The world of cinema and cultural commentary has lost one of its most formidable and unapologetic voices. Rex Reed, the legendary film critic known for his razor-sharp wit and uncompromising standards, has passed away at the age of 87. A quintessential New Yorker, Reed spent decades shaping the tastes of moviegoers and challenging the industry’s most powerful figures with a style that was as theatrical as the films he reviewed.
- The “Vinegary” Style: Reed was celebrated (and feared) for his acerbic, “salt and vinegar” approach to criticism.
- The New York Observer Era: He played a pivotal role at the New York Observer, often splitting film coverage with the esteemed Andrew Sarris.
- Cultural Influence: Beyond film, Reed was a staple of New York’s intellectual and social scenes, bridging the gap between high art and Hollywood gossip.
- Uncompromising Critique: He remained a steadfast defender of cinematic quality, refusing to soften his critiques for the sake of industry access.
The New York Observer and the Art of the Review
Reed’s influence reached a zenith during his tenure at the New York Observer, particularly under the editorship of Peter Kaplan in the 1990s. During this era, the publication became a powerhouse of media and cultural commentary, characterized by a sophisticated yet biting tone. Reed was central to this identity.
In a fascinating dynamic of critical perspectives, Reed often shared the film beat with Andrew Sarris, one of the most influential theorists in cinema history. While Sarris brought a scholarly, “auteur-driven” approach to his reviews, Reed provided a visceral, punchy, and often devastating counterpoint. Together, they provided a comprehensive spectrum of criticism that catered to both the film scholar and the casual cinemagoer.
A Signature Style: “Salt and Vinegar”
To read a Rex Reed review was to enter a performance. He didn’t just analyze films; he reacted to them with a passion that could swing from ecstatic praise to scorched-earth condemnation. His writing was frequently described as “vinegary”—a term that captured his ability to be crisp, acidic, and entirely honest.
Unlike many contemporary critics who lean toward a consensus-based approach, Reed embraced the role of the provocateur. He viewed the critic not as a neutral observer, but as a tastemaker. Whether he was dismantling a bloated Hollywood blockbuster or championing an overlooked indie gem, his prose was marked by a level of confidence and directness that is increasingly rare in modern journalism.
Bridging Hollywood and Broadway
Reed’s expertise extended far beyond the silver screen. He was a fixture of the New York theater scene and a master of the “three-hour Broadway lunch,” where he mingled with the elite of the entertainment world. This insider access allowed him to infuse his criticism with a deep understanding of the industry’s inner workings, making his critiques feel personal and informed.
The Evolution of Film Criticism
Rex Reed operated in an era of “New Journalism,” where the personality of the writer was as important as the subject being covered. He stood alongside figures like Pauline Kael in defining the American critical landscape—a landscape where the critic’s voice was a destination in its own right.
While the rise of aggregate scoring and social media “reviews” has shifted how audiences consume film opinions, Reed’s career serves as a reminder of the power of the singular, authoritative voice. He proved that criticism is most effective when it is bold, specific, and unafraid to be disliked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rex Reed?
Rex Reed was a prominent American film critic and journalist known for his work with the New York Observer and New York Magazine. He was famous for his sharp, often caustic reviewing style.
What was his relationship with Andrew Sarris?
Reed and Sarris were colleagues at the New York Observer during the 1990s, where they collectively handled the majority of the publication’s film reviews, offering contrasting styles of academic and visceral criticism.
What defined Rex Reed’s critical approach?
His approach was defined by a “salt and vinegar” tone—direct, acerbic, and highly opinionated—avoiding hedge words in favor of definitive judgments on cinematic quality.
A Final Act
Rex Reed’s passing marks the end of an era for New York journalism. He was more than a critic; he was a character in the incredibly city he chronicled. By treating film criticism as a high-stakes art form, he challenged filmmakers to be better and audiences to be more discerning. His legacy remains etched in the archives of the city’s great publications and in the memories of those who loved—or loathed—his uncompromising honesty.