Criticism and Commentary - Assignment Example

Your Dark Shadows: NY Times Review by Manohla Dargis Manohla Dargis reviewed Dark Shadows for New York Times. Unlike most critics, Manohla Dargis has a positive review for Dark Shadows. The reviewer is very specific when she evaluates certain parts of the movie. Although she reviews for a broadsheet, all the parts of the movie were significantly discussed. According to the book by Goodykootnz and Jacobs, the major weakness of a popular criticism is that it can be short and shallow as space is a major problem for broadsheets.

However, Dargis effectively summarizes and analyzes the movie by popular criticism and at the same time analytical criticism. Basics of the film are acknowledged, such as the story and the characterization. Stories are compared, both the film and the TV one. And of course certain production values and cinematic allusions were also recognized. Dark Shadows was also compared to other Burton movies. The review totally reflects most of the readers opinions but of course the author subtly manages to write the article in a way that the readers are less concerned.

Generally the criticism is believable because it uses the movie and other Tim Burton movies as a reference to her points and other observations. What makes the author successful in making the viewer want to watch the movie (instead of the usual praises in a movie) is the author understands Tim Burton’s aesthetic and why the Tim Burton formula continues to work even after a lot of movies. She also knows what the viewers want. The critique is also very mild. It’s as if the critic is practicing the mantra “if you don’t have anything to say, shut up.

” But the words, “Dark Shadows” isn’t among Mr. Burton’s most richly realized works, but it’s very enjoyable, visually sumptuous and, despite its lugubrious source material and a sporadic tremor of violence, surprisingly effervescent, truly capture the essence of the review.But as a part of the general audience, I usually rely on these film reviews by reputable broadsheets, and also on the internet.Reference:Dargis, Manohla. A Vampire Thirsty and Bewildered. 2012. Web. New York Times.

Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. Film: From Watching to Seeing. 2011, San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.Web. https://content.ashford.edu