Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Todd McCarthy

Todd McCarthy (born February 16, 1950) is an film critic, author, and documentary filmmaker renowned for his decades-long career chronicling cinema through incisive reviews, influential books, and award-winning documentaries. McCarthy began his prominent tenure in film at Variety, where he served as chief film critic for 31 years from 1979 until 2010, establishing himself as a leading voice on the industry's artistic and commercial landscape. In October 2010, he joined as its chief film critic, where he covered major festivals like —where he first attended in 1970—and major releases with a focus on historical context and stylistic innovation until his layoff in 2020. Beyond criticism, McCarthy has made significant contributions as an author, co-editing the seminal anthology Kings of the Bs: Working Within the System (1975), which explores the world of low-budget filmmaking, and penning the definitive biography : The Grey Fox of (1997), a comprehensive account of the versatile director's life and work praised for its depth and archival rigor. His writing often delves into 's golden age, blending meticulous research with personal insight into the era's creative forces. McCarthy has also directed notable documentaries on film artistry, including Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography (1992), which earned best documentary awards from the and the for its illuminating exploration of cinematographers' craft. Other works, such as Forever Hollywood (1999), further highlight his expertise in visual storytelling. In 2024, he stepped into a new role as a juror for the section at the , underscoring his enduring influence in international cinema.

Early life and education

Early years

Todd McCarthy was born on February 16, 1950, in . He is the son of Daniel Francis McCarthy and Barbara K. McCarthy, and grew up in the Evanston area. McCarthy graduated from in 1968. His mother was a professional cellist who performed with local orchestras and later served as president of the Evanston Symphony Orchestra, potentially fostering an early appreciation for the arts in the household. McCarthy's childhood in suburban Illinois during the 1950s and early 1960s was marked by a burgeoning interest in cinema, particularly epic films that captivated him as a young viewer. At around age 11, he repeatedly watched productions such as Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) and The Lost World (1960), viewing each multiple times during their theatrical runs. He later recalled that the epic genre, exemplified by films like El Cid (1961)—which he saw four times—first ignited his passion for movies, shaping his formative experiences with the medium. No major family relocations or significant events beyond these cultural influences are documented from his youth. This early enthusiasm for film laid the groundwork for his later academic pursuits at Stanford University.

Stanford University

McCarthy attended from 1968 to 1972, where he earned a B.A. in 1972. Upon arriving on campus as a in 1968, shortly after a formative summer viewing of films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, he visited the office of The Stanford Daily and inquired about opportunities in . The paper, needing a new critic after the previous one's graduation, hired him on the spot; his debut review, of Luis Buñuel's Belle de Jour, appeared soon after. This early role immersed McCarthy in Stanford's burgeoning film culture, where he frequently skipped classes to attend screenings of French New Wave works by directors like Jean-Luc Godard and to cover the San Francisco International Film Festival. His reviews for The Stanford Daily—often analyzing 1968's landmark releases such as Petulia, Targets, and Rosemary's Baby—honed his analytical approach to cinema, foreshadowing his future career as a professional critic. Coming from Evanston, Illinois, this shift to California's vibrant academic and cinematic environment marked a pivotal contrast in his intellectual development.

Journalistic career

Early roles

Following his graduation from in 1972, Todd McCarthy relocated to to launch his career in the film industry. His first professional role came in 1974 as an assistant to director at , where he contributed to the editing of her film (1976), gaining hands-on experience in and the creative aspects of filmmaking. This entry-level position under May, a prominent filmmaker known for her collaborative and meticulous approach, served as an early mentorship opportunity, exposing McCarthy to the inner workings of production during a tumultuous shoot marked by extensive reshoots and editorial challenges. Concurrently, he briefly served as a film critic for The Hollywood Reporter from 1975 to 1976, reviewing new releases and building his analytical voice in trade journalism. From 1975 to 1977, McCarthy worked as director of advertising and publicity for Roger Corman's New World Pictures, handling promotion for independent and international films, including efforts to secure bookings for dubbed versions of art-house titles like Ingmar Bergman's works for American exhibitors. This role immersed him in the practical side of film distribution and marketing, fostering his understanding of Hollywood's commercial ecosystem and low-budget production strategies, while allowing time for freelance writing in film magazines that deepened his expertise in industry history. In 1977, he managed the English-language edition of the French trade publication Le Film Français, translating and curating content on global cinema trends. By 1978, McCarthy transitioned to the role of Hollywood editor for Film Comment, the magazine of the Film at Lincoln Center, where he oversaw coverage of American films through 1979, commissioning pieces and shaping discourse on contemporary and historical cinema. These positions, influenced by mentors like May and Corman, laid the groundwork for his transition to major trade publications.

Variety tenure

McCarthy joined Daily Variety in 1979, initially working as a reporter and film critic for the influential trade publication. Over the next three decades, he established himself as a key voice in film journalism, contributing reviews, columns, and reporting that shaped industry discourse. His tenure spanned 31 years, during which he covered major releases, festivals, and developments in Hollywood, until his abrupt layoff in 2010 as part of cost-cutting measures that eliminated the chief film critic position. Promoted to chief film critic in 1991, McCarthy's reviews became benchmarks for assessing films' artistic and commercial potential, often blending incisive analysis with historical context. For instance, his 1987 critique of Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket praised its "intense, superbly made" depiction of Vietnam War training and combat, highlighting exceptional performances by Vincent D'Onofrio and R. Lee Ermey, while noting the film's lack of deeper philosophical layers compared to Kubrick's earlier works. In the 2000s, he lauded David Fincher's Zodiac (2007) as the director's "most mature and accomplished work," commending its mesmerizing procedural narrative, impeccable period evocation of 1960s-1970s San Francisco, and strong ensemble including Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr., though critiquing a slightly truncated role for Mark Ruffalo. Similarly, McCarthy hailed the Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men (2007) as a "scorching blast of tense genre filmmaking" and one of their best adaptations of Cormac McCarthy's novel, emphasizing Javier Bardem's diabolical villain, Roger Deakins' brilliant cinematography, and the film's 1970s-style craftsmanship, despite minor quibbles over its hastened ending. Beyond reviews, McCarthy authored columns and reported on broader industry trends, including shifts in production and the enduring influence of directors. In pieces like his 1993 "" column, he explored how audiences' favorite film eras often aligned with their youth, drawing on historical patterns to contextualize contemporary cinema. He also profiled legendary filmmakers, such as in discussions of ' biography, where he examined the director's pace and impact on studio dynamics, reflecting on evolving -driven storytelling amid 1980s-2000s blockbusters and independents. As a and occasional editor, McCarthy's work extended to coverage, like , where he analyzed veteran auteurs' dominance and 's global outreach.

Hollywood Reporter

In October 2010, Todd McCarthy joined as chief film critic, recruited following his layoff from earlier that year, where his extensive experience had established him as a leading voice in . The move aligned with THR's revitalization under editorial director Janice Min, which shifted the publication toward a more accessible, magazine-style format emphasizing entertainment trends, awards coverage, and cultural analysis, in contrast to 's longstanding emphasis on industry trades, data, and deal reporting. McCarthy's authoritative, historically informed style adapted to this environment, allowing for deeper explorations of film's artistic and industrial dimensions while maintaining his reputation for incisive, non-sensationalist commentary. During his decade at THR, McCarthy delivered prominent reviews of key films, blending critique of contemporary releases with broader cinematic context. He lauded Olivier Assayas's as the standout film of 2010 for its epic scope and meticulous detail, while dismissing Tron: Legacy as incoherent and poorly scripted despite its visual ambitions. In covering comedies, he praised for its sharp ensemble dynamics and relatable humor, positioning it among modern highlights in lists that traced comedic evolution from silent era classics to Judd Apatow-era works. For auteur-driven projects, his assessments elevated films like the ' for its poignant character study and David Fincher's for its taut storytelling on technological disruption, as featured in his 2019 roundup of the decade's best. McCarthy's columns at THR often delved into film history and industry dynamics, offering reflective pieces that connected past innovations to present challenges. In "Critic's Notebook" installments, he explored classic films for their enduring appeal during uncertain times, such as recommending comedies like Modern Times for escapism amid the 2020 pandemic onset. He also analyzed broader trends, warning in a 2019 essay about media consolidation's risks to creative diversity, exemplified by the dominance of a few tech giants over content production. McCarthy's tenure ended abruptly in April 2020 when he was laid off as part of extensive staff reductions at THR, driven by the economic fallout from the that halted film productions and advertising revenue. In a guest column, he reflected on the cuts as a "" affecting contributors, marking the close of his influential run at the publication without any tied controversies beyond the broader industry turmoil.

Deadline Hollywood

In 2020, following his abrupt layoff from , Todd McCarthy transitioned to , where he began contributing as a critic and columnist later that year. His reviews for Deadline have focused on contemporary releases, including sci-fi satires like (2023), which he praised for its provocative blend of genre and , and comedies such as (2023), noting its timely but uneven exploration of modern parenthood. McCarthy's work at Deadline has encompassed analysis of key 2020s industry shifts, particularly the tensions between theatrical releases and streaming platforms amid the post- recovery. In a 2021 video series, he discussed the merits of traditional cinema exhibition versus , emphasizing how streaming has but challenged the communal experience of theaters. He also covered the resurgence of drive-in screenings as a , highlighting their improved technical quality and nostalgic appeal in columns from . These pieces reflect his broader commentary on how the era accelerated Hollywood's pivot to hybrid models, influencing film production and audience habits. In 2024, McCarthy served on the Un Certain Regard Jury at the Cannes Film Festival, presided over by Xavier Dolan, alongside members including Vicky Krieps and Maïmouna Doucouré. Marking his first time at the festival without reviewing films—after decades of coverage for prior outlets—he described the experience as emotionally resonant, given his attendance since 1970. In an interview, he reflected on Cannes' evolution from a French-centric event to a global showcase, praising the section's role in spotlighting innovative voices, and the jury ultimately awarded top prize to Black Dog by Guan Hu. As of November 2025, McCarthy remains an active contributor to , continuing to pen reviews and year-end lists that engage with ongoing cinematic trends, though specific 2025 announcements or major reviews have not yet been highlighted in .

Literary works

Major books

Todd McCarthy's major encompass detailed biographies and historical accounts that draw on his extensive journalistic experience in and , granting him unique access to archives, interviews, and industry insiders. His works stand out for their rigorous research and narrative depth, often illuminating overlooked aspects of American entertainment and sports history. McCarthy's seminal biography, Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox of Hollywood (1997), published by , offers the first comprehensive account of the prolific director's life and career, spanning over 750 pages with a , , and index. Drawing on hundreds of interviews with Hawks's collaborators—including , writers, and producers—as well as previously unpublished correspondence and studio records, McCarthy chronicles Hawks's evolution from a privileged Pasadena upbringing to a versatile figure who directed classics like (1932), (1938), and Rio Bravo (1959). The book highlights Hawks's partnerships, such as his production collaborations with on films like (1955), and his influence on genres from to Westerns, emphasizing his understated "invisible" directing style that prioritized ensemble dynamics and rapid pacing. Critics praised the work for its exhaustive scholarship and engaging prose; described it as "exhaustively researched, judiciously written and full of wonderful anecdotes," positioning it as the definitive study that elevated Hawks's legacy in film scholarship. noted its vivid detailing of Hawks's personal life, including his friendships with figures like , underscoring McCarthy's ability to humanize a reclusive without . In a departure from cinema, McCarthy's Fast Women: The Legendary Ladies of Racing (2007), issued by , explores the pioneering roles of women in automobile from the early 1900s through the post-World War II era. Through archival research, period photographs, and interviews with surviving racers and historians, the 311-page volume profiles trailblazers like Camille Verzaux, who competed in the 1907 , and , the first woman to race in the in 1977, illustrating how these athletes challenged gender barriers in a male-dominated amid technological advancements like the rise of European sports cars. McCarthy's weaves personal stories with broader cultural , such as the allure of speed in the and the impact of wartime restrictions on female participation. The book received positive reviews for its accessible storytelling and historical insight; commended its coverage of "the rich history of women's racing in a narrative running from the turn of the until just after WWII." highlighted its focus on "women's roles in the annals of automobile racing," appreciating the blend of adrenaline-fueled anecdotes and feminist undertones.

Other writings

In addition to his major monographs, Todd McCarthy co-edited the influential 1975 anthology Kings of the Bs: Working Within the System: An of Film History and Criticism with Charles Flynn, published by . The volume compiles essays, interviews, and critical pieces on the and cultural role of B-movies during 's studio , featuring contributions from filmmakers, producers, exhibitors, and critics who navigated low-budget constraints. Key sections explore the mechanics of B-film creation, including accounts from directors like and , as well as analyses of studios and their impact on development. This collection marked one of the earliest scholarly efforts to elevate B-movies from marginal status to a vital component of , influencing subsequent studies in exploitation and low-budget by providing primary voices from the . McCarthy has contributed numerous articles and essays on film history to periodicals beyond his primary trade journalism roles, often delving into thematic explorations of evolution. For instance, in The Hollywood Reporter, he penned pieces examining pivotal figures and institutional shifts, such as his 2010 tribute to producer , highlighting the Italian expatriate's role in bridging European artistry with American spectacle from the 1950s onward. Similarly, his contributions to outlets like include reflective essays on festival dynamics, and in The Hollywood Reporter he published a 2016 analysis of how Francis Ford Coppola's and Steven Spielberg's transformed the into a global in the early 1980s. These works emphasize broader historical patterns, such as the interplay between artistic ambition and commercial pressures in post-studio . McCarthy has also provided introductory essays and forewords to cinema-related volumes, enhancing reissues and compilations with contextual analysis. Notably, he wrote the introduction to the 2013 reprint of cinematographer John Alton's 1949 manual Painting with Light, offering a biographical overview of Alton's career and his pioneering techniques that defined aesthetics in the 1940s and 1950s. He also contributed an essay to the 2010 book Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of and , exploring Rockwell's connections to . This contribution underscores Alton's influence on visual storytelling, connecting technical innovation to genre evolution without delving into Alton's instructional content. Beyond these, McCarthy has authored shorter pieces on individual directors and cinematic eras, often published in outlets like . Examples include essays on the stylistic legacies of auteurs like —extending from his book-length study—or examinations of transitional periods, such as the 1970s decline of , where he discusses how economic upheavals reshaped directorial autonomy. These concise works focus on underrepresented aspects of film history, such as the contributions of second-unit directors or the B-movie roots of filmmaking, providing targeted insights into specific creative lineages.

Documentary filmmaking

Key productions

McCarthy's entry into documentary filmmaking began with Visions of Light: The Art of (1992), which he co-directed with Arnold Glassman and Stuart Samuels, and for which he also served as writer and co-producer. The film explores the evolution and artistry of in from the silent through the , featuring interviews with over two dozen acclaimed directors of photography, including Nestor Almendros, Michael Chapman, and Conrad L. Hall, who reflect on their techniques and influences using clips from classic films like and . Commissioned by the , the 90-minute documentary was produced over several years with challenges in securing archival footage and coordinating interviews amid the directors' busy schedules, ultimately premiering at the before a wider release. In 1995, McCarthy directed the short documentary Claudia Jennings, a 25-minute profile of the late and actress Claudia Jennings, who died in a car accident in 1979 at age 29. Drawing from his personal connection as Jennings' high school classmate at , the film delves into her rapid rise in B-movies such as Truck Stop Women and The Love Butcher, contextualizing her career within the era's low-budget genre cinema and its blend of and tragedy, incorporating rare footage, interviews with colleagues, and reflections on her unfulfilled potential. Produced independently with limited resources, it faced distribution hurdles as a niche subject but was released through circuits and . McCarthy returned to co-directing with Forever Hollywood (1999), partnering again with Arnold Glassman to create a 60-minute overview of Hollywood's from its golden age to the modern era. Narrated by and featuring interviews with celebrities including , , and , the documentary traces the industry's origins, key studios like and Warner Bros., and the cultural impact of stars and scandals, using archival clips to illustrate themes of glamour, power, and reinvention. Filmed partly on location at historic sites like the Egyptian Theatre, production involved navigating permissions for celebrity access and historical materials, leading to its debut as an ongoing exhibit piece at the American Cinematheque's Egyptian Theatre, where it screened regularly for over a decade. His sole solo directorial effort, Man of Cinema: Pierre Rissient (2007), is a 110-minute portrait of the enigmatic French film producer and talent scout Pierre Rissient, known as "Mr. Beur" for his Cannes Film Festival influence. McCarthy, leveraging his journalistic background in film festivals, profiles Rissient's behind-the-scenes role in championing directors like and through global circuits, including interviews with filmmakers such as , , and , alongside rare footage of Rissient at work. Shot over two years with challenges in capturing Rissient's elusive personality and securing international contributors, the film premiered in the Cannes Classics section at the , emphasizing his impact on independent cinema discovery without delving into awards. Among McCarthy's minor contributions, he wrote the script for the 1990 PBS documentary Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer, directed by Kenneth Bowser, which chronicles the screenwriter-director's innovative 1940s comedies like The Lady Eve through interviews and archival material, produced amid efforts to revive interest in Sturges' overlooked later career. No other major directed or produced works followed, though his expertise from decades as a critic informed these projects' focus on cinematic history and personalities.

Awards and impact

McCarthy's documentary writing for Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer (1990), a PBS American Masters episode exploring the life of the pioneering screenwriter-director, earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program in 1991. The film chronicles Sturges' trajectory from his 1898 birth and early playwriting to his Hollywood breakthrough in the 1930s, where he became the first screenwriter to direct his own scripts, helming screwball classics like The Lady Eve (1941) and Sullivan's Travels (1941), before his post-Paramount decline due to financial and creative missteps. This award underscored the documentary's scholarly depth in illuminating Sturges' innovations in comedy and his embodiment of the volatile American Dream in early Hollywood. His co-direction and writing of Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography (1992) garnered further acclaim, winning Best Documentary from the in 1993 and Best Nonfiction Film from the in 1994, as well as Best Documentary from the Boston Society of Film Critics in 1993. The documentary features interviews with 26 leading cinematographers, tracing the evolution of their craft from silent films to modern works through exemplary clips, and was also screened out of competition at the . Additionally, McCarthy's direction of Man of Cinema: Pierre Rissient (2007) received a showcase in the Cannes Classics section, highlighting the producer's behind-the-scenes influence on global cinema. These works have significantly influenced and scholarship by archiving oral histories and visual examples from industry pioneers, fostering greater appreciation for overlooked aspects like and comedic . For instance, has been praised for demystifying the director of photography's role and preserving techniques from veterans like and , making it a staple in film education programs. Similarly, the Sturges documentary revived interest in his oeuvre, emphasizing his trailblazing transition from writer to and contributing to renewed academic focus on Hollywood satire. As of 2025, McCarthy's documentaries continue to shape film discourse, with frequently cited in courses and Sturges' profile enduring through streaming revivals, cementing their legacy in elevating documentary filmmaking's role in historical analysis and craft appreciation. Their critical reception, including Roger Ebert's 3.5/4-star review of for its insightful sequences, affirms their lasting value in bridging technical expertise with broader cinematic narrative.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Todd McCarthy married documentary filmmaker Sasha Alpert on July 4, 1993, at his family's ranch in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Alpert, an Emmy-winning producer known for projects like Autism: The Musical and Born This Way, had established her career in New York before the couple relocated to the Los Angeles area. The couple welcomed their daughter, Madeleine Alpert McCarthy, on July 5, 1994. Their daughter, Madeleine Alpert McCarthy, is a advocate and full-spectrum based in . Family life has centered on their shared interests in film, with the couple maintaining a low public profile while supporting each other's professional endeavors in Los Angeles. Professional overlaps include Alpert's production role on Forever Hollywood (1999), a documentary directed and written by McCarthy, as well as her co-production credits on films highlighted in McCarthy's Sundance reviews, such as those blending documentary and narrative elements. These collaborations reflect how their family dynamic has influenced mutual career support in the film industry, without direct interference in individual projects. McCarthy and Alpert married in 1993 and remain together as of 2025.

Residence and later years

McCarthy resides in the area with his wife, Sasha Alpert. Their daughter, , also lives in the area. Following his abrupt from his position as chief film critic at in April 2020 amid industry-wide cost-cutting measures during the , McCarthy transitioned to contributing roles at , where he continues to write film reviews, columns, and reports as a veteran critic. This shift marked a move away from full-time staff employment to more flexible freelance work, allowing him to sustain his engagement with film journalism into his later years without indications of full retirement. In 2024, McCarthy participated in international film activities by serving on the Un Certain Regard jury at the , his first time in that capacity after decades of attendance as a critic since 1970. As of 2025, he remains active in the field through ongoing contributions to Deadline, reflecting a continued commitment to film commentary amid evolving industry dynamics.

References

  1. [1]
    Todd McCarthy - Deadline
    Todd is a veteran trade publication film critic, columnist and reporter who has also written several acclaimed books and documentary films.
  2. [2]
    Todd McCarthy | Morelia Film Festival
    American film critic and documentary filmmaker. Served as Variety's chief film critic for 31 years and is currently the chief film critic for The Hollywood ...
  3. [3]
    Film critic McCarthy joins Hollywood Reporter | Reuters
    Oct 6, 2010 · ... Hollywood Reporter as chief film critic ... joined IndieWire, where he launched his website Todd McCarthy's Deep Focus.
  4. [4]
    Todd MCCARTHY - Festival de Cannes
    Todd McCarthy is a Cannes veteran – his first was in 1970 – who for decades covered the Festival for Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
  5. [5]
    Todd McCarthy | Grove Atlantic
    Todd McCarthy, the author of Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox, is Variety's chief film critic and coeditor of the classic anthology King of the B's: Working Within ...
  6. [6]
    https://groveatlantic.com/author/todd-mccarthy/
  7. [7]
    Interview with Todd McCarthy, member of the Un Certain Regard Jury
    May 25, 2024 · Todd McCarthy has left his pen behind this year to sit on the Un Certain Regard Jury. Also a writer and director of documentaries on cinema.
  8. [8]
    McCarthy, Todd 1950– | Encyclopedia.com
    Todd McCarthy, film critic for Variety, is perhaps best known for his Hollywood biography, Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox of Hollywood. This book, hailed as a ...
  9. [9]
    Todd McCarthy: Ennio Morricone In Hollywood - Deadline
    Jul 8, 2020 · Todd McCarthy: Ennio Morricone In Hollywood. By Todd McCarthy · Todd ... mother was an orchestra cellist and my sister and brother-in-law ...
  10. [10]
    Deep focus - Variety
    Jun 18, 1993 · Deep focus. By Todd McCarthy ... As far as I'm concerned, this is great news, since the epic was the genre that first got me interested in movies.
  11. [11]
    1968 birthed film renaissance - Variety
    By Todd McCarthy. Plus Icon. Todd McCarthy. Latest ... Writing film reviews ... Stanford Daily office. On a whim I went in and asked if the paper needed a film ...
  12. [12]
    The Critics - LAmag
    Manohla Dargis. The New York Times. Todd McCarthy. The first ... A month later, as a college freshman, I wrote my first film review for The Stanford Daily.
  13. [13]
    THR's Todd McCarthy Remembers Roger Ebert
    Apr 4, 2013 · THR's Todd McCarthy Remembers Roger Ebert. The magazine's chief ... film critic for The Stanford Daily. For his part, Roger became a ...
  14. [14]
    THR Lead Film Critic Todd McCarthy Writes About His Abrupt Firing
    Apr 15, 2020 · The sad unraveling of THR continues with tonight's exit of Todd McCarthy, who was let go along with several other reporters and editors.Missing: early | Show results with:early
  15. [15]
    Kings of the Bs: Working Within the Hollywood System - Google Books
    Editors, Todd McCarthy, Charles Flynn. Edition, illustrated. Publisher, E. P. Dutton, 1975. Original from, the University of Michigan. Digitized, Apr 19, 2006.Missing: editor | Show results with:editor
  16. [16]
    Todd McCarthy: Jeanne Moreau, Woman of the World
    Jul 31, 2017 · I was fortunate to get to know Moreau pretty well when I was working on foreign acquisitions and publicity for Roger Corman's New World Pictures ...
  17. [17]
    Variety axes veteran film critic - The Guardian
    Mar 9, 2010 · McCarthy had worked for Variety since 1979 and his reviews were respected throughout the industry. Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert tweeted ...Missing: early 1973-1979
  18. [18]
    Variety eliminates chief film critic position - Los Angeles Times
    Mar 8, 2010 · In a striking move that reflects changing state of film criticism, Variety has laid off its longtime chief film critic Todd McCarthy.
  19. [19]
    McCarthy Fired After 31 Years at Variety: 'It's the End of Something'
    Mar 8, 2010 · Todd McCarthy, who has been writing at Daily Variety for 31 years, was fired on Monday along with two other critics, as the trade elected to cut costs and move ...Missing: 1979-2010 | Show results with:1979-2010
  20. [20]
    FULL METAL JACKET Review by Todd McCarthy - Scraps from the loft
    Oct 28, 2016 · Todd McCarthy reviews Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" for Variety magazine in 1987.
  21. [21]
    Zodiac - Variety
    May 15, 2007 · Despite the fact the Zodiac provides hidden clues in his texts and leaves behind partial evidence at crime scenes, the cops make little headway.
  22. [22]
    Film Review: No Country for Old Men - Variety
    May 18, 2007 · Film Review: No Country for Old Men. Production: A Miramax (in U.S.), Paramount Vantage (international) presentation and release of a Scott ...
  23. [23]
    Should this H'wood club be more exclusive? - Variety
    In his upcoming biography of Howard Hawks, Todd McCarthy, Daily Variety's film critic, reminds us how Hal Wallis used to fulminate about “how slow Hawks ...
  24. [24]
    Todd McCarthy - Page 7 - Variety
    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince · Bruno · Film Review: 'Public Enemies' · The Old Thieves: The Legends of Artegio · 'Away We Go' snug in its smug world · The ...Missing: notable 1980s 2000s
  25. [25]
    Ex-Variety Critic McCarthy Lands at Hollywood Reporter
    Oct 6, 2010 · The move by film critic Todd McCarthy to the Hollywood Reporter is a boost for the media outlet ... McCarthy joined the IndieWire network ...
  26. [26]
    THR Critics Name 'Inception,' 'Carlos' Best of 2010
    Dec 17, 2010 · ... Hollywood Reporter's critics Todd McCarthy and Kirk Honeycutt weigh in on the best films of 2010. Todd McCarthy. 1. Carlos. An amazing epic ...
  27. [27]
    Todd McCarthy's Review of 'Tron: Legacy' - The Hollywood Reporter
    Dec 3, 2010 · But, seen today, the film is so incoherent and groaningly scripted as to be tolerable only if watched in a rude Mystery Science Theater 3000 ...
  28. [28]
    Todd McCarthy: 10 Comedies to Lift Your Mood
    Mar 24, 2020 · The Hollywood Reporter's chief film critic Todd McCarthy breaks down his top comedies from 'Bridesmaids' to 'Modern Times.' By Todd McCarthy.
  29. [29]
    The 10 Best Films of the Decade - The Hollywood Reporter
    Dec 6, 2019 · The Hollywood Reporter's chief film critic picks his best films of the decade, including The Coen Brothers' 'Inside Llewyn Davis' and David Fincher's 'The ...Missing: 2010-2020 | Show results with:2010-2020
  30. [30]
    Todd McCarthy: At a Time of Uncertainty, Comfort and Curiosity in ...
    Mar 17, 2020 · Critic's Notebook: At a Time of Uncertainty, Comfort and Curiosity in Classic Films · Todd McCarthy · More Stories by Todd McCarthy · Related Video.Missing: columns | Show results with:columns
  31. [31]
    Todd McCarthy: In the Decade to Come, Beware Big Brother in the Sky
    Dec 20, 2019 · What this also made possible, for the first time in history, was the opportunity for individuals to personally, and permanently, possess films.
  32. [32]
    The Hollywood Reporter Lays Off Senior Editors and Reporters
    Apr 15, 2020 · Among the layoffs were senior film critic Todd McCarthy, senior editor Benjamin Svetkey, senior film editor Piya Sinha-Roy, real estate and ...Missing: leaves | Show results with:leaves
  33. [33]
    'It's a Bloodbath': Big Layoffs at The Hollywood Reporter - LAmag
    Apr 16, 2020 · 'It's a Bloodbath': Big Layoffs at The Hollywood Reporter. Veteran film critic Todd McCarthy was among the staffers axed by the glossy trade ...
  34. [34]
    'They Cloned Tyrone' Review: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris ...
    Jul 13, 2023 · If not well balanced or fully achieved, They Cloned Tyrone is a provocative in its mix of sci-fi and contemporary political elements.
  35. [35]
    Theatrical Vs. Streaming -- Deadline's Two Shot Video Series
    Dec 28, 2021 · McCarthy is a veteran trade publication film critic, columnist and reporter who has also written several acclaimed books and documentary films.
  36. [36]
    Drive-Ins, And The Memories That Come With Them, Are Back
    Aug 25, 2020 · One day he said that his proudest achievement at New World Pictures was convincing exhibitors to book the English-dubbed version of Ingmar ...
  37. [37]
    Vicky Krieps Among Un Certain Regard Jury Additions - Deadline
    Apr 24, 2024 · Vicky Krieps, Asmae El Moudir, Maïmouna Doucouré & Todd McCarthy Join Un Certain Regard Jury. By Zac Ntim · Zac Ntim. International Reporter.<|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Un Certain Regard Winners List 2024 - Festival de Cannes
    May 24, 2024 · ... Todd McCarthy. Special mention. NORAH Tawfik Alzaidi 1st film. Youth Award. HOLY COW Louise Courvoisier 1st film. Best Actress. ANASUYA SENGUPTA
  39. [39]
    Articles by Todd McCarthy's Profile | Deadline Journalist - Muck Rack
    Todd McCarthy on Muck Rack. Todd McCarthy. Film Critic and Columnist, Deadline. Hollywood. Arts and Entertainment, Metro Los Angeles. As seen in: Deadline ...
  40. [40]
    Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox of Hollywood - Publishers Weekly
    McCarthy, Variety's chief film critic, provides Hawks with the major biography he deserves, exhaustively researched, judiciously written and full of wonderful ...
  41. [41]
    Split Screen - The New York Times
    Jul 20, 1997 · The Grey Fox of Hollywood. By Todd McCarthy. Illustrated. 756 pp. New York: Grove Press. $35. N ear the beginning ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  42. [42]
    Fast Women: The Legendary Ladies of Racing - Publishers Weekly
    McCarthy, chief film critic for Variety, covers the rich history of women's racing in a narrative running from the turn of the 20th century until just after ...
  43. [43]
    FAST WOMEN - Kirkus Reviews
    Variety film critic McCarthy (Howard Hawks, 1997) highlights women's roles in the annals of automobile racing. Formula 1 fans and NASCAR aficionados, ...
  44. [44]
    Kings of the Bs: Working within the Hollywood system : an anthology ...
    Kings of the Bs: Working within the Hollywood system : an anthology of film history and criticism [McCarthy, Todd And Charles Flynn (Editors)] on Amazon.com.
  45. [45]
    The best film books, by 51 critics | Sight and Sound - BFI
    Jun 2, 2010 · Kings of the Bs: Working Within the Hollywood System Edited by Todd McCarthy and Charles Flynn, Dutton, 1975 ... film studies courses. A ...
  46. [46]
    Build Your Book Case: Film Noir and the Books to Own
    May 22, 2014 · Kings of the Bs edited by Todd McCarthy and Charles Flynn. Though not specifically about film noir, this book was one of the first studies ...
  47. [47]
    Todd McCarthy: Why Dino De Laurentiis Was One of a Kind
    Nov 12, 2010 · THR's chief film critic says the late producer forged his own path in Hollywood, resulting in a legacy of films ranging from seminal to schlocky ...
  48. [48]
    Thumbnails 5/16/16 | Features - Roger Ebert
    May 16, 2016 · “Critics's Notebook: Todd McCarthy on How Francis Ford Coppola and 'E.T.' Turned Cannes Into a Frenzied Mammoth“: A terrific piece published in ...
  49. [49]
    Painting With Light by John Alton - University of California Press
    First published in 1949, Painting With Light remains one of the few truly canonical statements on the art of motion picture photography.
  50. [50]
    Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 95% (20) This documentary examines an often overlooked element of filmmaking: the role of cinematography. It includes interviews with various cinematographers.
  51. [51]
    Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography - ReelViews
    Rating 4.0 (1) This documentary presents an insider's view of the cinematographer's role, interviewing dozens of today's most accomplished directors of photography.
  52. [52]
    Claudia Jennings (1995) - IMDb
    Claudia Jennings: Directed by Todd McCarthy. With Claudia Jennings. A documentary short on the life, career and tragic death of former Playboy model and ...
  53. [53]
    Claudia Jennings (1995) - Todd McCarthy - Letterboxd
    Directed by Todd McCarthy ... A documentary short on the explosive life, career and tragic death of former Playboy model and cult movie actress Claudia Jennings.
  54. [54]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302417/
  55. [55]
    Forever Hollywood | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 50% (1) A look at America's iconic cinematic city, this film delves into the history of Hollywood, Calif. Touching on the area's humble beginnings as a small town.
  56. [56]
    Man of Cinema: Rissient - The Hollywood Reporter
    Sep 4, 2007 · In film critic Todd McCarthy&#39;s perceptive and often amusing documentary about Frenchman Pierre Rissient, known for his singular passion ...
  57. [57]
    Pierre Rissient: Man of Cinema (2007) - IMDb
    Rating 7.2/10 (78) Pierre Rissient: Man of Cinema: Directed by Todd McCarthy. With Olivier Assayas, John Boorman, Jane Campion, Claude Chabrol. A veteran film critic explores ...
  58. [58]
    Man of Cinema: Pierre Rissient
    Aug 27, 2008 · Todd McCarthy's film shows a man that many of us love. He can be opinionated, irascible and very wily. But he makes and holds a lot of friends.
  59. [59]
    MAN OF CINEMA: PIERRE RISSIENT - Festival de Cannes
    In this film, surrounded by those he has promoted through the years, Pierre Rissient himself finally moves into the spotlight. Directed by : Todd MCCARTHY Year ...
  60. [60]
    TV REVIEW : 'Dreamer': The Rise and Rapid Fall of Preston Sturges
    Jul 2, 1990 · Produced and directed by Kenneth Bowser and written by film historian and former Variety film critic Todd McCarthy, this documentary is ...Missing: Genius | Show results with:Genius
  61. [61]
    About Preston Sturges | American Masters - PBS
    Oct 8, 1997 · Considered the father of the screwball comedy, Preston Sturges was recognized as one of the great early writers in Hollywood.
  62. [62]
    Past Awards - National Society of Film Critics
    Nonfiction Film–Visions of Light (Glassman, McCarthy, Samuels). Special citation for experimental film–Rock Hudson's Home Movies (Mark Rappaport). Special ...
  63. [63]
    Visions Of Light: The Art Of Cinematography movie review (1993)
    Rating 3.5/4 · Review by Roger EbertAug 6, 1993 · It is a film about cinematography, consisting of a great many great shots and sequences, commented on by the men (and a few women) who photographed them.
  64. [64]
    Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography - Variety
    Jun 10, 1992 · It illustrates in 90 minutes what an instructor could never hope to achieve in months. Arnold Glassman, Stuart Samuels, Todd McCarthy and their ...Missing: preservation | Show results with:preservation
  65. [65]
    Visions of Light (1992) - IMDb
    Rating 7.7/10 (3,416) Visions of Light: Directed by Arnold Glassman, Todd McCarthy, Stuart Samuels. With Ernest R. Dickerson, Michael Chapman, Allen Daviau, Caleb Deschanel.
  66. [66]
    Todd McCarthy, Sasha Alpert - The New York Times
    Jul 5, 1993 · He graduated from Stanford University. He is the son of Daniel and Barbara McCarthy of Evanston, Ill.Missing: birth Illinois
  67. [67]
    Poitier extols value of ounce of prevention - Variety
    Jun 29, 1993 · And Variety film critic Todd McCarthy and documentary filmmaker Sasha Alpert will be married July 4 at Todd's grandfather's ranch in Pagosa ...
  68. [68]
    'Autism: The Musical' to HBO - Variety
    Jun 6, 2007 · (Alpert is married to Daily Variety chief film critic Todd McCarthy.) Jump to Comments. An error has occurred. Want to read more articles like ...
  69. [69]
    'These are the stories of real people' - Newport Daily News
    Sep 25, 2017 · Her daughter doesn't pick sides, Alpert said; she lets her audience develop their own point of view. “Too often, we're told what to think and ...
  70. [70]
    Next Beatty-Bening project: a baby boy - Variety
    Jul 11, 1994 · Their daughter Kathlyn is almost 2 years old. ... Daily Variety's Todd McCarthy and filmmaker wife Sasha Alpert welcomed daughter Madeleine Alpert ...
  71. [71]
    Forever Hollywood - Variety
    Dec 5, 1999 · The problem is perhaps exacerbated by McCarthy's unflagging enthusiasm for explaining how the movies grew up, even at the expense of showing how ...
  72. [72]
    Sundance 2013: Todd McCarthy on the Best of the Fest
    Jan 29, 2013 · THR's chief film critic reveals his top picks from this year's edition of the Park City event.Missing: marriage | Show results with:marriage