Richard Corliss: The Renowned Film Critic and Editor

A Career Spanning Decades, Shaping Film Criticism

Richard Corliss, an American film critic and magazine editor, is best known for his work at Time magazine, where he spent over three decades sharing his insightful film reviews with the world. Throughout his career, Corliss focused on the artistic and cultural significance of films, often highlighting the contributions of screenwriters alongside directors.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 6, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Corliss grew up with a passion for cinema. He attended St. Joseph's College (now Saint Joseph's University), where he earned a bachelor's degree, and later pursued a master's degree in film studies at Columbia University.

Career Highlights

Corliss began his writing career in the 1960s, contributing to various magazines such as National Review, New Times, and Maclean's. In 1980, he joined Film Comment, where he served as editor-in-chief and championed the role of screenwriters in the filmmaking process. Corliss's work at Film Comment helped to shift the focus from directors as the sole authors of films to a more nuanced understanding of the collaborative process.

Time Magazine and Beyond

In 1980, Corliss joined Time magazine as an associate editor, eventually becoming a senior writer by 1985. He continued to write for the magazine, as well as its online platform, time.com, sharing his expertise on film and popular culture.

Influence and Legacy

Corliss's impact on film criticism and journalism is undeniable. He was a vocal advocate for the importance of screenwriters and challenged the auteur theory, which attributed authorship solely to directors. His work inspired a new generation of film critics and scholars, including Jonathan Rosenbaum, whom he brought to Film Comment as a Paris correspondent.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Corliss received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to film criticism and journalism. He was a member of the National Society of Film Critics and served as its chairman from 1994 to 1996.

Personal Life and Later Years

Corliss resided in New York City with his wife, Mary, whom he married in 1969. Mary, a former curator at the Museum of Modern Art, was a constant source of support throughout his career. Corliss passed away on April 23, 2015, under hospice care, leaving behind a legacy of insightful film criticism and a deeper understanding of the cinematic arts.

• "The most crucial element in the making of a movie is not the director, but the screenwriter."
• "The auteur theory is a fascinating myth, but it's a myth nonetheless."

Remembering Richard Corliss

Richard Corliss's remarkable career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on film criticism and journalism. His passion for cinema, combined with his dedication to shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of screenwriters, has inspired generations of film enthusiasts and scholars alike.