Manny Farber

Manny Farber was an American film critic, painter, and essayist, best known for his groundbreaking work in film criticism. Born in Douglas, Arizona, in 1917, Farber's approach to reviewing films was deeply influential in shaping modern criticism. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Farber was known for his sharp, often unorthodox perspectives, focusing on the aesthetic and artistic elements of cinema. His influential essay "Negative Space" emphasized the importance of what was left out of films, rather than just what was presented on screen, fundamentally changing how critics evaluated movies.

In addition to his critical work, Manny Farber was also a visual artist, and his background in painting often informed his approach to film criticism. His style was known for being pithy, intellectual, and often filled with metaphor and analytical depth. Farber's essays have been collected in books such as Farber on Film, where his thoughts on film style, director vision, and the role of editing in filmmaking continue to resonate with both film buffs and professionals.

One of Manny Farber’s notable quotes is, "The term 'art' has been diluted. There’s no substitute for the excitement of the film that rocks you." This speaks to his belief in authenticity and the power of a transformative cinematic experience. Another significant quote from him is, "The best films are those that are alive with the work of a director who is making the movie that he wants to make, and not one he’s forced into making." This highlights his focus on director vision and creative integrity as essential elements of truly great filmmaking.