“I’m not actually sure—for me being a “critic” is a natural extension of being a viewer. There’s a fine line between watching movies and thinking about them— and writing criticism” – Adam Cook.
(https://www.cineaste.com/spring2013/film-criticism-the-next-generation/)

What is the difference between criticising and reviewing? At first glance it seems like they’re just interchangeable terms / synonyms of each other. However, with a Pete Mare’s panel featuring the colourful Adrian Martin, the award winning Gillian Armstrong, the eccentric Mel Campbell, and the cool-as-a-cat Fenella Kernebone; my definition of these terms have slightly changed in terms of discussing the role of a film critic.

A review can be as simple as an assertion of an opinion and superficial with no explanation of how a film is “good” or “bad.
Criticism is channelling your argument through providing evidence and the “how” explanation.

What was most interesting about the panel discussion is how there’s a hierarchy in film criticism where high-arts culture reviews are “snobby” and are stuck in the past that it doesn’t even appreciate the art of film. On the opposite spectrum are aggregated scored sites that lack the analytical aspect of criticism. Furthermore, issues like commercial liabilities that are often associated with media conglomerates limit a critic’s creative freedom and further jeopardises the role of a critic. On the other hand, the use of social media and the rise of bloggers further blurs this line of who or what is considered a legitimate critic.

Should it all just be determined by the individuals themselves to be socially responsible on what or who they trust? Do you think that the role of the critic is actually dead / dying?

Wednesday involved constructively criticising our peers’ 300-word review on anything they’d like to write about. A few things are important in providing feedback on a piece of writing:

• Remember that you’re criticising the piece of writing and not the writer themselves. Language matters!
• Give examples on what could improve the piece.
• Consider tone, use of examples, be aware of their target audience.
• Start with the positives and then gradual transition into how they could improve.