Cast
View All
Hywel Bennett
as Mr. Puff / Mr. King
Nigel Hawthorne
as Mr. Sneer
Norman Rodway
as Mr. Dangle
Rosemary Leach
as Mrs. Dangle
John Gielgud
as Lord Burleigh
Alan Badel
as Sir Fretful Plaigary
Anna Massey
as Tilburina
Rodney Bewes
as Constable
Christopher Biggins
as Interpreter
Clive Francis
as Sheridan (Prologue)
Crew
Director
- Don Taylor
Writer
- Don Taylor
Producer
- Louis Marks
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Critic represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Don Taylor brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1982, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Critic took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 71 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 240 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Critic shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Don't Blame the Stork, which focuses more on action than character development, The Critic subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Carry On Cabby and Dirty Work explore similar territory, The Critic stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 28, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 49m
