PK

Pauline Kael

140quotes

Pauline Kael: A Prolific Film Critic and Cultural Icon


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Pauline Kael was born on June 19, 1919, in Petaluma, California. She often used the nickname "Polly" among friends and colleagues.

Birth and Death Dates


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June 19, 1919 - September 3, 2001

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Kael was an American film critic, journalist, and author. Her insightful reviews and essays on cinema have had a lasting impact on the film industry.

Early Life and Background


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Pauline Kael grew up in San Francisco's working-class neighborhood. She began writing at an early age, contributing to her school newspaper and developing a passion for literature and the arts. After high school, she moved to New York City to pursue a career as a writer, but her plans were put on hold due to financial constraints.

In 1940, Kael married Edward Saxon, a playwright, and returned to California with him. During this period, she began writing reviews for local newspapers, eventually landing a job at _Premiere_ magazine in the 1970s.

Major Accomplishments


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Kael's work as a film critic spanned over four decades, during which she penned thousands of reviews and essays. Her groundbreaking style, characterized by its accessibility and intellectual depth, influenced generations of critics and filmmakers.

Some notable achievements include:

Joining _The New Yorker_ in 1968 as the first female film critic
 Winning a National Book Award for her collection _I Lost It at the Movies_
Being appointed to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities

Notable Works or Actions


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Kael was a prolific writer, producing numerous books, including:

I Lost It at the Movies (1965) - A debut collection of film reviews that showcased her unique voice
Going Steady (1970) - A collection of essays on contemporary cinema
 Deeper into Movies (1973) - An exploration of classic Hollywood films and their cultural significance

Her work also extended beyond writing; Kael was a vocal advocate for film preservation and a key figure in the development of independent filmmaking.

Impact and Legacy


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Kael's influence on modern cinema is immeasurable. Her emphasis on accessibility, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking helped to redefine the role of film criticism. Her passion for exploring the cultural significance of films has inspired countless writers, critics, and filmmakers.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Kael's quotes and writings are still widely referenced today due to their:

Influence on Contemporary Cinema: Her work has shaped the way we think about film as an art form.
 Intellectual Depth and Accessibility: Kael's writing style made complex ideas accessible to a broad audience, paving the way for future generations of critics.
* Passion for Film Preservation: Her tireless advocacy helped to preserve classic films for future generations.

Pauline Kael's legacy extends beyond her own work; she has inspired countless writers, critics, and filmmakers to explore the complexities and nuances of cinema.

Quotes by Pauline Kael

Pauline Kael's insights on:

Kevin Costner has feathers in his hair and feathers in his head. The Indians should have called him 'Plays with Camera.'
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Kevin Costner has feathers in his hair and feathers in his head. The Indians should have called him 'Plays with Camera.'
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There is, in any art, a tendency to turn one’s own preferences into a monomaniac theory.
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There is, in any art, a tendency to turn one’s own preferences into a monomaniac theory.
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It’s sometimes discouraging to see all of a director’s movies, because there’s so much repetition. The auteurists took this to be a sign of a director’s artistry, that you could recognize his movies. But it can also be a sign that he’s a hack.
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It’s sometimes discouraging to see all of a director’s movies, because there’s so much repetition. The auteurists took this to be a sign of a director’s artistry, that you could recognize his movies. But it can also be a sign that he’s a hack.
PK
If there’s anything to learn from the history of movies, it’s that corruption leads to further corruption, not to innocence.
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If there’s anything to learn from the history of movies, it’s that corruption leads to further corruption, not to innocence.
PK
I felt as if I had attended the funeral of someone I didn’t know.
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I felt as if I had attended the funeral of someone I didn’t know.
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Being creative is having something to sell, or knowing how to sell something, or having sold something. It has taken over what we used to mean by being “wised up” knowing the tricks, the shortcuts.
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Being creative is having something to sell, or knowing how to sell something, or having sold something. It has taken over what we used to mean by being “wised up” knowing the tricks, the shortcuts.
PK
What is getting older if it isn’t learning more ways that you’re vulnerable?
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What is getting older if it isn’t learning more ways that you’re vulnerable?
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There is something spurious about the very term ‘a movie made for TV,’ because what you make for TV is a TV program.
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There is something spurious about the very term ‘a movie made for TV,’ because what you make for TV is a TV program.
PK
McLuhanism and the media have broken the back of the book business; they’ve freed people from the shame of not reading. They’ve rationalized becoming stupid and watching television.
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McLuhanism and the media have broken the back of the book business; they’ve freed people from the shame of not reading. They’ve rationalized becoming stupid and watching television.
PK
Television as we have it isn’t an art form – it’s a piece of furniture that is good for a few things.
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Television as we have it isn’t an art form – it’s a piece of furniture that is good for a few things.
PK
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