Best Movies of 2024 with NY Times Film Critic Alissa Wilkinson
Dec 12, 2024
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Alissa Wilkinson, a New York Times film critic renowned for her keen insights, discusses her journey into film critique and reveals her top movie picks for 2024. The conversation spans the cultural impact of cinematic storytelling and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in blockbuster filmmaking. They explore faith themes in horror films, examining how they illuminate belief and doubt. Plus, Alissa shares cherished Christmas movie memories, blending nostalgia with a heartfelt reflection on what makes these films resonate.
Alissa Wilkinson's unique background in homeschooling and documentaries shaped her distinctive perspective as a film critic, emphasizing storytelling's educational aspects.
Wilkinson highlights the challenge of transforming her passion for film into a full-time job, where commercial pressures can overshadow artistic integrity.
Deep dives
Alyssa Wilkinson's Homeschooling Influence
Alyssa Wilkinson shares her unique perspective on growing up homeschooled, particularly in the 90s. Her television diet primarily consisted of documentaries, particularly those by Ken Burns, which shaped her interests and expectations of storytelling. Although she occasionally watched sitcoms like 'Felicity' during visits to friends or relatives, her formative years were spent immersed in what she describes as 'boring' media, emphasizing a more educational slant. This background influenced her identity as a movie critic, providing her with a distinctive lens through which to view film and media.
Path to Becoming a Film Critic
Wilkinson discusses her unconventional journey to becoming a film critic, beginning with a diverse academic background in information technology and humanities. Her interest in film grew when she started watching and discussing movies regularly with her husband, who was studying film. Despite initially lacking preparation for a career in criticism, she relied on online resources to learn about writing for publications. Her experience exemplifies how passion and curiosity can transcend formal training in a chosen field.
Navigating the Challenges of Film Reviewing
Working full-time as a movie reviewer presents both delightful and tedious challenges for Wilkinson. While she enjoys the privilege of seeing films before they are released to the public, much of her work revolves around sifting through content that may not always interest her. She highlights the difficulty of transforming beloved pastime activities into a job, wherein the joy can sometimes be overshadowed by the demands of meeting deadlines and creating engaging content. However, her passion for film remains strong, as she continually seeks new artistic expressions and voices through cinema.
The Landscape of Contemporary Film
The discussion shifts to notable films of the current year, where Wilkinson shares her top picks, which include 'Nickel Boys,' 'Eno,' and 'Anora.' She emphasizes that the cinematic landscape is often dominated by big-budget productions that frequently prioritize profit over artistry, limiting the inclusion of more idiosyncratic films. Despite this, she acknowledges standout movies that transcend their genres and provide some depth, such as 'Dune: Part Two.' This commentary underscores her belief that embracing artistic integrity over commercial viability is essential in contemporary film criticism.
New York Times film critic Alissa Wilkinson, joins the show to talk about her journey to becoming a movie reviewer, the best films of 2024, and what makes a movie truly great. Esau and Alissa also dive into their favorite Christmas movies and the state of religious films in the industry today.
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