Introduction
In "Better Living Through Criticism," A.O. Scott, a renowned film critic for The New York Times, explores the complex and often misunderstood world of criticism. This book delves into the history, purpose, and future of criticism, challenging readers to embrace their inner critic and understand the vital role that criticism plays in our culture.
Scott argues that criticism is not just about passing judgment on art, but about engaging with it deeply and thoughtfully. He presents criticism as a creative act in itself, one that requires skill, knowledge, and passion. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, Scott examines the relationship between critics and artists, the evolution of taste, and the impact of the digital age on critical discourse.
The Role of the Critic in Society
Reacting in the Moment
One of the key challenges faced by critics is the need to respond to art in real-time, without the benefit of hindsight. Scott emphasizes that criticism is inherently tied to the moment in which it's created. While artworks themselves may endure for generations, critical responses are fixed in time, reflecting the cultural context of their creation.
This immediacy can be both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it allows critics to capture the initial impact and relevance of a work. On the other, it means that their judgments may not stand the test of time. Scott uses the example of rock music to illustrate this point. When rock first emerged, many respected critics dismissed it outright. Today, we recognize rock as a pivotal moment in musical history, but those early negative critiques remain as artifacts of a different era.
Embracing Controversy
Scott argues that good criticism often involves provoking thought and challenging popular opinion. This means that critics must be prepared to face backlash when they express unpopular views. He shares his own experience of facing online attacks after writing a critical review of "The Avengers: Age of Ultron." Rather than being deterred by the controversy, Scott sees it as part of the job and even suggests that it can enhance a critic's reputation.
Expanding the Scope of Criticism
In today's diverse cultural landscape, critics are no longer limited to discussing "high art." Scott points out that even traditionally "low-brow" forms of entertainment, such as superhero movies, can provide rich material for critical analysis. By examining these works, critics can offer insights into current cultural attitudes and trends.
The Intersection of Art and Criticism
Critics as Artists
Scott challenges the notion that critics are failed artists, pointing out that many influential critics were also successful in other creative fields. He cites examples like George Bernard Shaw, who excelled as both a playwright and a drama critic, and T.S. Eliot, who is studied for both his poetry and his literary criticism.
This overlap between criticism and artistic creation highlights the shared creative impulse behind both pursuits. Scott argues that the main difference between criticism and art is that criticism requires an existing work to respond to, while art can be created from scratch.
Artists as Critics
Interestingly, Scott also posits that all artists are, in a sense, critics themselves. He explains that creative people are often inspired by the art they encounter, leading them to imitate, improve upon, or subvert existing works. This process of engagement and response is a form of criticism in itself.
Scott provides examples from the film industry, noting how directors like the Coen Brothers and Quentin Tarantino incorporate elements from their cinematic influences into their own unique visions. Similarly, he points to the sampling culture in hip hop and electronic music as a form of critical engagement with existing art.
The Shaping of Taste
Community and Personal Taste
Scott explores how our personal tastes are influenced by the communities we engage with. Whether it's a local scene or an online community, these groups provide a sense of belonging and validation for our aesthetic preferences. He notes that this communal aspect of taste formation is particularly evident in the digital age, where social media and blogs play a significant role in shaping cultural opinions.
The Evolution of Aesthetic Understanding
The book also delves into how our collective understanding of beauty and art has changed over time. Scott contrasts the 18th-century philosophical view of a universal standard of beauty with our modern awareness of how cultural and commercial forces influence taste.
He argues that today's society is more inclined to question initial reactions to art, recognizing the complex factors that shape our preferences. This critical self-awareness is seen as a positive development, encouraging a more nuanced appreciation of art and culture.
The Critic's Responsibility
Speaking Truth
Scott emphasizes the importance of honesty in criticism, even when it may be uncomfortable or unpopular. He suggests that critics serve a vital social function by expressing judgments that others might shy away from to avoid conflict.
This role of the critic as a truth-teller has historical roots. Scott explains that early civilizations recognized the need for designated individuals to uphold aesthetic standards and make critical judgments. This tradition has continued, with critics often finding themselves both respected and reviled for their honest appraisals.
Facing Accusations of Bias
The book acknowledges that critics frequently face accusations of bias, especially when their opinions challenge popular beliefs. Scott sees this as an inevitable part of the critic's role, particularly in today's diverse global culture with its many conflicting ideals.
The Power and Responsibility of Criticism
Scott doesn't shy away from discussing the significant impact that criticism can have on artists and their work. He notes that a single negative review can potentially derail a career or shut down a production. However, he also points out that critical reviews serve as valuable historical records, preserving discussions about art that might otherwise be lost to time.
He uses the example of "Moby-Dick" to illustrate this point. Herman Melville's masterpiece was initially met with harsh reviews, leading to the author's retreat into obscurity. It wasn't until decades after Melville's death that the book was rediscovered and reevaluated, in part because of the existence of those original published reviews.
The Value of Being Wrong
Sparking Conversation
Scott presents an intriguing perspective on the value of incorrect judgments in criticism. He argues that by offering subjective opinions, even if they turn out to be wrong, critics can initiate important conversations about art and culture.
This process of discussion and debate helps society as a whole come to a more nuanced understanding of a work. Scott points to review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes as an attempt to capture this collective judgment, combining many subjective opinions to create a broader consensus.
The Danger of Bland Positivity
However, Scott expresses concern about a trend in modern criticism towards using vague, positive language to avoid potential backlash. He criticizes the overuse of words like "captivating" and "mesmerizing," arguing that these empty superlatives do little to contribute to meaningful discussion about art.
Instead, he advocates for critics to take risks with their opinions, even if it means occasionally being wrong. In his view, provoking thought and starting conversations is more valuable than always being right or universally agreeable.
The Critic as Cultural Curator
Connecting Past and Present
Scott highlights the important role that critics play in keeping past masterpieces alive for new generations. In an era where we have unprecedented access to historical cultural output, critics help guide audiences towards works that are worth revisiting or rediscovering.
He uses the example of the 1938 film "Bringing Up Baby," which was initially dismissed by critics but later reevaluated and elevated to classic status. This process of critical reassessment helps to shape our cultural canon, determining which works endure and continue to be celebrated over time.
Championing Undervalued Art
Critics also serve a vital function in bringing attention to underappreciated art forms or individual works. Scott points to the history of jazz as an example. Initially dismissed by many as lowbrow entertainment, jazz gained respectability and wider appreciation in part due to the efforts of dedicated critics who recognized its artistic merit.
This ability to shine a spotlight on overlooked or misunderstood art is one of the most valuable contributions that critics make to culture. By advocating for works they believe in, critics can help reshape public perception and open up new avenues for artistic expression.
The Digital Revolution and Its Impact on Criticism
The Rise of Amateur Critics
Scott acknowledges the significant changes that the digital age has brought to the world of criticism. With the proliferation of online platforms, anyone can now share their opinions on art and culture to a potentially wide audience. This democratization of criticism has both positive and negative aspects.
On one hand, it has led to a more diverse range of voices and perspectives being heard. On the other, it has created a glut of amateur criticism that can sometimes drown out more thoughtful, professional voices. Scott notes the challenge of distinguishing between well-informed critique and knee-jerk reactions in the online space.
The Changing Landscape for Professional Critics
The book explores how the digital revolution has affected traditional critical institutions. Many print publications have struggled to adapt to the online environment, leading to budget cuts, staff reductions, and in some cases, closure. This has put pressure on professional critics to produce content more quickly and in formats that are more suited to online consumption.
Scott discusses the shift from long-form printed criticism to rapid social media commentary, noting that by the time a printed review is published, hundreds of tweets and online discussions may have already shaped public opinion. This new reality requires critics to adapt their approach and find ways to remain relevant in a fast-paced digital landscape.
The Future of Criticism
Despite these challenges, Scott sees potential for criticism to evolve and thrive in the digital age. He points to successful online writers who have embraced new media formats and built large followings. While these new forms of criticism may look different from traditional approaches, Scott argues that they can still embody the core journalistic and critical spirit.
He encourages traditional critics to learn from these digital success stories and find ways to adapt their skills to new platforms. By doing so, they can help ensure that thoughtful, informed criticism continues to play a vital role in our cultural discourse.
The Universality of Criticism
Scott concludes by reflecting on how criticism is a fundamental human activity that extends far beyond the realm of professional art critique. We all engage in critical thinking and judgment in various aspects of our lives, from evaluating a neighbor's fashion choices to forming opinions on social and political issues.
However, he emphasizes that true criticism goes beyond mere opinion or snap judgments. Effective criticism should be engaging and thought-provoking in its own right, offering insights that enrich our understanding and appreciation of the subject at hand.
Final Thoughts
"Better Living Through Criticism" presents a compelling case for the enduring value of criticism in our culture. A.O. Scott argues that far from being a negative or destructive force, good criticism enhances our engagement with art and ideas, challenging us to think more deeply about the world around us.
The book encourages readers to embrace their inner critic, to question their assumptions, and to engage more thoughtfully with the art and culture they encounter. It also calls on professional critics to rise to the challenges of the digital age, adapting their skills to new platforms while maintaining the depth and insight that characterize the best critical writing.
Ultimately, Scott presents criticism as a vital and creative act, one that contributes to the ongoing conversation about what we value as a society. By fostering a culture of informed, engaged criticism, we can enrich our collective cultural experience and gain a deeper understanding of both art and ourselves.
Key Takeaways:
- Criticism is a creative act that requires skill, knowledge, and passion.
- Critics must be willing to express honest opinions, even if they provoke controversy.
- The line between critics and artists is often blurred, with many individuals excelling in both roles.
- Our tastes are shaped by the communities we engage with and evolve over time.
- Good criticism can bring attention to undervalued art and keep past masterpieces relevant.
- The digital age has democratized criticism but also created challenges for professional critics.
- Criticism is a universal human activity that extends beyond professional art critique.
- Effective criticism should be engaging and thought-provoking in its own right.
By exploring these ideas, "Better Living Through Criticism" offers readers a new perspective on the role of criticism in society and encourages a more thoughtful, engaged approach to consuming and discussing art and culture.