Martin Sauter – Critical Juncture

Every week on Critical Juncture, we take a look at a film critic or blogger and get their opinions on the state of cinema. We’ve been honored to have some great guests in the past, and this week is no exception. We’re joined for this installment by Martin Sauter, the man who owns and operates Film-Daily.

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Sure, we all like to think we know a lot about movies, but how many of us have the academic credentials to back it up? Martin Sauter does, as he’s received an MA in European Cinema from Bath University and a PhD in Film from Warwick University. Besides being able to wow people with his expertise on celluloid, Martin also spent years on college campuses…surrounded by lovely coeds. Like I said, he’s a really smart guy. He’s also got a Twitter account.

Film-Daily is a treasure trove for fans of European movies, older films, festivals, and performers who’ve been overlooked or forgotten. Usually updated several times per week, it serves as a pipeline to a side of film that’s often neglected by the Michael Bay crowd. For example, a recent visitor to Film-Daily would find the following:

• A look back at the career of late German actress Inge Meysel
• Brief review of the Oscar-winning William Hurt film, The Accidental Tourist
• Tributes to actresses Senta Berger and Maggie Smith
• A pictorial retrospective on actress Geraldine Chaplin

In addition to his love of film, Martin Sauter is also a fan of music and literature. His profile at Film-Daily lists the following works as some of his favorites:

• An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
• The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
• Die Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann
• The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Oh, and he also likes to listen to this guy…

Now that we’re a bit more familiar with Martin Sauter, let’s see what he has to say about the state of the movie industry.

Only Good Movies: What’s the first movie that you remember seeing?
Martin Sauter: Hitchcock’s Psycho (it marked me for life…LOL)

OGM: What’s the most recent movie you’ve seen?
MS: Life is Too Long by German director Dani Levy

OGM: Is there a particular film that you feel is criminally underrated?
MS: Klute

OGM: Which director do you feel has turned out the best overall body of work?
MS: Almodovar, Hitchcock, Truffaut, Chaplin

OGM: From an artistic standpoint, which film do you think is most important?
MS: Meshes of the Afternoon

OGM: All artsy considerations aside, which movie is your personal favorite?
MS: Chinatown (not very original for a choice, but it has been my favourite for at least 20 years, if not more)

OGM: In your opinion, which film is entirely overrated?
MS: The Dark Knight

OGM: Have you ever walked out of the theatre during a film? If so, what movie was playing?
MS: The Dark Knight

OGM: In your mind, what’s the ultimate goal of a movie critic?
MS: To point out–enlighten–enthuse.

OGM: Time to look into the future. Do you predict any major changes for the movie industry over the next 25 years?
MS: Hollywood domination is a thing from the past. The digital revolution will democratize film-making and film distribution.

OGM: Here’s another chance to predict the future. Name a relatively unknown actor or actress who’ll be a huge star within five years.
MS: Hannah Herzsprung

OGM: Who’s your favorite movie critic to read?
MS: Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

I’d like to once again thank Martin Sauter for taking part in this edition of Critical Juncture. If you’d like to thank him yourself, head on over and check out Film-Daily.

Be sure and join us next week, when we’ll once again be rapping about movies with someone who knows what they’re talking about. Until then, here are a few of our older interviews to keep you warm at night:

• Katrina Hill of Action Flick Chick
• Darren Camponi aka DudeDazz
• Scott Nehring of Good News Film Reviews

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