rex reed

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Rex Reed: The Uncompromising Voice of Film Criticism

Rex Reed, a name synonymous with sharp wit and unfiltered opinions, carved a distinctive path in the world of film criticism over six decades. His career spanned from the golden age of Hollywood to the digital era, marking him as one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment journalism. With a voice that was as distinctive as his taste in cinema, Reed built a reputation for honesty, often clashing with filmmakers, studios, and even his own colleagues. His influence extended beyond reviews; he became a cultural commentator whose insights shaped public perception of movies and the industry that produced them.

The Early Years: From Texas to the New York Scene

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1938, Reed’s journey to New York City was anything but conventional. After studying briefly at Columbia University, he abandoned academia to pursue writing, a decision that would define his life. His early work appeared in publications like The New York Times and Women’s Wear Daily, where his acerbic style quickly caught attention. By the mid-1960s, Reed had established himself as a critic with a voice that was equal parts erudite and provocative.

His move to The New York Observer in the 1980s solidified his status as a must-read critic. Reed’s reviews were not just critiques of films; they were performances in themselves, blending humor, cultural commentary, and a deep love for cinema. His writing often reflected a nostalgia for classic Hollywood, a theme that resonated with readers who shared his reverence for the past.

The Reed Aesthetic: Style Over Substance?

Few critics have polarized audiences quite like Reed. His reviews were known for their biting wit, often reducing films to their most absurd elements with surgical precision. While some praised his honesty, others accused him of elitism, arguing that his standards were impossibly high. His infamous takedown of Star Wars in 1977—where he dismissed the film as “a cultural anomaly”—became legendary, cementing his reputation as a critic who followed his own rules.

Reed’s aesthetic was rooted in a belief that films should aspire to greatness, a standard he applied ruthlessly. He had little patience for what he saw as pandering to mass audiences, a stance that occasionally put him at odds with the industry. Yet, his willingness to stand by his opinions, even when they flew in the face of popular consensus, earned him a level of respect that few critics could match.

• Reed’s reviews often included personal anecdotes, adding a layer of intimacy to his critiques.
• His love for classic Hollywood stars like Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn was a recurring theme in his writing.
• Reed occasionally interviewed the subjects of his reviews, blending criticism with personality profiles.

Controversies and Comebacks: A Career of Defiance

Reed’s career was not without its controversies. His feuds with directors like Martin Scorsese and actors like Barbra Streisand became the stuff of Hollywood legend. In 1981, his review of Streisand’s Yentl sparked outrage when he wrote that the film was “a monument to her own ego.” The backlash was swift, but Reed refused to back down, doubling down on his critique in subsequent columns.

Yet, Reed’s defiance also extended to his own industry. In 2010, he was fired from The New York Observer after a dispute over editorial direction. The incident highlighted the tension between Reed’s old-school approach and the evolving priorities of modern media. His firing sparked debates about the role of critics in an era of instant, algorithm-driven reviews. Reed, however, refused to retire, continuing to write for outlets like Dave’s Locker and maintaining a presence in the cultural conversation.

The Legacy of a Critic Who Never Played Nice

Rex Reed’s influence on film criticism cannot be overstated. He was part of a generation of critics who saw their role as more than just reviewers—they were arbiters of taste, gatekeepers of quality, and, at times, provocateurs. His legacy is a reminder that criticism is not just about consensus but about individual perspective. In an era where reviews are often reduced to star ratings and SEO-driven content, Reed’s work stands as a testament to the power of a well-crafted, unapologetic opinion.

Even in retirement, Reed remains a figure of fascination. His interviews, retrospectives, and occasional public appearances keep his legacy alive. For aspiring critics, Reed’s career offers a masterclass in voice and integrity. He proved that criticism could be both art and entertainment, a duality that few have matched. As the film industry continues to evolve, Reed’s work serves as a benchmark for what it means to engage deeply, critique fearlessly, and never shy away from a strong opinion.

Where to Find Rex Reed’s Work Today

For those looking to explore Reed’s writing, his archives are a treasure trove of sharp insights and unforgettable critiques. While many of his reviews are scattered across old newspaper archives, some have been collected in anthologies. Additionally, his appearances on talk shows and in documentaries offer a glimpse into his enduring charm and wit. For a deeper dive into his work, Dave’s Locker’s Culture section features curated selections of classic film criticism that reflect Reed’s impact on the genre.

Rex Reed’s career is a reminder that great criticism is not about pleasing everyone—it’s about standing firm in your convictions. In an age of watered-down opinions and algorithm-driven content, his voice remains a clarion call for authenticity. Whether you agreed with him or not, Reed’s work demanded attention, and that, perhaps, is the highest compliment a critic can receive.

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