A Critical Cinema 1: Interviews with Independent Filmmakers

by Scott MacDonald

It is widely understood that writing can discuss writing, but we rarely consider that film can be used as a means of analyzing conventions of the commercial film industry, or of theorizing about cinema in general. Over the past few decades, however, independent cinema has produced a body of fascinating films that provide intensive critiques of nearly every element of the cinematic apparatus. The experience of these films simultaneously depends on and redefines our relationship to the movies.

Critical Cinema provides a collection of in-depth interviews with some of the most accomplished "critical" filmmakers. These interviews demonstrate the sophistication of their thinking about film (and a wide range of other concerns) and serve as an accessible introduction to this important area of independent cinema. Each interview is preceded by a general introduction to the filmmaker's work; detailed filmographies and bibliographies are included. Critical Cinema will be a valuable resource for all those involved in the formal study of film, and will be essential reading for film lovers interested in keeping abreast of recent developments in North American cinema.

Hollis Frampton, Larry Gottheim, Robert Huot, Taka Iimura, Carolee Schneeman, Tom Chomont, J.J. Murphy, Beth B and Scott B, John Waters, Vivienne Dick, Bruce Conner, Robert Nelson, Babette Mangolte, George Kuchar, Diana Barrie, Manuel DeLanda, Morgan Fisher.

Genres: Film

422 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 1988

Reviews

[Croix Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

(adjusting thick glasses on nose) Yes, in fact I have the coveted hardcover that goodreads doesn't even know exists. Truly tho, writes totally unpretentious jargon-free theory about incredibly hard-to-explain avant garde films? Nobody but Scott MacDonald that's fucking who.

[Tentatively, Convenience · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I can't resist. I'm certainly a critical cinema maker. There are something like 5 volumes of this series now. I'm not in any of them. Many yrs ago I sent a coupla VHS tapes to MacDonald. No reply. Why? If there's ever been a filmmaker blackballed from the world of critics, it's me. It's like I don't exist. I've made something like 268 movies to date. Nada mention in any film bk except for one catalog & a bk specifically about me published by San Francisco Cinematheque. Nonetheless, this is a great series that shd be studied by anyone interested in the subject. But Vivienne Dick?! Gimme a break. What'd she make? A few super-8 films in the late '70s? & they were crap! Ok, I got that out of my system.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

KSKS