The Daily

Our Film Critic on Why He’s Done With the Movies

Mar 23, 2023

A.O. Scott, a longtime film critic for The New York Times, reflects on his departure from film criticism after 23 years. He discusses the impact of franchise dominance on storytelling, revealing how superhero films have overshadowed diverse narratives. Scott delves into the challenges of traditional criticism in the age of streaming, where audience consumption has changed drastically. He expresses bittersweet emotions about the evolving landscape of cinema and the diminishing significance of theatrical releases, raising concerns about the future of film appreciation.

41:13

Creator website

Episode guests

A.O. Scott

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Critic Proof Movies and the Fandoms

01:30

Movie Critics Challenge the audience to Step Out of Their Comfort Zone

00:49

Intro

2min

Reflections of a Film Critic's Journey

14min

Franchise Dominance in Cinema

6min

The Shift in Cinema: Challenges for Traditional Film Criticism

4min

The Evolution of Cinema in the Streaming Era

9min

Reflections on Film Criticism

7min

Current Events and Community Commitment Amidst Cinema Promotion

3min

A.O. Scott started as a film critic at The New York Times in January of 2000. Next month he will move to the Book Review as a critic at large.

After 23 years as a film critic, Mr. Scott discusses why he is done with the movies, and what his decision reveals about the new realities of American cinema.

Guest: A.O. Scott, a longtime film critic for The New York Times.

Background reading:

A.O. Scott conducts his own exit interview as he moves to a new post after more than two decades of reviewing films.
A.O. Scott’s review of “65.”

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.