generation of critics, filmmakers, and cinephiles. Owen Gleiberman noted that Kael "reinvented the form" of film criticism, pioneering an entire aesthetic of writing.

Career Highlights and Major Works

• I Lost It at the Movies (1965), Kael's first collection of reviews, which established her as a prominent critic
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (1968), a collection of reviews that solidified her reputation as a iconoclast
• The Citizen Kane Book (1971), a comprehensive analysis of Orson Welles' masterpiece
• 5001 Nights at the Movies (1982), a massive collection of reviews that showcased her breadth and depth as a critic

Controversies and Public Perception

Kael's provocative reviews often sparked controversy, with some critics accusing her of being overly negative and inflammatory. However, her supporters saw her as a courageous truth-teller, unafraid to speak her mind.

Historical Context and Legacy

Kael's contributions to film criticism are undeniable. She championed independent cinema, foreign films, and emerging directors, introducing American audiences to new styles and perspectives. Her influence can be seen in the work of critics, filmmakers, and scholars who followed in her footsteps.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• 1948: Kael had a daughter, Gina James, with filmmaker James Broughton
• 1968: Kael joined The New Yorker as a film critic
• 1991: Kael retired from The New Yorker, citing health reasons
• September 3, 2001: Kael passed away at the age of 82

Visual Timeline and Milestones

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Kael was known for her sharp wit and sarcasm, often incorporating humor into her reviews
• She was a fierce advocate for women's rights and civil liberties
• Kael's personal style was marked by her signature glasses and cigarette smoking

Inspirational Stories and Motivations

Kael's legacy serves as a testament to the power of integrity, courage, and passion in one's work. Her commitment to honest, subjective criticism continues to inspire new generations of writers, critics, and filmmakers. As Roger Ebert so eloquently put it, "She wrote reviews that will be read for their style, humor, and energy long after some of their subjects have been forgotten."