What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael

When you think about film criticism, at least in the mythical sense, one of the first names that comes to mind is Pauline Kael. Kael wrote her first review in 1953, and in the late 1960s joined The New Yorker where she developed her signature resolute and captivating style as well as a reputation as one of America’s most powerful, witty, and influential film critics, which lasted over three decades. The films she loved became hits; those she hated didn’t stand a chance. This documentary combines segments from the films she critiqued, interviews with leading directors, such as Francis Ford Coppola and Quentin Tarantino, archival materials, and excerpts from her journals. The result is a fascinating portrayal of a key figure in the world of 20th century cinema.