World Premiere
House of Criticism
Spotlight Documentary
Feature Documentary | United States | 83 MINUTES | EnglishArt, Biography, Documentary, Journalism, New York, Romance, Women
Roberta Smith and Jerry Saltz are both rockstars in the world of art criticism. They’re also madly in love. Reflecting on their relationship, careers, and the ever-evolving New York City art scene, this unlikely power couple invites us into their surprisingly humble world.
Without knowing better, one might assume the chief art critics at New York Magazine and The New York Times would see each other as peers or even rivals, but they mostly think of each other as husband and wife. Jerry Saltz and Roberta Smith are both titans of art criticism, each with decades of experience, idiosyncratic writing styles and specific ideas to what makes an excellent piece of art. But instead of discussing any of that, they’re more inclined to talk about what to make for dinner.
In Alison Chernick’s intimate and unpretentious House of Criticism, two brilliant minds detail how and why their unique relationship works with equal parts candor and care. As famous friends Lena Dunham, Mickalene Thomas and Cindy Sherman shower them in praise, Saltz and Smith focus on their work, charting the ever-evolving nature of the city they call home and the art being made there. With a sharp eye and extraordinary access, Chernick blends art history with rom-com conventions for a documentary that is as delightful as it is insightful.—Cara Cusumano
Without knowing better, one might assume the chief art critics at New York Magazine and The New York Times would see each other as peers or even rivals, but they mostly think of each other as husband and wife. Jerry Saltz and Roberta Smith are both titans of art criticism, each with decades of experience, idiosyncratic writing styles and specific ideas to what makes an excellent piece of art. But instead of discussing any of that, they’re more inclined to talk about what to make for dinner.
In Alison Chernick’s intimate and unpretentious House of Criticism, two brilliant minds detail how and why their unique relationship works with equal parts candor and care. As famous friends Lena Dunham, Mickalene Thomas and Cindy Sherman shower them in praise, Saltz and Smith focus on their work, charting the ever-evolving nature of the city they call home and the art being made there. With a sharp eye and extraordinary access, Chernick blends art history with rom-com conventions for a documentary that is as delightful as it is insightful.—Cara Cusumano
Cast & Credits
Directed by
Alison Chernick
Editor
Helen Yum
Sabine Krayenbühl
Melinda Pinecone
Cast
Roberta Smith
Lena Dunham
Cindy Sherman
Mickalene Thomas
Larry Gagosian
Jerry Saltz
Laurie Simmons
Carroll Dunham
Fri June 12 - 5:30 PM
Rush
Village East by Angelika
Sat June 13 - 2:30 PM
Village East by Angelika
Sun June 14 - 8:15 PM
Village East by Angelika
* Rush Tickets will be offered at venues when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available (EXCLUDES: Beacon Theatre).
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.