Hollywood’s Latest Films Reviewed: Is Cultural Criticism Being Erased?

The frequency of media layoffs has reached a point where it’s no longer shocking news. Instead, it’s become a routine occurrence to track which outlets are cutting jobs, conducting mass layoffs, or closing down entirely. However, for those deeply invested in the world of professional film and cultural critique, recent weeks have been particularly brutal due to layoffs that seem strikingly pointed. The Chicago Tribune, for instance, isn’t just trimming its workforce due to economic strain; it’s completely eliminating the film critic role, a position formerly held by Michael Phillips and once occupied by the renowned Gene Siskel.

Phillips not only kept the legacy of Siskel alive, but also co-hosted a spin-off of Siskel & Ebert with AO Scott after Ebert stepped back from regular television appearances. Scott has since left the realm of film criticism, albeit on his own terms. Meanwhile, at the New York Times, where Scott continues to contribute to the Book Review, four cultural critics have been reassigned, effectively stripped of their initial roles and eventually replaced by what culture editor Sia Michel described as: “Our readers are hungry for trusted guides who can navigate this complex landscape not just through traditional reviews but also via essays, videos, and new storytelling methods on various platforms.” In other words, critics are now expected to master platforms like TikTok and move beyond traditional review formats.

Adding insult to injury, Vanity Fair recently announced a shift in focus towards core areas such as Hollywood, paradoxically resulting in the dismissal of their film critic Richard Lawson, along with several journalists covering these supposedly emphasized areas. The field of arts criticism, already notoriously difficult to penetrate, has become even more inaccessible. Established critics are finding their roles eliminated in what appears to be a misguided reevaluation of what criticism should encompass.

While the career prospects for aspiring film critics might not impact a large segment of the workforce, there remains a significant interest in thoughtful, critique-oriented content. The success of platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, which still performs dramatic ratings reveals, indicates a viable interest in critical perspectives. Despite this, the trend has shifted towards favoring influencers who are more likely to promote films enthusiastically rather than provide detailed, nuanced reviews.

This shift doesn’t mean that insightful reviews are always negative; a skilled critic can shed meaningful light on what makes a film exceptional. This is why the editorial direction of the Times seems particularly disheartening, as it suggests a move towards blending in rather than valuing the unique insights of seasoned critics.

Nevertheless, the past decade could be seen as a golden era for film criticism. The internet has broadened the pool of critics across diverse backgrounds, allowing for a richer variety of voices and perspectives. Platforms like Letterboxd offer a plethora of opinions on virtually any film, and even niche or older films receive more attention than they used to, albeit sometimes from less experienced writers.

From snappy one-liners to deep-dives, the quality of writing varies, but the sheer volume of available content is overwhelming. And while making a living from criticism is increasingly challenging, the rise of low-context influencers—those who haven’t experienced cinema beyond their own lifetimes—threatens to reduce genuine film criticism to a mere hobby for the dedicated few.

Many might question the necessity of critics, arguing for a more personal exploration of the arts. However, seasoned critics offer insights that extend beyond recent releases, providing a richer, more informed commentary than what might be expected from newer, less experienced voices. Criticism is about fostering a dialogue between the writer, the reader, and the subject, not about gatekeeping or dictating tastes.

Despite the challenges, there’s hope that more people will come to appreciate the value of in-depth criticism. As the media landscape continues to evolve, perhaps the demand for thoughtful, informed critiques will lead to a resurgence of interest in what critics have to offer, beyond mere influencer endorsements.