Written by: Emily Carter

Rex Reed: The Blunt and Iconic Film Critic

Rex Reed is a household name in the film industry, known for his sharp tongue and contrarian tastes as a film critic, journalist, and media personality. With a career spanning over five decades, Reed has made a significant impact on the world of cinema, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

Early Life and Education

Rex Taylor Reed was born on October 2, 1938, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Jewell and James M. Reed. His family moved throughout the American South during his childhood due to his father's profession as an oil company supervisor. Reed grew up with a rich family history, with his mother's second cousins being the infamous Dalton Gang, and his grandfather having been rocked by Jesse James on his knee as a child.

Reed earned his journalism degree from Louisiana State University in 1960, where he began writing film and play reviews for the university's newspaper, The Daily Reveille, and the Baton Rouge newspaper, The Morning Advocate.

Rise to Prominence

After graduating from LSU, Reed moved to New York City, hoping to find success as an actor. However, he was soon hired to work at the publicity department of 20th Century Fox, where he wrote promotional materials for films, including those starring Elvis Presley and Fabian. In 1969, Reed said that his job was to write "those puffy things" about these stars, even though he wouldn't be caught dead seeing their movies himself.

Reed's big break came when he began writing for The New York Observer, where he authored the "Talk of the Town" column. His blunt style and contrarian tastes quickly made him a public figure, and he became a regular on television and occasionally acted in films throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Controversies and Criticism

Reed's writing has not been without controversy, with some of his reviews containing factual errors or disparaging remarks about actors. However, his unapologetic style has also earned him a loyal following, and his opinions are widely sought after in the film industry.

Awards and Honors

Reed has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to film criticism, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination for Criticism in 1971.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• In 1969, Reed became a member of the New York Film Critics Circle.
• In 1971, Reed was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism.
• In 2006, Reed wrote his memoir, Personal Effects: A Memoir.

Legacy and Impact

Rex Reed's impact on the film industry cannot be overstated. His blunt style and contrarian tastes have made him a beloved figure among film enthusiasts, and his contributions to film criticism have helped shape the way we think about cinema today.

As a family travel blogger, I can attest to the importance of exposing children to different perspectives and opinions. Reed's writing is a testament to the power of critical thinking and the importance of standing by one's convictions.

In conclusion, Rex Reed is an icon in the world of film criticism, and his legacy continues to inspire and infuriate audiences to this day. His impact on popular culture is undeniable, and his contributions to the world of cinema will be remembered for generations to come.