Watch What She Said: The Art Of Pauline Kae

What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael is a documentary film that delves into the life and work of the legendary film critic, Pauline Kael. Directed by Rob Garver, the film features interviews with some of Hollywood's most influential figures, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Alec Baldwin, Francis Ford Coppola, and Quentin Tarantino.

The movie showcases Kael's unique voice and her relationship with cinema. Through her writings, which were often controversial and challenging to the established norms of film criticism, Kael transformed the way people watch movies. Her essays inspired generations of filmmakers, and her insights continue to shape the way we think about film today.

The documentary follows Kael's career, starting with her early years as a critic in the 1950s, working for a small publication in San Francisco. Her unconventional style and her love for movies quickly made her a respected voice in the industry. She became the film critic for The New Yorker in 1968, and her reviews became well-known for their wit, intelligence, and passion.

What She Said explores Kael's relationship with cinema and how it evolved over time. She was particularly fond of films that had a visceral impact on the audience, and she championed directors such as Martin Scorsese, Robert Altman, and Brian De Palma. She was not afraid to take on powerful studio executives, and her reviews often caused controversy in the industry.

The documentary also looks at the personal side of Kael's life. She was a single mother who struggled to balance her career with her family life. Her son, who is interviewed in the film, talks about his relationship with his mother and how her work influenced him.

One of the fascinating aspects of the documentary is the commentary from some of Hollywood's biggest names. Sarah Jessica Parker, who has cited Kael as a major influence on her career, talks about how Kael's writing made her see movies in a different way. Alec Baldwin, who had a contentious relationship with Kael, discusses their disagreements and how he ultimately came to appreciate her work. Meanwhile, Francis Ford Coppola and Quentin Tarantino talk about Kael's influence on their work and how they both sought her approval.

What She Said also provides an intimate look at Kael's writing process. Through interviews with her editors and colleagues, the documentary shows how Kael would work tirelessly to craft her reviews. Her commitment to her craft is evident, and the film does an excellent job of illustrating just how much she valued her work.

Overall, What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael is a fascinating documentary that celebrates the life and work of one of the most influential film critics of all time. Through interviews with some of Hollywood's most prominent figures, the film offers insight into Kael's unique voice and her impact on cinema. The documentary is a must-see for anyone who loves movies or is interested in the art of film criticism.

What She Said: The Art Of Pauline Kae is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.