Nordling here.
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends." Anton Ego, RATATOUILLE
Bar none, my favorite moments as a film critic are those few times when I get to see a new piece of art, coming from a place no one expected, that brings me joy, entertains, and enlightens. That's what most film critics live for, I suspect. I could write ad nauseam about the latest box office release, the next blockbuster tentpole whatever, and sometimes those movies truly do astound and impress me. But when I discover something, and excitedly share it with others, is when I feel most fulfilled and I feel film criticism means something.
ZERO CHARISMA is one of my favorite movies of the year - not only because I come from that world, but because it's just a great movie. When I screened it recently in Houston, the crowd felt that way too, laughing and cheering Scott Wiedemeyer and his foibles, his flaws, but also his imagination and his determination. You can watch this when it hits VOD and iTunes on October 8th, but I really urge you to wait until October 11th and see it with an audience. You might find those things in ZERO CHARISMA that you recognize in yourself, and that bonding experience in the theater is something to be cherished and savored. But regardless of how you see it, see it. Here's the new trailer from Nerdist:
Nordling, out.
