Mark Kermode’s Film Reviews: Good, Bad, And Multiplex

The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex by Mark Kermode: Quick Answer

• The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex by Mark Kermode is a substantial collection of film criticism offering passionate, in-depth analysis from a respected voice.
• This book is ideal for dedicated film enthusiasts and those familiar with Mark Kermode’s distinct critical style and his advocacy for cinema.
• Readers seeking light, universally positive reviews or a quick synopsis of plot points may find its critical rigor and strong opinions less suitable.

Who This Is For

• Film Aficionados: Individuals who appreciate detailed critiques, contextual understanding of cinema, and a critic’s evolving perspective on the art form and industry.
• Fans of Mark Kermode: Listeners of his radio shows and readers of his previous work will recognize and value his signature passionate, informed, and often polemical voice.

What to Check First

Before diving into The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex, consider these points to ensure it aligns with your reading expectations:

• Kermode’s Critical Stance: Kermode is known for his strong opinions and often unsparing critiques. If you prefer universally positive or gentle reviews, his approach may challenge your expectations.
• Scope of Coverage: The book collects reviews over a significant period, covering a wide array of films. If you have a very narrow interest in specific genres or eras, some sections might be less relevant.
• Review Format: These are distinct pieces written at different times. While cohesive, they reflect evolving viewpoints rather than a single, unified essay.
• Personal Integration: Kermode frequently weaves personal anecdotes and emotional responses into his analyses, which adds a unique dimension but is not purely objective film criticism.

Step-by-Step Plan for Engaging with The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex

To maximize your engagement with this collection, follow these practical steps:

The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex

• Audible Audiobook
• Mark Kermode (Author) - Mark Kermode (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 09/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Penguin Audio (Publisher)

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1. Read the Introduction: Begin with Kermode’s introductory essay to establish the book’s context, the author’s intent, and the timeframe covered.

• Action: Read the introduction thoroughly.
• What to look for: The author’s stated purpose for compiling these reviews, any overarching themes he intends to explore, and the historical context of the films discussed.
• Mistake: Skipping the introduction, which can lead to a lack of context for the subsequent reviews and a misunderstanding of the collection’s purpose.

2. Sample Reviews Across Different Eras: Avoid reading strictly chronologically. Instead, select reviews from various points in the book to observe shifts in cinema and Kermode’s critical responses.

• Action: Choose a few reviews from the beginning, middle, and end of the collection.
• What to look for: Changes in cinematic trends, evolution in Kermode’s critical focus, and recurring motifs in filmmaking over time.
• Mistake: Focusing solely on recent reviews, which may not represent the full scope of the collection’s insights or the evolution of cinema itself.

3. Identify Recurring Themes: Pay close attention to recurring topics such as the impact of digital technology on filmmaking, the state of the multiplex cinema experience, or the challenges faced by independent films.

• Action: Note down any themes that appear across multiple reviews.
• What to look for: Consistent arguments, evolving opinions on specific cinematic movements, or persistent concerns about the film industry’s direction.
• Mistake: Treating each review as an isolated piece, thus missing the broader critical narrative Kermode is constructing about cinema.

4. Analyze the “Multiplex” Critique: Kermode’s commentary on the modern cinema-going environment is a significant and consistent element throughout the book.

• Action: Examine his observations on cinema environments, audience behavior, and commercial pressures in filmmaking.
• What to look for: Specific instances where the multiplex environment influences film production and reception, and Kermode’s proposed critiques or solutions.
• Mistake: Focusing solely on film content and overlooking the critique of the exhibition space itself, which is integral to Kermode’s perspective.

5. Compare and Contrast with Your Own Views: Use the collection as a tool to evaluate your own viewing experiences and opinions against Kermode’s.

• Action: Revisit films you have seen that are reviewed in the book and compare your reactions.
• What to look for: Areas of agreement and disagreement, and how Kermode’s arguments might offer new perspectives on films you thought you understood.
• Mistake: Accepting Kermode’s assessments as definitive without engaging critically with his reasoning and evidence.

6. Acknowledge the Personal Dimension: Kermode often shares personal anecdotes and his emotional reactions to films, which are integral to his critical style.

• Action: Recognize and appreciate the personal elements woven into his criticism.
• What to look for: How his personal journey as a film enthusiast informs his professional critique and the authenticity this lends to his writing.
• Mistake: Dismissing personal elements as irrelevant; they are a key component of Kermode’s established critical voice and contribute to his reader connection.

Understanding The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode’s The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex offers a substantial archive of his critical output over a defined period, providing a detailed look at contemporary cinema through his distinctive lens. This collection is more than a simple compilation of reviews; it is a testament to his ongoing engagement with the art form and the industry surrounding it. Kermode’s writing is characterized by its intellectual rigor, emotional honesty, and a deep-seated passion for film that often borders on evangelism. He navigates the landscape of cinematic releases with a discerning eye, dissecting narratives, performances, and directorial choices with a clarity that makes complex film analysis accessible.

This book is particularly valuable for its consistent focus on the broader context of filmmaking. Kermode rarely reviews a film in isolation; instead, he situates it within its genre, its historical moment, and, crucially, within the evolving ecosystem of cinema exhibition. His critiques of the “multiplex” experience—the homogenization of viewing spaces, the dominance of franchise filmmaking, and the diminishing role of arthouse cinemas—form a recurring and vital thread. For readers interested in understanding the challenges and triumphs of cinema beyond the screen itself, The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex by Mark Kermode provides a rich vein of commentary.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

• Insightful Analysis: Kermode possesses a remarkable ability to articulate nuanced critical points, often revealing layers of meaning or thematic undercurrents that casual viewers might miss. For instance, his dissection of The Dark Knight (2008) goes beyond mere superhero commentary to explore its societal anxieties and moral ambiguities.
• Passionate Voice: His genuine love for cinema is palpable on every page, making even negative reviews engaging. This passion is a key reason why many readers connect with his work and trust his judgment.
• Broad Coverage: The collection spans a significant period, offering a panoramic view of cinematic trends, from the rise of CGI blockbusters to the resurgence of certain independent genres.
• Contextualization: Kermode consistently places films within their broader cultural and industrial contexts, providing a richer understanding than isolated plot summaries or superficial judgments. He connects films to broader societal discussions, such as in his analysis of Joker (2019).

Limitations:

• Subjectivity: While highly informed, Kermode’s reviews are inherently subjective. Readers who strongly disagree with his assessments of particular films might find the collection frustrating, especially if they hold a deep affection for a film he critiques harshly.
• Occasional Repetition: As with any collection of reviews spanning multiple years, some themes or arguments may feel revisited, particularly concerning the state of the film industry and the challenges faced by cinemas.
• Pacing: The book is a collection of discrete pieces, not a novel. Some readers might prefer a more linear, narrative flow rather than jumping between disparate film analyses.

Comparison Framework: Mark Kermode’s Reviews vs. Other Film Criticism

To understand the unique position of The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex, it’s helpful to compare Kermode’s approach to other forms of film criticism.

Decision Criterion: The “Multiplex” Factor

A unique decision criterion for engaging with The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex is its consistent critique of the modern cinema-going experience. If your primary interest is solely in the artistic merits of individual films without regard for exhibition context, this aspect might be less compelling. However, if you are concerned about the future of cinema as a communal art form and the challenges posed by corporate multiplexes, Kermode’s insights here are invaluable and distinct from many other critical collections. His detailed examination of the decline of repertory cinemas

Decision Rules

• If reliability is your top priority for The Good, The Bad, And The Multiplex by Mark Kermode, choose the option with the strongest long-term track record and support.
• If value matters most, compare total ownership cost instead of headline price alone.
• If your use case is specific, prioritize fit-for-purpose features over generic ‘best overall’ claims.