Pauline Kael (/keɪl/; June 19, 1919 – September 3, 2001) was an American film critic who wrote for The New Yorker magazine from 1968 to 1991. Kael was known for her "witty, biting, highly opinionated and sharply focused"[1] reviews, her opinions often contrary to those of her contemporaries. She is regarded as one of the most influential American film critic of her day.[2][3]
She left a lasting impression on many other prominent film critics, including Armond White, whose reviews are similarly non-conformist,[4] and Roger Ebert, who once said that Kael "had a more positive influence on the climate for film in America than any other single person over the last three decades." [5] Owen Gleiberman said she "was more than a great critic. She re-invented the form, and pioneered an entire aesthetic of writing."
