I love the snippet I've included above. It is from Pixar's Ratatouille. It reminds me of the power that food has and that with a smell, a taste, and a touch, you can be transported to a time in your childhood when things were far less complicated. Below are thoughts on criticism and how we both give and receive.
“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. Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau’s famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau’s, who is, in this critic’s opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau’s soon, hungry for more." — Anton Ego
Giving then new a chance, especially when it doesn't come from the usual places, is where I think/hope we're headed. Traditional sources are so tied up in commerce and safe choices you feel like you've already been there don that. Here's to taking a chance.
Some criticism is well-done and well-thought-out. Then you get the schmucks who just hurl up vague one-paragraph one-star reviews on Amazon. You know who I'm talking about.
I was reading a review of someone's online article the other day, a bad one, and wondered what purpose it served other than for the critiquer to feel a moment of false superiority.
I loved that movie. My kids and I use to watch it all the time. I received a page long raving review for Rise From Darkness, but when I got to the bottom it was 2 1/2 stars. Sometimes I don't understand, but try to learn what I can.
That movie is a fav here. The kids love Ratatouille. I was impressed, as with many of the Pixar films, how much wit and wisdom are included for adult viewers as well.
Writing criticism is an art just like writing poetry or fiction. You can do it with grace and respect or you can do it with anger and hate. Either way, it says as much about the critic as the work being criticised.
I love that movie too. The upside to negative criticism is that sometimes even the bad critics can help sell things. I've bought stuff off bad reviews because I liked the things the critic didn't like before.
I haven't seen this movie yet. I did see Hugo over the weekend. Great art direction but the boy's quest gets a bit lost in the fawning adoration of the old film director. How's that for a crit!? As far as cooking, I've been experimenting with hijiki and nouri. They are great when sauteed with veggies, and then by adding in a bit of Japanese lemon-mayo and some golden raisins. Strange but awesome!
When Ratatouille came out, I read a review about it. The critic wasn't too enthused about the movie. After seeing it, I understood why.
I thought that movie was great. And like everything Pixar has done (as well as many other animated films) it has some deep and meaningful things to say and to teach. And since Ratatouille was about art and criticism, I understood why the critic didn't appreciate what it had to say.
Some lessons we just don't "get". It's hard to hear that your life's work wasn't worth anything. Of course, that's never true. But sometimes when we're criticized, we may think that it is.
It's true. It's easier to be a critic than to do something creative on your own. I don't remember that quote from the movie. I should watch the movie again.
It's true. It's easier to be a critic than to do something creative on your own. I don't remember that quote from the movie. I should watch the movie again.
This is so much more true these days when everyone gets to be a critic online.
ReplyDeleteGiving then new a chance, especially when it doesn't come from the usual places, is where I think/hope we're headed. Traditional sources are so tied up in commerce and safe choices you feel like you've already been there don that. Here's to taking a chance.
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@mooderino
The Funnily Enough
There's a saying. "Nobody ever put up a statue in honor of a critic."
ReplyDeleteCindy and I had the same thought.
ReplyDeleteCritics are sometimes just negative people who are jealous that they can't do what someone else accomplished.
I appreciate the critics (readers) who post their reviews, but it's also easy to wonder if they realize the impact of a review and their words.
ReplyDeleteSome criticism is well-done and well-thought-out. Then you get the schmucks who just hurl up vague one-paragraph one-star reviews on Amazon. You know who I'm talking about.
ReplyDeleteI was reading a review of someone's online article the other day, a bad one, and wondered what purpose it served other than for the critiquer to feel a moment of false superiority.
ReplyDeleteI loved that movie. My kids and I use to watch it all the time. I received a page long raving review for Rise From Darkness, but when I got to the bottom it was 2 1/2 stars. Sometimes I don't understand, but try to learn what I can.
ReplyDeleteThat movie is a fav here. The kids love Ratatouille. I was impressed, as with many of the Pixar films, how much wit and wisdom are included for adult viewers as well.
ReplyDeleteI love that part of the movie. I got goosebumps just reading it here
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic movie with such a powerful message. My kids love that film too.
ReplyDeleteI think critics do have issues with the NEW. Some are more open minded and can appreciate something that is more avant-garde.
Writing criticism is an art just like writing poetry or fiction. You can do it with grace and respect or you can do it with anger and hate. Either way, it says as much about the critic as the work being criticised.
ReplyDeleteI love that movie too. The upside to negative criticism is that sometimes even the bad critics can help sell things. I've bought stuff off bad reviews because I liked the things the critic didn't like before.
ReplyDeleteProps for posting my favorite quote from my favorite Pixar film. In a small way, it inspired the next novel I'm writing. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I loved that movie for it's great metaphor about life.
ReplyDelete"Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere."
Such insightful words. I loved this!
Fab post as always, Michael. I'm always wishing I could go back to my childhood when things were much less complicated. And magical. Great quote. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy thinking is that we make the best discoveries if and when we keep an open mind.
ReplyDeleteI love this movie, and I love this quote.
ReplyDeleteYep, a great artist, or scientist, or athlete, or whatever can come from anywhere. Even the 99%.
ReplyDeleteAs an artist and a writer I've faced criticism more times than I can count. My two favorite quotes about critics read as follows:
ReplyDelete"When God created artists, he made critics from the scraps that were left over."--John Ruskin
"Critiques are like eunuchs; they know how it's done, have seen it being done, but they just can't do it."
-----Unknown
I haven't seen this movie yet. I did see Hugo over the weekend. Great art direction but the boy's quest gets a bit lost in the fawning adoration of the old film director. How's that for a crit!? As far as cooking, I've been experimenting with hijiki and nouri. They are great when sauteed with veggies, and then by adding in a bit of Japanese lemon-mayo and some golden raisins. Strange but awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhen Ratatouille came out, I read a review about it. The critic wasn't too enthused about the movie. After seeing it, I understood why.
ReplyDeleteI thought that movie was great. And like everything Pixar has done (as well as many other animated films) it has some deep and meaningful things to say and to teach. And since Ratatouille was about art and criticism, I understood why the critic didn't appreciate what it had to say.
Some lessons we just don't "get". It's hard to hear that your life's work wasn't worth anything. Of course, that's never true. But sometimes when we're criticized, we may think that it is.
I loved Ratatouille, and I love movies like this that can work on two levels: one for little kids and one for the grownups.
ReplyDeleteI liked what Normal Mailer said about some of his critics: "I've never hit a critic, and I say that with some wistfulness."
Then again, should a critic praise my writing I think that he or she is brilliant.
If you look for flaws, flaws you will find. The review often says more about the reviewer than the work.
ReplyDeleteIt takes great strength and humility to admire the achievements of another.
Also ...
Haters gonna hate! :-)
This quote is awesome, so is ratatouille, and that's all my brain can process at 1:20am. (:
ReplyDeleteIt's true. It's easier to be a critic than to do something creative on your own. I don't remember that quote from the movie. I should watch the movie again.
ReplyDeleteIt's true. It's easier to be a critic than to do something creative on your own. I don't remember that quote from the movie. I should watch the movie again.
ReplyDeleteA very profound and thought-provoking couple of pieces, Michael.
ReplyDeleteThere are usually gems even in junk. I've learned to look for them.
I've always appreciated different, but realize that's my own sensibility and mine is not average.
Like that you were willing to set your critic's eye aside, and step outside your comfort zone. You found something new and changed your perception.
ReplyDelete