Dryden’s Reviews have been making a significant impact in the world of literature for many years now When you hear the name Dryden, the first thing that comes to mind is the great literary figure, John Dryden, who is considered one of the most prominent figures of the Restoration period of English literature However, the Dryden’s Reviews that we will be discussing here are not the works of John Dryden, but rather, they refer to the reviews written by John Dryden’s other famous namesake – the noted film critic, Mark Kermode, for The Observer.
Mark Kermode has been writing film reviews for The Observer since 2000 and is one of the most respected and well-known film critics in the United Kingdom In his reviews, Kermode often brings his wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for movies to provide his readers with a discerning and insightful critique of the films he watches.
What sets Dryden’s Reviews apart from other film reviews is Kermode’s distinctive style of writing He seamlessly blends wit, humor, and intelligence, which makes reading his reviews an enjoyable experience Kermode’s writing is never pretentious or inaccessible, and he speaks frankly and candidly to his readers, often including personal anecdotes, which help contextualize the films he watches.
Kermode’s writing style is also characterized by his ability to blend high-brow and low-brow cultural references effortlessly His review of the 2018 horror film, Hereditary, is a perfect example In this review, Kermode talks about how the film is both a horror movie and a critique of the contemporary “hyper-individualistic” society He goes on to explain that the film succeeds in being both because it combines the horror film conventions of Alfred Hitchcock with the work of avant-garde artist Laurie Anderson Kermode’s review brims with cultural references ranging from Giallo films to L.A punk rock, which make the review an entertaining read regardless of whether or not you have seen the film.
However, what sets Dryden’s Reviews apart is not only Kermode’s writing style but also the depth of his film knowledge Kermode is a self-proclaimed “film obsessive,” and his reviews are full of references to less well-known films and directors, which help contextualize the films he critiques Drydens reviews. The depth of his knowledge and the breadth of films he has seen is apparent in his review of Mark Jenkin’s remarkable Cornish drama, Bait In his review, Kermode notes the film’s impact and refers to it as “one of the most purely thrilling cinematic experiences of the year” while also situating it within the tradition of British kitchen sink dramas.
The respect and admiration that other critics have for Mark Kermode is evident from the numerous blurbs on the covers of his books Prominent film critic and historian David Thomson has called Kermode’s writing “Sharp, hilarious, and meticulously researched.” The reviewer Lynn Barber has called Kermode’s writing “witty, well-informed, and passionate.” The filmmaker and writer Charlie Kaufman has praised Kermode’s writing for being “informed, intelligent, non-partisan, and entertaining.”
Kermode’s sharp observations about the film industry are another reason why his reviews stand out From his critiques of the obsession with superhero films to his thoughts on the impact of streaming services on the movie-going experience, Kermode often brings a unique perspective to the world of cinema He is also vocal about the need for diverse representation in film and is an advocate for the inclusion of underrepresented voices in the film industry.
In conclusion, Dryden’s Reviews by Mark Kermode are not just film reviews They are a joy to read and provide insight into the art of cinema that goes beyond the surface level Kermode’s reviews are the perfect blend of acerbic wit, depth of knowledge, and passion for cinema His writing style is informative, entertaining, and accessible, and his reviews are sure to engage even those who do not typically enjoy film criticism In an industry where film reviewers often vie for attention with sensationalist headlines, Hot Takes, and clickbait, it is refreshing to have a critic like Kermode, whose writing is grounded in insight and analysis If you are a fan of cinema or merely someone who enjoys a good read, then you owe it to yourself to explore the world of Dryden’s Reviews.