Advocating Quote by Wesley Morris
“If I like a movie, I'm definitely advocating for it, but it's not "you should see this" or "you shouldn't see this." I try to take a longer view about what the movie is doing and where it fits in the context of other things, in the way that certain good literary criticism tries to do the same thing.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Film Critic Interview, The New York Times, 2023
He distinguishes personal recommendation from objective analysis, urging broader contextual evaluation of movies.
In simple terms: Separate personal taste from broader critique.
Assess films in context, not just personal preference.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing reviews
- teaching film studies
- curating festivals
- discussing movies with peers
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure your critique remains balanced?
- What broader contexts should you consider?
Personal bias can still color analysis despite attempts at objectivity.