Critics are, I think, an inherently reactive lot. Passivity should be outlawed in the occupation, but generally, the bulk of our job’s output is reactive to other works or cultural trends. Part of modern criticism’s problem is that it rarely interfaces with other criticism except to pick on the weakest links. We thinking writers all know that “FilmTok,” a corner of the internet where young people post their microwave film opinions, is a sloppy attention-driven hack job that rarely if ever brings intelligent insight to cinema. Other social media like Twitter and YouTube are barely better. But that’s because they’re providing feedback. They’re bouncing back in the moment, providing reactions to fan retweets and comments. Yet on the “creator” end, those systems don’t allow for the kind of advanced analysis criticism also needs to provide. So, how can we find a balance?
Introducing the AnthonyReviews subscriber chat. (Yes it’s FREE). This is a conversation space in the Substack app that I set up exclusively for my subscribers — kind of like a group chat or live hangout. I’ll post short prompts, thoughts, and updates that come my way, and you can jump into the discussion.
The first prompt is simple; what do you want from the movies? If you haven’t been to the theater in a while, why? If you look back at older cinema with nostalgic goggles and shake your head at what’s playing at your local multiplex, why? Maybe you’re not like that at all; you’re a movie omnivore who can’t wait to see everything every single week at the theater. Okay great! Why? What draws you to the movies?
To join our chat, you’ll need to download the Substack app, now available for both iOS and Android. Chats are sent via the app, not email, so turn on push notifications so you don’t miss a conversation as it happens!
How to get started
Download the app by clicking this link or the button below. Substack Chat is now available on both iOS and Android.
Open the app and tap the Chat icon. It looks like two bubbles in the bottom bar, and you’ll see a row for my chat inside.
That’s it! Jump into my thread to say hi, and if you have any issues, check out Substack’s FAQ.
More Anthony:
I’ve already promoted this but I’m really excited about it so here we go again. Sean and I are hosting the Always See Everything Christmas Special in which we record a commentary of the Star Wars Holiday Special. It’s gonna be festive and so silly, including one of the most high-effort bits I’ve ever done. That will post Christmas Eve, so be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss it, either during the holiday season or as a treat while you’re taking down the decorations!