Pauline Kael Quotes

Powerful Pauline Kael for Daily Growth

About Pauline Kael

Pauline Kael (December 19, 1919 – September 3, 2001) was an influential American film critic, renowned for her incisive analysis, vivid prose, and controversial opinions. Born in Petaluma, California, she grew up in a working-class Jewish family, where movies were a source of escape from the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Her passion for cinema was ignited at an early age, and she would often attend double features at local theaters. Kael's formal education was brief; she dropped out of the University of California, Berkeley after two years to pursue her love for movies. She moved to New York City in 1954, where she worked as a copywriter for various advertising agencies before finding her true calling in film criticism. Her career took off when she began writing for the left-wing political magazine, The Nation, and later for McCall's and Cosmopolitan. In 1967, Kael joined The New Yorker as a staff writer, where she would become one of the most iconic film critics in American history. Her reviews were marked by their insightful analysis, witty humor, and unapologetic tone. She was known for her ability to engage with the cultural zeitgeist and to challenge mainstream opinions. Kael's influential works include "I Lost It at the Movies" (1965), "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: On the Films of Brian De Palma" (1975), and "Movie Love: Or, Taking It All Seriously" (1970). Kael's critical approach emphasized the subjective nature of film criticism and championed the power of movies to inspire, challenge, and provoke. Her legacy continues to influence a new generation of critics and cinephiles today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Movies are a machine that makes us feel uncanny emotions."

Pauline Kael's quote suggests that movies have an extraordinary ability to evoke strange, unfamiliar, or eerie feelings in viewers. They achieve this by immersing us in narratives and worlds that stimulate our emotions in ways we might not typically experience in real life. This "uncanny" effect is a testament to the power of cinema as a medium to provoke deep reactions and create unforgettable experiences.

"I don't go to movies to have my mind changed; I see it as entertainment, as a sort of art."

This quote by Pauline Kael suggests that her primary motivation for watching films is not to learn something new or be persuaded about an issue, but rather to enjoy them for their artistic value and entertainment. She views movies as a form of art meant to provide pleasure, escape, or a unique sensory experience, rather than a tool for propaganda or education.

"Censorship is nothing more than the suppression of unorthodox and controversial ideas."

Pauline Kael's quote emphasizes that censorship serves to suppress or prohibit any thoughts, opinions, or creative works deemed as deviating from established norms or orthodox beliefs. In essence, it stifles free expression and discourse, limiting the exchange of ideas that could potentially challenge, enlighten, or broaden our perspectives. This quote underlines the importance of freedom of speech and thought in a democratic society, where diverse voices and controversial ideas are encouraged rather than suppressed.

"A good film is when the price of the ticket [seems] worth every penny."

This quote by Pauline Kael suggests that a good movie offers an experience that justifies its cost, making viewers feel that the money spent on the ticket was well-invested. In essence, it's about finding movies that provide enjoyment, entertainment, or emotional resonance that makes the viewer feel satisfied with their choice to watch it.

"The movies are the most powerful empathy machine in all history."

The quote by Pauline Kael, "The movies are the most powerful empathy machine in all history," highlights the unique ability of cinema to evoke deep emotional responses and foster understanding between people. Movies allow us to immerse ourselves in different worlds, perspectives, and experiences, fostering empathy as we connect with characters and their stories. This emotional connection transcends geographical, cultural, and social barriers, making movies a powerful tool for promoting compassion, understanding, and unity among humanity.

Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, to keep what you want from ending, do it. Pry the door open or, if need be, wedge your foot in that door and keep it open.

- Pauline Kael

Motivational, Chance, Door, Ending

One of the surest signs of the Philistine is his reverence for the superior tastes of those who put him down.

- Pauline Kael

Down, Him, Reverence, Tastes

Trash has given us an appetite for art.

- Pauline Kael

Art, Appetite, Given, Trash

I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.

- Pauline Kael

Country, Civilization, Wherever

Citizen Kane is perhaps the one American talking picture that seems as fresh now as the day it opened. It may seem even fresher.

- Pauline Kael

Movies, Citizen, May, Fresh

Kevin Costner has feathers in his hair and feathers in his head. The Indians should have called him 'Plays with Camera.'

- Pauline Kael

Him, Plays, Kevin Costner, Camera

Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash we have very little reason to be interested in them.

- Pauline Kael

Art, Reason, Very, Trash

It seems likely that many of the young who don't wait for others to call them artists, but simply announce that they are, don't have the patience to make art.

- Pauline Kael

Art, Wait, Likely, Announce

The first prerogative of an artist in any medium is to make a fool of himself.

- Pauline Kael

Fool, Artist, Himself, Prerogative

A mistake in judgment isn't fatal, but too much anxiety about judgment is.

- Pauline Kael

Mistake, Anxiety, Judgment, Fatal

This movie is a toupee made up to look like honest baldness.

- Pauline Kael

Movie, Like, Made, Baldness

The critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.

- Pauline Kael

Rest, Independent, Only, Critic

In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.

- Pauline Kael

Rest, Independent, Only, Critic

A book might be written on the injustice of the just.

- Pauline Kael

Book, Might, Written, Injustice

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