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The power of the print reviewer is one of those urban…

“The power of the print reviewer is one of those urban myths. There have always been shows that slipped under the critical radar to become popular successes: 'Tobacco Road', 'Abie's Irish Rose' and our old friend 'Spider-Man', which got the worst reviews in theatre history and is still apparently…” quote by Ben Brantley
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“The power of the print reviewer is one of those urban myths. There have always been shows that slipped under the critical radar to become popular successes: 'Tobacco Road', 'Abie's Irish Rose' and our old friend 'Spider-Man', which got the worst reviews in theatre history and is still apparently going strong.”

Ben Brantley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He notes that critics often miss future hits, suggesting that popular success can arise despite poor reviews.

In simple terms: Critics can be wrong about what will succeed.

Key Takeaway

Don’t rely solely on expert opinion.

Themes

media culture unpredictability

Mood

skeptical encouraging

Type

observational advice

When to use this quote

  • business decisions
  • creative projects
  • marketing strategies
  • audience analysis

Key Concepts

theatre film comics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you trusted your own judgment over expert advice?
  • How can you balance critique with intuition?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on criticism may cause missed opportunities.

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