Three years after the release of “(very) precious film”, the Renault Prize for Essay, critic Eric Neuhoff has signed “Little Praise in Love with Cinema”, a first-person story borrowed from nostalgia and a declaration of love in a dark room. Yesterday.
Eric Neuhoff, a well-known film critic for the listeners of France Inter’s Sunday radio show “Le Masque et la plume”, has released a new book dedicated to cinema.
Following the brochure about French cinema released in 2019 ((very) expensive French cinema, Published by Albin-Michel), In which he split the industry and several filmmakers, Eric Neuhoff this time chooses a love letter to a movie of the past, “The Little Loving Praise of Cinemas.” Published by Privat.
In a story full of personal anecdotes that goes back to the first emotions of cinema (and not only), the critic evokes – not without nostalgia – an era he considers past, including in the practice of the critique profession. As in “(very) expensive French cinema”, there is a strong impression of “it used to be better”.
“This is the story of my life. We arrived at a very old world that is very new. Film critics used to be treated as royalties. Press officers unfurled their red carpet. Arrogance gave them scoliosis. All were very caring towards the journalists. Daily newspapers were glorious (…) With such bibliographies, historians wrapped up in mechanics. They were not just someone“- regrets the journalist and critic who works in Figaro columns today.
More broadly, about the film industry, he writes, with a touch of irony to which he is accustomed: “Cinemas are fighting as hard as they can. We grew old together, the poor soldiers of the crushed army. The fight is lost. Grants are raining. There is no magic money. We observe, sheep, helpless, art disappearing from the screens. (…) He dies before our eyes and we hardly have a gesture to save him. Caesars commit suicide live. We re-issue Gone with the Wind with warnings we read on cigarette packs. No warning is needed to indicate that French films should be consumed in moderation. Their insult would be fatal. Time is gray.
Eric Neuhof also makes many comments on the film experience. The book also includes Eric Neuhof’s “Last Sessions” chronicles dedicated to some of his idols, from Monica Witt to Peter Bogdanovich, through Eric Romer.
“Little Praise for Movie Lovers”, personal editions, € 17.90, available in bookstores from 5 May 2022.
Source: allocine
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