The Critic's Conundrum

Local film critic Dominic Corry has written a pretty good piece on something that's been on my mind - and no doubt others in the same occupational shoes - for some time now: should we treat NZ films any different to films produced elsewhere? The answer is obviously no, and has been for me ever since I started reviewing films in a professional capacity. But the fact is we're such a small country, and these words don't have to travel very far before someone in the industry takes it personally and starts crying/moaning about it. And as such, it's left me with a complete lack of desire to review anything locally made (plus the fact there's so little that's being made that I actually want to watch *oooh buurrrn*). I shouldn't be affected by it but I'm only human and it's a reality I've often come to wrestle with. It's the same deal with any creative field - whether it's music or art - if your friend's band sucks hard, what are you going to say? "Sorry, you guys are crap"? (tip: "It's not really my thing", or "You guys are tight" seem to work okay to deflect the bad taste they might leave in your mouth).

Anywho just go read Dom's article, it sheds much-needed light on the NZ film critic-vs-NZ films issue and the role of the film critic. For the record I have not seen Sione's Wedding 1 or 2.