This week Jonathan Rosenbaum (bio) retires from his full-time job as a film writer for the Reader, but no one who knows him would expect him to stop writing. He'll continue reviewing for the paper and blogging at On Film. He'll also be writing soon at jonathanrosenbaum.com, a site we're developing with him. It's been our pleasure to publish his work for more than two decades and we're glad to reassure his many fans that the end is not near. —The editors
Living in Argentina, visiting Chicago Reader on line was inevitable because of Rosenbaum. It was suggested by Godard: he is the anglozaxon Bazin, someone who opens up films in and allow his reader to learn something about the world. It was a privilege for the Reader; it is and will be a privilege for moviegoers, cinephiles and critics to go on reading him in his website. Congratulations!
Intelligent reviewer, yes. Pretentious, yes - lambasting popcorn movies like Star Wars for lacking emotional and intellectual depth is a bit too easy. The kind of bully who looks for the wires making Mary Poppins fly. And his critical darling,Jarmusch, is an Emperor parading about waiting for a small child to scream "naked." Still, his work on Welles has and will stand the test of time - something Chicago will be proud of for a long time. And, ultimately, no matter how "wrong" some of his opinions are ( "Playtime" just isn't funny ) the reviews are never less than smart and heartfelt. One of maybe 8 film reviewers worth reading. Good luck with all future endeavors.
When you, whomever you are, call these reviews "Jonathan's favorites", I presume you mean favorite reviews, rather than favorite films. Did he select them as a best of his writing for the Reader?
It was nice to see Jonathan speak for a change, to experience a loosened version of his typically dense prose, as a sort of supplementary text. Perhaps Jonathan's website could have video blogs. "I've just seen this movie..." or, "i've just thought about this movie..." or, I suppose just about any format he devises. If we're talking spontaneity, reaffirmation, reinvigoration, this could be one route. Not that one's video recorded self is any less subject to editing, but the process could get different juices flowing. At the very least, i'd be curious to see it. Something like a video blog, though not necessarily exactly that, could breathe additional life into this new phase of his career. Discussion is discussion, so i'll be interested in seeing however the website develops, as long as Jonathan continues to communicate, and to know how much many of us appreciate his communication in whatever form it takes.
I've been a huge fan of JR's writing since I first came across his books a decade and a half ago. I was immediately drawn by his intelligence and his critical acuity -- even if I didn't agree with something he said, it could help me focus my own thoughts about a film. And that's the value of a genuine critic: it's not about always having your own opinions confirmed, it's about stimulating you to think more deeply about those opinions and why you hold them. Which is why I find it both amusing and sad that so many people who have posted comments about his work on the Chicago Reader express such outrage and anger about what he says. If you really don't like what a critic has to say (and there are a number I've come to avoid like the plague), then don't read him or her -- but don't try to stifle their voice. As for the previous poster who commented on how "wrong" some of JR's opinions are, using as "proof" the assertion that '"Playtime" just isn't funny', I'd like to point out that all he, or any of us, can really assert is that "personally, I don't think 'Playtime' is funny" ... to refute someone else's opinion with a bald assertion of some kind of infallible knowledge negates the whole point of criticism and informed discussion. Personally, I think 'Playtime' is very funny -- but it's funny in that very particular Tati way, which exists in a different comic universe from, say, the Farrelly brothers (whom, I hasten to add, I personally don't find funny at all -- though I have sat surrounded by audiences who obviously would disagree with me as they laugh themselves into exhaustion at the brothers' antics). So, disagree with JR if you like, but don't dismiss his insights out of hand -- they're too valuable for those who want to engage with what's happening in film here and around the world. I look forward to seeing what he'll come up with now that he's "retired".
Ah, now I see that it explains that they were his favorite reviews on the Reader's main film page. At least asking that question, though unnecessary, encouraged me to suggest video blogging, as I did enjoy this page's youtube morsels. Excuse me if video entries were already a consideration, especially if an obvious one. At heart, I just wanted to encourage your expression, and to communicate with you, as I feel I already do. It's life-affirming, and I was going to say encouraging rather, but might as well go for it, that these forums exist. It's also nice to enter a password, answer a skill-testing question, and ensure that you alone can represent yourself, rather than be confused with another Adam, say, or worse yet, someone intent on slander.
Mr. Rosenbaum, I respect your decision to retire and will miss reading your pieces in The Reader. I understand what you mean by not having to see movies that you're not interested in, but how often are you happily surprised by something you thought you didn't want to see? Finding that hidden gem is often more satisfying to me than loving something that I'm pretty sure I'm going to love beforehand. My best wishes to you with your future endeavors, and eternal thanks for many years of enlightenment.
I'm trying to remember what it was like to view films prior to reading Mr. Rosenbaum. How his anti-AFI list forever changed how I felt about American cinema. His heroic defenses of Eyes Wide Shut and A.I. being mini-bibles for a disgruntled film viewer. How Kiarostami, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, and Jia Zhang-Ke were just names until JR wrote about them. A loss for sure, but here's hoping the writing continues casually, and retirement allows reflection. Thanks for the words, truly.
Too much to see, so little time to spend. What is the porpuse of criticism other than allows us to maximize our precious time. Jonathan Rosembaum is a beacon regarding to films reviews. We are going to miss him in the weekly edition of Chicago Reader, my best wishes in your new project.
Film criticism like all art criticism engages us to consider our own sensibilities. How we pursue art that seems relevant to us and why. Mr. Rosenbaum has been a maverick in this endeavor as he continues to question the status quo's unflinching love of such films as STAR WARS and SCHINDLER'S LIST while championing world cinematic treasures in Kiarotsami and Jia Zhang-Ke. Thankfully The Reader provided JR with pages large enough to present examinations of how the marketing, distribution, and reviewing of films has become so uninspired and contrived, leaving JR both disenchanted and nostalgic for a less savvy cinephile world. How else would we have known the joy of seeing Tati's PLAYTIME at the Art Institute's proper projection in 70mm. The difference between seeing Van Gogh in a coffee table book and seeing it in close up; piles upon piles of painted texture. Mr. Rosenbaum unapologetically reevaluates his own responses to a film after a second or third viewing something hard to find these days in an industry so self congratulatory and full of itself. Thank you Mr. Rosenbaum for alerting us readers to the rest of the world's film treasures and for sharing your passion, disappointment and hope for important cinema. May you enjoy new reflection, and inspiration. Best of luck in all your future projects.
In 1987, while at film school in southern Illinois (and in love with a red-headed girl from Chicago), Rosenbaum’s reviews – in plenty of ragged Readers, wedged under arm, crammed into backpack – not only informed my cinema-going, wizened me, thrilled me, and inspired my writing, but figured prominently in my own personal milieu of a romance I had in, and with, the city of Chicago.
Rosenbaum was a prop – a precious, resonant placement.
Rosenbaum, J. Hoberman, Manhola Dargis, Ray Pride, Rob Nelson...Some of the few reviewers who I can trust not only for expanding my viewpoint in films, but for a prose style that compliments their viewpoint. I await the website and if this means Rosenbaum won't have to sit through the next Larry the Cable Guy movie, we will all live in a better world.
Thank you for agreeing to do the interview. It's a shame you didn't get the opportunity to write a review of There Will Be Blood; I had mixed feelings about it and when that happens I usually turn to your reviews for perspective. (The few observations you did drop were useful; the best review of TWBB is probably Kael's review of Hud). I hope your new freedom to write about whatever you want and the costs of living make you more prolific than ever.
thank you mr. rosenbaum for your insight, opinion, and immense openness. you have had an incalcuable influence upon my searching mind and i thank you from the warmest depths of my being. thanks! "We must love one another or die." - Auden
I don't think I can accurately measure Jonathan's influence on my film education. Simply put; he's one of the finest critics in the country and Chicago was privileged to have him. Not only is he a brilliant man, but a kind friend too. Thank you.
A worthy successor to Agee and Farber. Hope you enjoy the extra time off but please keep the writing coming. If I have to listen to anymore moronic critics like that 3 stooges character who writes for the new yorker, i might have to finally flee this country. Your voice was always a rally cry against the PR Machine of Hollywood and its underlings. Thank You.
What are the chances of getting a book written by you on the New Wave to commerate the 50th anniversary? Wishfull thinking on my part I guess. HAHA.
Mister Rosenbaum, you taught me about film. You confirmed the validity of my intuitive perceptions when no one else could. We often agreed, which made me feel unduly smart due to my respect for you. Like so many great teachers though, when we disagreed I ended up most appreciating your trenchant, knowledgable, sometimes startling insights. I will miss you, as clearly will so very many other Reader readers. Please enjoy your expanded freedoms. We'll continue to enjoy and appreciate whatever you see fit to give us. Thank you.
I will miss your reviews in the Chicago Reader. I'm looking forward to your new website. I was a former student of yours at UC Santa Barbara and have always respected your opinion on movies. You were one of my favorite teachers. Good luck in your retirement.
It hasn't been online yet--or if it has been, that's news to me. The reason for all the delays have been technical glitches of various kinds, plus some coordination problems. (Ben Coy, who's been designing the site, is only in Chicago two days a week--and I'll be off in Washington, D.C. those two days this week.) We're now hoping to launch sometime in early May, if all the glitches get ironed out.
Maybe it was being tested. The site was available for a day or two. There were two articles up, mirroring each other in various ways. I didn't get a chance to read them. Are there still going to be reviews of current releases?
Jonathan, just want to know your view on Pat Graham's latest article on Hou Hsiao-Hsien, given that you have been one of Hou's biggest fans in the past 2 decades.
Jonathan, I don't know if this comment board is a viable way to reach you, but I'm curious to hear your reactions to Armond White's latest lament over the state of film criticism, found here: http://nypress.com/21/17/news&columns/feature3.cfm
Not that there's space enough here to adequately discuss this, but perhaps it could be fodder for an article at the new website...
To S Yuen and BJW: My apologies, but I've been far too busy lately with freelance work and travel to keep up with either the Reader film blog or Armong White's screed--except to notice that they're there.
Where have you been freelancing? (not where have you been in order to freelance, but in which publications...you know...but perhaps both questions are pertinent, re: the travel, should you so choose to answer the second) Also, where can you be read?
Though I moved out of Chicago almost a decade ago, I still go to the Rosenbaum's reviews to see not what's worth watching as much as how to watch movies at all.
I have used his reviews (and parroted his opinions [with proper accreditation, of course]) in many classes I have taught. My students didn't get him, of course. Neither did I for the first year of reading his reviews. Finally, I started to hitch a ride on his wavelength. I've never gotten off it.
Whether I agree with him, I ALWAYS loved his reviews of Coen films,the one on Barton Fink perhaps being my favorite.
I will will definitely keep up on what Mr. Rosenbaum is up to on his site.
Mr. Rosenbaum's memoir of Manny Farber ("They Drive by Night") made a considerable impression on me for personal reasons I don't have time to divulge. But it's the kind of brilliant essay that stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder why more people aren't writing like this.
I came late to JR's writings, so catching up on his past work these last few months have been a revelation.
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Roger Koza at 1:45 AM on 3/1/2008
Living in Argentina, visiting Chicago Reader on line was inevitable because of Rosenbaum. It was suggested by Godard: he is the anglozaxon Bazin, someone who opens up films in and allow his reader to learn something about the world. It was a privilege for the Reader; it is and will be a privilege for moviegoers, cinephiles and critics to go on reading him in his website. Congratulations!
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Rogered Ebert at 11:03 AM on 3/1/2008
Intelligent reviewer, yes. Pretentious, yes - lambasting popcorn movies like Star Wars for lacking emotional and intellectual depth is a bit too easy. The kind of bully who looks for the wires making Mary Poppins fly. And his critical darling,Jarmusch, is an Emperor parading about waiting for a small child to scream "naked."
Still, his work on Welles has and will stand the test of time - something Chicago will be proud of for a long time. And, ultimately, no matter how "wrong" some of his opinions are ( "Playtime" just isn't funny ) the reviews are never less than smart and heartfelt. One of maybe 8 film reviewers worth reading. Good luck with all future endeavors.
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Milo at 6:01 PM on 3/1/2008
I got a message from a fortune cookie that should have been yours: You will succeed in whatever you do.
Looking forward to your Web site.
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Adam L. at 9:41 AM on 3/2/2008
When you, whomever you are, call these reviews "Jonathan's favorites", I presume you mean favorite reviews, rather than favorite films. Did he select them as a best of his writing for the Reader?
It was nice to see Jonathan speak for a change, to experience a loosened version of his typically dense prose, as a sort of supplementary text. Perhaps Jonathan's website could have video blogs. "I've just seen this movie..." or, "i've just thought about this movie..." or, I suppose just about any format he devises. If we're talking spontaneity, reaffirmation, reinvigoration, this could be one route. Not that one's video recorded self is any less subject to editing, but the process could get different juices flowing. At the very least, i'd be curious to see it. Something like a video blog, though not necessarily exactly that, could breathe additional life into this new phase of his career. Discussion is discussion, so i'll be interested in seeing however the website develops, as long as Jonathan continues to communicate, and to know how much many of us appreciate his communication in whatever form it takes.
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George Godwin at 9:43 AM on 3/2/2008
I've been a huge fan of JR's writing since I first came across his books a decade and a half ago. I was immediately drawn by his intelligence and his critical acuity -- even if I didn't agree with something he said, it could help me focus my own thoughts about a film. And that's the value of a genuine critic: it's not about always having your own opinions confirmed, it's about stimulating you to think more deeply about those opinions and why you hold them. Which is why I find it both amusing and sad that so many people who have posted comments about his work on the Chicago Reader express such outrage and anger about what he says. If you really don't like what a critic has to say (and there are a number I've come to avoid like the plague), then don't read him or her -- but don't try to stifle their voice. As for the previous poster who commented on how "wrong" some of JR's opinions are, using as "proof" the assertion that '"Playtime" just isn't funny', I'd like to point out that all he, or any of us, can really assert is that "personally, I don't think 'Playtime' is funny" ... to refute someone else's opinion with a bald assertion of some kind of infallible knowledge negates the whole point of criticism and informed discussion. Personally, I think 'Playtime' is very funny -- but it's funny in that very particular Tati way, which exists in a different comic universe from, say, the Farrelly brothers (whom, I hasten to add, I personally don't find funny at all -- though I have sat surrounded by audiences who obviously would disagree with me as they laugh themselves into exhaustion at the brothers' antics). So, disagree with JR if you like, but don't dismiss his insights out of hand -- they're too valuable for those who want to engage with what's happening in film here and around the world. I look forward to seeing what he'll come up with now that he's "retired".
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Adam L. at 9:58 AM on 3/2/2008
Ah, now I see that it explains that they were his favorite reviews on the Reader's main film page. At least asking that question, though unnecessary, encouraged me to suggest video blogging, as I did enjoy this page's youtube morsels. Excuse me if video entries were already a consideration, especially if an obvious one. At heart, I just wanted to encourage your expression, and to communicate with you, as I feel I already do. It's life-affirming, and I was going to say encouraging rather, but might as well go for it, that these forums exist. It's also nice to enter a password, answer a skill-testing question, and ensure that you alone can represent yourself, rather than be confused with another Adam, say, or worse yet, someone intent on slander.
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George I. at 4:53 PM on 3/2/2008
Mr. Rosenbaum, I respect your decision to retire and will miss reading your pieces in The Reader. I understand what you mean by not having to see movies that you're not interested in, but how often are you happily surprised by something you thought you didn't want to see? Finding that hidden gem is often more satisfying to me than loving something that I'm pretty sure I'm going to love beforehand. My best wishes to you with your future endeavors, and eternal thanks for many years of enlightenment.
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Michael Lieberman at 6:07 PM on 3/2/2008
I'm trying to remember what it was like to view films prior to reading Mr. Rosenbaum. How his anti-AFI list forever changed how I felt about American cinema. His heroic defenses of Eyes Wide Shut and A.I. being mini-bibles for a disgruntled film viewer. How Kiarostami, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, and Jia Zhang-Ke were just names until JR wrote about them. A loss for sure, but here's hoping the writing continues casually, and retirement allows reflection. Thanks for the words, truly.
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Antonio Lopez at 8:45 PM on 3/2/2008
Too much to see, so little time to spend. What is the porpuse of criticism other than allows us to maximize our precious time. Jonathan Rosembaum is a beacon regarding to films reviews. We are going to miss him in the weekly edition of Chicago Reader, my best wishes in your new project.
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Christina Clemons at 10:04 PM on 3/3/2008
Film criticism like all art criticism engages us to consider our own sensibilities. How we pursue art that seems relevant to us and why. Mr. Rosenbaum has been a maverick in this endeavor as he continues to question the status quo's unflinching love of such films as STAR WARS and SCHINDLER'S LIST while championing world cinematic treasures in Kiarotsami and Jia Zhang-Ke. Thankfully The Reader provided JR with pages large enough to present examinations of how the marketing, distribution, and reviewing of films has become so uninspired and contrived, leaving JR both disenchanted and nostalgic for a less savvy cinephile world. How else would we have known the joy of seeing Tati's PLAYTIME at the Art Institute's proper projection in 70mm. The difference between seeing Van Gogh in a coffee table book and seeing it in close up; piles upon piles of painted texture.
Mr. Rosenbaum unapologetically reevaluates his own responses to a film after a second or third viewing something hard to find these days in an industry so self congratulatory and full of itself.
Thank you Mr. Rosenbaum for alerting us readers to the rest of the world's film treasures and for sharing your passion, disappointment and hope for important cinema. May you enjoy new reflection, and inspiration. Best of luck in all your future projects.
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DigitalTramp at 12:46 PM on 3/4/2008
In 1987, while at film school in southern Illinois (and in love with a red-headed girl from Chicago), Rosenbaum’s reviews – in plenty of ragged Readers, wedged under arm, crammed into backpack – not only informed my cinema-going, wizened me, thrilled me, and inspired my writing, but figured prominently in my own personal milieu of a romance I had in, and with, the city of Chicago.
Rosenbaum was a prop – a precious, resonant placement.
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Brandon Linden at 12:58 PM on 3/4/2008
Rosenbaum, J. Hoberman, Manhola Dargis, Ray Pride, Rob Nelson...Some of the few reviewers who I can trust not only for expanding my viewpoint in films, but for a prose style that compliments their viewpoint.
I await the website and if this means Rosenbaum won't have to sit through the next Larry the Cable Guy movie, we will all live in a better world.
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Jeff Fries at 2:23 PM on 3/4/2008
Thank you for agreeing to do the interview. It's a shame you didn't get the opportunity to write a review of There Will Be Blood; I had mixed feelings about it and when that happens I usually turn to your reviews for perspective. (The few observations you did drop were useful; the best review of TWBB is probably Kael's review of Hud). I hope your new freedom to write about whatever you want and the costs of living make you more prolific than ever.
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nobody at 6:28 PM on 3/4/2008
thank you mr. rosenbaum for your insight, opinion, and immense openness. you have had an incalcuable influence upon my searching mind and i thank you from the warmest depths of my being. thanks!
"We must love one another or die." - Auden
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Michael Gilio at 7:01 PM on 3/4/2008
I don't think I can accurately measure Jonathan's influence on my film education. Simply put; he's one of the finest critics in the country and Chicago was privileged to have him. Not only is he a brilliant man, but a kind friend too. Thank you.
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Puya Yazdi at 4:30 AM on 3/5/2008
A worthy successor to Agee and Farber. Hope you enjoy the extra time off but please keep the writing coming. If I have to listen to anymore moronic critics like that 3 stooges character who writes for the new yorker, i might have to finally flee this country. Your voice was always a rally cry against the PR Machine of Hollywood and its underlings. Thank You.
What are the chances of getting a book written by you on the New Wave to commerate the 50th anniversary? Wishfull thinking on my part I guess. HAHA.
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Eric at 2:07 PM on 3/5/2008
I hope you'll plug your website from here when it's ready; a Google search didn't turn up anything.
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The Reader at 5:46 PM on 3/5/2008
We will!
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al at 12:24 PM on 3/14/2008
Regardless if I agree with your thoughts, your reviews are always unique and stimulating. Keep on writing.
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Chad in Seattle at 1:12 PM on 3/22/2008
I've learned more about film from Mr. Rosenbaum than any other critic. I hope his life is well and he continues to write now and then.
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PeterOliverToo at 11:49 AM on 3/27/2008
Mister Rosenbaum, you taught me about film. You confirmed the validity of my intuitive perceptions when no one else could. We often agreed, which made me feel unduly smart due to my respect for you. Like so many great teachers though, when we disagreed I ended up most appreciating your trenchant, knowledgable, sometimes startling insights. I will miss you, as clearly will so very many other Reader readers. Please enjoy your expanded freedoms. We'll continue to enjoy and appreciate whatever you see fit to give us. Thank you.
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Stan Czarnecki at 11:36 AM on 4/3/2008
I just wanted to ask how far you guys are with Mr. Rosenbaum's website. It's already April, so I thought it's time to ask. Thanks.
All the best,
Stan Czarnecki
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The Reader at 9:14 AM on 4/4/2008
We're still working on it. Sit tight!
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Mike Purdy at 1:45 PM on 4/11/2008
I will miss your reviews in the Chicago Reader. I'm looking forward to your new website. I was a former student of yours at UC Santa Barbara and have always respected your opinion on movies. You were one of my favorite teachers. Good luck in your retirement.
Mike
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qwerty at 5:04 PM on 4/22/2008
What is going on with the jonathanrosenbaum.com? It was online for a couple of days but now its gone again.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum at 10:36 PM on 4/22/2008
It hasn't been online yet--or if it has been, that's news to me. The reason for all the delays have been technical glitches of various kinds, plus some coordination problems. (Ben Coy, who's been designing the site, is only in Chicago two days a week--and I'll be off in Washington, D.C. those two days this week.) We're now hoping to launch sometime in early May, if all the glitches get ironed out.
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Adam L at 11:07 PM on 4/22/2008
Maybe it was being tested. The site was available for a day or two. There were two articles up, mirroring each other in various ways. I didn't get a chance to read them. Are there still going to be reviews of current releases?
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Jonathan Rosenbaum. at 10:00 PM on 4/23/2008
No, because I haven't been seeing current releases.
The articles that were there briefly in the test will go up again when the site's ready.
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S Yuen at 12:19 AM on 4/24/2008
Jonathan, just want to know your view on Pat Graham's latest article on Hou Hsiao-Hsien, given that you have been one of Hou's biggest fans in the past 2 decades.
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BJW at 9:50 PM on 4/24/2008
Jonathan, I don't know if this comment board is a viable way to reach you, but I'm curious to hear your reactions to Armond White's latest lament over the state of film criticism, found here: http://nypress.com/21/17/news&columns/feature3.cfm
Not that there's space enough here to adequately discuss this, but perhaps it could be fodder for an article at the new website...
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Jonathan Rosenbaum. at 7:42 PM on 4/26/2008
To S Yuen and BJW: My apologies, but I've been far too busy lately with freelance work and travel to keep up with either the Reader film blog or Armong White's screed--except to notice that they're there.
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JMC at 7:27 PM on 4/27/2008
Jonathan, what advice would you give to an aspiring film critic? Thanks
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Jonathan Rosenbaum. at 10:17 PM on 4/27/2008
Advice to JMC: See movies.
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Adam L. at 11:47 PM on 4/29/2008
Where have you been freelancing? (not where have you been in order to freelance, but in which publications...you know...but perhaps both questions are pertinent, re: the travel, should you so choose to answer the second) Also, where can you be read?
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Adam L. at 11:49 PM on 4/29/2008
...while jonathanrosenbaum.com works out its kinks.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum at 1:18 AM on 4/30/2008
All this will be posted on the web site, hopefully later this week.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum at 1:08 PM on 5/1/2008
My web site just launched: www.jonathanrosenbaum.com
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Christian at 11:01 AM on 5/2/2008
Though I moved out of Chicago almost a decade ago, I still go to the Rosenbaum's reviews to see not what's worth watching as much as how to watch movies at all.
I have used his reviews (and parroted his opinions [with proper accreditation, of course]) in many classes I have taught. My students didn't get him, of course. Neither did I for the first year of reading his reviews. Finally, I started to hitch a ride on his wavelength. I've never gotten off it.
Whether I agree with him, I ALWAYS loved his reviews of Coen films,the one on Barton Fink perhaps being my favorite.
I will will definitely keep up on what Mr. Rosenbaum is up to on his site.
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Bryant Manning at 11:23 AM on 5/10/2008
Mr. Rosenbaum's memoir of Manny Farber ("They Drive by Night") made a considerable impression on me for personal reasons I don't have time to divulge. But it's the kind of brilliant essay that stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder why more people aren't writing like this.
I came late to JR's writings, so catching up on his past work these last few months have been a revelation.
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