Rule of Thumb

This book analyzes the style and influence of Roger Ebert's film criticism and aesthetics. Roger Ebert is one of a kind: the first critic to win a Pulitzer for film criticism and the only to be given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His ubiquitous and iconic 'thumbs up' is still a mark of distinction that movie publicists crave, and he's one of a handful of critics whose opinions actually shape a film's commercial prospects. With a critical eye worthy of his subject, Rendleman explores the values, temperament, and style that have made Ebert the most trusted and influential film critic in America. "Rule of Thumb" analyzes Ebert's point of view, illuminating his critical strengths and blind spots, while reintroducing the one critic that all moviegoers recognize, argue with, and love. In order to situate him critically, his writings are compared to colleagues like Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris. While exploring their critical debates, the author offers fresh assessments of a host of movies, from modern classics like "Last Tango in Paris" and "Blue Velvet", to films that deserve another glance, like "Music Box" and "In Dreams".