A Letter From The Editor:
My decision to follow through with my dreams of becoming a professional film critic, has been met with various amounts of concern and criticism [ironically enough]. Some of it negative and other times constructive, the consistency of questions like, “How and why should people listen to your opinion on movies? What differentiates you from average person with an opinion on a film? And how does anyone bridge the gap between a renowned publish film critic and someone with a blog/website?” These questions never seems to get old.
As I pondered these questions with heavy thought, my conclusion was that I still found myself in a passionate love affair with film and the fine art of criticism.
As with anything, being an expert on something is a skill one attains by practicing it. Professional film critics; from Variety’s Scott Foundas, The New York Time’s Elvis Mitchell, to our own home-grown Peter Howell, to the late, great Roger Ebert: have dedicated their lives to the magical force of film and the exquisite art of literacy. Night Film Reviews’ mandate is in no way to overshadow nor compete against these masterful linguists of the cinematic art form. Rather, our mandate is to be a fresh, new voice for cinematic criticism and theory.
Having a colourful background with film, film history, film theory as well as a wide range of film knowledge, Night Film Reviews’ goal is to continue in the footsteps of some of the greatest critics, and grow with a medium that has limitless possibilities.
April 4th 2013 brought the death of, perhaps the most recognized film critic in the world, Roger Ebert. An out pour of condolences, thanks and sadness was expressed through a plethora of Tweets, posts, letters, reviews, words and speeches. That day, a great inspiration was taken. A man who, even when he was unable to write with his hands, never gave up his passion to share his voice. One of the most touching words in regards to Roger Ebert’s death that day were the words of Barack Obama. He said, “Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Roger Ebert. For a generation of Americans-and especially Chicagoans- Roger was the movies. When he didn’t like a film, he was honest; when he did, he was effusive-capturing the unique power of the movies to take us somewhere magical. Even amidst his own battles with cancer, Roger was as productive as he was resilient-continuing to share his passion and perspective with the world. The movies won’t be the same without Roger.”
The movies are, indeed, a magical art form. It is in our greatest hope that, no matter how independent or grandiose a movie appears to be, Night Film Reviews will be there to guide readers to films that will provide moments that will define you, inspire you and revive the magic of the movies, that will change your life forever.
Happy Readings,
From Your Night Film Review Team.
Carpe Noctem.