by Sam Juliano
Our dear Jon Lanthier, who is one of WitD’s most loyal and gifted contributors hit it big yesterday, as his Slant Magazine review for the film Pressure Cooker, was used in the film’s promotional add. Lanthier’s positive quote–“Breathtaking equal opportunity in its search for human poetry” was splashed between quotes by veteran critics V.A. Mussetto of The New York Post and David Denby of New York Magazine. Lanthier, whose reviews appear on Slant’s pages, and at his “The Powership” blog, is a supremely gifted young man whose writing and insights are at the highest level of scrutiny, and his analytical skills are remarkable, especially for a man so young.
Wonders in the Dark is extremely proud of what Jon has accomplished and we wish him continued success as his name becomes a standard in the world of film criticism.words of praise issued by critics of The New York Post and New York Magazine. This honor, frankly could not have happened to a nicer and more talented guy, and it’s further proof of Slant Magazine’s pre-eminence in the world of cinema, and it’s talented publisher-critic, Ed Gonzalez. The site is extremely proud of Jon and this terrific acknowledgement.
I simply can’t get over this. If anyone deserves this honor it is certainly Jon!
I will be seeing the film in question with Lucille and Broadway Bob at 7:45 P.M. this evening.
Congrats Mr. Lanthier! You’re on your way.
Well done Jon, I couldn’t agree with Sam more on this one.
Now THAT is impressive. This guy has really made it.
Great going Jon! Congrats! This is fantastic!
Hi! Jon,
I guess that I have to “echo” what the other commenter(s) here at Wonders in the Dark…have already said, and that is “Congratulation! ….
….on your review blurb being featured in the New York Times.
DeeDee 😉
My (chef’s) hat off to you, Jon! Not only is it a published blurb, it’s a lovely one.
Congratulations Jon! Well-deserved recognition.
That’s awesome – and I’ve been eager to see that movie. Congrats!
Good deal!
I hadn’t heard about this film so found a clip. As a sucker for Top Chef, this one adds a twist:
http://www.takepart.com/pressurecooker/
Wow, guys. “Hits it big…” Ha! Well, all I can say is that I’m sincerely touched and duly embarrassed by the generosity and acknowledgment here. Indeed, you are all equally worthy of this sort of publicity, and my placement between Mussetto and the NY Mag critic (it couldn’t have been Denby, btw, who writes for the New Yorker…if anyone it was probably Edelstein) has more to do with sheer luck than anything else. But, still, I must gracefully bow with thanks and hope that, as Joe puts it, I am “on my way” so to speak. I’m passionately appreciative of the support, both direct and indirect, I’ve received here — especially from Sam and Allan but also from the extensive dramatis personae of comment contributors. I have a strong inkling that many of us lowly bloggers represent the “new guard” of film criticism, and it will only be a matter of time before the current monarchs abdicate. But, in any case…mucho mucho thanks to one and all! Now let’s all forget the incident as quickly as possible… 😉
Also, Sam, I hope you enjoy the movie, which I felt was no masterpiece but an entertaining and exceptionally well-made doc with a tired premise — in other words, a rather admirable undertaking.
I have a strong inkling that many of us lowly bloggers represent the “new guard” of film criticism, and it will only be a matter of time before the current monarchs abdicate. But, in any case…mucho mucho thanks to one and all! Now let’s all forget the incident as quickly as possible…
I could not agree more, that is why ANY blogger of film criticism (jon, allen, sam, ect…) that can get their stuff together I’d gladly layout a book for them. I work in publishing and getting in print is, in my opinion, truly the last hurdle for respect for the blog community…
how does a compilation book of essays fit your fancies? i’m serious this should happen….
how does a compilation book of essays fit your fancies? i’m serious this should happen….
It’s an interesting thought, Jamie, and one worth considering. After recently discovering that the “Film Writing” entry in the “Best American” series of annual compilations has been discontinued I seriously thought about co-editing (with someone, ANYONE) my own off-shoot in the form of “The Best American Film Blogging”. There are a number of headaches involved, however, and my general ignorance of potential solutions forced me to shy away. For one thing: obtaining/creating licenses for what is essentially non-published writing (in the terms of the current print industry, anyway, which I obviously disagree with). Also the fact that such a book would have to have a page limit, and there are, quite frankly, too many talented bloggers out there who churn out compulsively readable prose week after week. Sifting through them all is a rewarding challenge, but a challenge nonetheless, and I’d feel a bit suspicious of anyone — including myself — who deemed himself or herself “objective” or editorially astute enough to make the proper choices (canonization fear, you might call it…it also wouldn’t look right if, say, I included my own writing in a book that I was even co-editing).
Not that these challenges can’t be surmounted (I’d use Lopate’s rules of anthologization as a pliant Bible, for starters). And I think that a blanket compilation of film blogging would be, in some cases, a better introduction to us merry band of brothers (and sisters!) than critical tomes by single writers (c’mon? a collection of film blogging with a snazzy cover? That would sell like f—ing hotcakes with the appropriate marketing, and did I mention that I work in marketing?) — though I speak for only myself here.
Anyway…conversations worth continuing eventually…
For one thing: obtaining/creating licenses for what is essentially non-published writing (in the terms of the current print industry, anyway, which I obviously disagree with).
i actually think this would be a GOOD thing, as many of the entries would have NO copyright (just the author) so a simple inquiry to the author is all that is needed to begin work. once finished– if it’s going to print (and then sale) it’s something the publishing company would then take over. in any case people handling it would be qualified to do so. and the selected authors would be paid where otherwise they wouldn’t have been.
as you speak of the shear quantity of great writing being an obstacle, isn’t the saying “make lemonade of lemons” needed? clearly this would be a multi-volume set right? or a yearly annual?
i know i print out articles i like from all over… and i have a stack that would reach my knee (seriously). if anything this is for fun, until it needs to be serious, we can cull 3 or 5 posters to submit things they like– then the jury process begins….
but I agree with you, this would sell like crazy….
(i’m think ‘the Portable Atheist’ as an example of what I’m thinking)
I understand your natural self-deprecation, Jon, I’m the same myself, but this really is big stuff. Yes, fair enough, it wasn’t the New York Times slecting you, it was the marketing team of the film who created the advert to go in, but even so, it’s great stuff. You’re way out of our league, Jon, but you deserve every success. Hope big things come from it.
There will be no new piece from yours truly today, this news will stay at the top for the next 24 hours.
Congrats to you, Jon. As someone whose criticism is perpetually stuck in the past (re: pre-1969), I am at once envious of your name appearing in a blurb and also completely understanding that I’ll never reach blurb-status until I start actively reviewing some contemporary stuff. Ha ha. Sigh. Alas.
P.S. I think you’d make a fine editor of an American Film Blogging compendium. And while I’m on the subject, I’ll throw my hands up in the air in utter thanks for someone saying he or she would feel awkward including his or her own work in an anthology. I teach creative writing, and every single time I browse an anthology of “best short fiction” edited by Joyce Carol Oates, I always balk at the fact that she has the gall to include something of her own. But some of us are less inhibited than others, I suppose.
……….congratulations to Jon Lanthier!………
I did see PRESSURE COOKER last night with Lucille and Broadway Bob, and I must concur with Jon that (while no masterpiece remotely) is a very fine and inspiring piece. There was a most stimulating Q & A afterwards with the directors and some of the film’s stars, and we posed for a picture with the film’s teacher-chef female star.
What Jon hasn’t mentioned is that his review of PRESSURE COOKER is presently posted at Rotten Tomatoes as part of an overwhelmingly favorable critical concensus. Click on the Slant review with Ed Gonzalez’s name and you will get Jon’s review.
Another congratulations to you Jon!
I’m once again taken aback and flattered at the continuing response here. Glad to see you agreed with my assessment, Sam!
(i’m think ‘the Portable Atheist’ as an example of what I’m thinking)
Funny Jamie, that book is currently on my shelf and I was thinking the precise same thing — though I would envision the collection as an annual publication if possible, with concurrent releases on Kindle, etc. Anyhow you bring up some good points and I dare say when I return from my trip to Wawona (I’m typing this from a log cabin) I may strike up an email conversation with you about it. I need a partner in crime with similar film tastes and a graphic brain 😉
TS, please, I’m not worthy of anyone’s envy, particularly not someone whose work is as erudite and compulsively readable as yours (though I appreciate the kind words). I am profusely indebted to the good people at Slant, who plucked me from the slush pile practically sight unseen and have been patient and professional enough to aid me through a myriad of neophyte errors. All I can say is that I am improving.
I think you’d make a fine editor of an American Film Blogging compendium. And while I’m on the subject, I’ll throw my hands up in the air in utter thanks for someone saying he or she would feel awkward including his or her own work in an anthology.
Thanks! It’s a job I wouldn’t mind having. And yeah, what’s the deal with Oates’ self-aggrandizement?
Allan, I’m very touched by your words, even more so that they’re quite out of character for you (ha! kidding, of course) — all the more reason I can tell they are sincere. And I must say that your writing and rhetorical style has had an influence on me. I really appreciate this thread.
I’ve told this to Sam many a time. If you compliment everybody who comes to the site, even if it’s just to cyber-fart, no-one will tell when you really mean the hyperbole. Selectivity is crucial. People know when I say good things I mean it, because I’m so loaded with spleen. That’s why America can’t stand Simon Cowell, he doesn’t dress up dung with tinsel, he calls it dung. Speak the truth, people, and in this case the truth is that you deserve it, Jon.
Indeed, good argument. But regardless, this is my style. I am an eternal optimist.
The difference between you and me, old boy, is that when you compliment, people take it with a pinch of salt, because you do it for everyone. It’s worth nothing. When I take the mick out of people or am sarcastic, people likewise take it with a pinch of salt as that’s my way. Thus when I compliment, it’s worth something. The only time it would be worth anything is if you started insulting people, but you save that for me for private emails where I just volley it back with interest.
The difference between you and me, old boy, is that when you compliment, people take it with a pinch of salt, because you do it for everyone.
Again you speaking for others. Because YOU feel that way, does not mean that the readers here do.
No it doesn’t mean that, but I’d be insulting their intelligence to think otherwise.
Better to insult their intelligence than to presume to read their minds and make presumptuous conclusions.
Funny Jamie, that book is currently on my shelf and I was thinking the precise same thing — though I would envision the collection as an annual publication if possible, with concurrent releases on Kindle, etc. Anyhow you bring up some good points and I dare say when I return from my trip to Wawona (I’m typing this from a log cabin) I may strike up an email conversation with you about it. I need a partner in crime with similar film tastes and a graphic brain
Sounds good. If you need my email address we’ll have to work something out. I’m (optimistically) excited about this possibility!
Cool Jamie…likewise. Feel free to drop me a line at your leisure:
jon@aspiringsellout.com