Richard Schickel

Richard Schickel, born on February 10, 1933, was a prominent American film historian, journalist, and critic whose influence spanned several decades. He served as a film critic for Time magazine from nineteen sixty-five until two thousand ten, contributing significantly to the discourse on cinema during a transformative era in film history. His insightful critiques also appeared in Life and the Los Angeles Times Book Review, showcasing his versatility and depth as a writer.

In addition to his work as a critic, Schickel was a documentary filmmaker and author, known for his engaging storytelling and keen analysis of film and literature. His last writings on film were featured in Truthdig, where he continued to share his passion for cinema and critique until the end of his career. Schickel's contributions to film criticism were further highlighted in the documentary 'For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism' released in two thousand nine.

In this documentary, he reflected on the legacy of early film critics such as Frank E. Woods, Robert E. Sherwood, and Otis Ferguson. Schickel, alongside contemporaries like Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris, challenged the moralistic views of older critics like Bosley Crowther of The New York Times, particularly in their opposition to films like 'Bonnie and Clyde' released in nineteen sixty-seven. His critiques extended beyond traditional cinema, as he also documented and analyzed the world of cartoons, with a particular focus on the beloved 'Peanuts' series.