"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends."
- Ratatouille
"Positive individuality; the cultivation of "something new" (anything, as long as it is something?); a connection to the Great Tradition; and ... youth! One of the editors ... could be found on the last page of the magazine writing "It is time to say what you mean." Indeed, but what do you mean? The Editors had unwittingly proved the gravamen of their own critique: that it is easier to criticize than to propose."
- James Wood
Putting those quotes side by side makes me ask: why can't James Wood take his arguments and write more like the screenwriter of Ratatouille?
Posted by: Matt Pearce | January 30, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Another victory for vermin!
Posted by: Jim | January 30, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I'm being lazy, but I'm sure I could Google this and find a related set of Bob Dylan lyrics.
Posted by: stephan | January 30, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Mark, either you edited the life out of that Wood shaving (ahem), or Ratatouille wins by a cool mile.
Posted by: Steven Augustine | January 31, 2008 at 04:05 PM