The Library of America: Farber on Film

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Manny Farber (1917–2008) was a distinctive American movie critic known for his concept of "termite art," which emphasizes focused, eccentric virtuosity over grandiosity. His unique prose style, characterized by jazz-like phrasing and vibrant twists, made each review an engaging experience. Esteemed by peers, Susan Sontag hailed him as "the liveliest, smartest, most original film critic," while Peter Bogdanovich praised his sharp perceptions and brilliance. Farber was an early supporter of many filmmakers who later became American masters, such as Val Lewton, Preston Sturges, and Samuel Fuller. As a talented painter, he infused his writing with an artist's perspective, keenly recognizing filmmakers dedicated to "go-for-broke art." He openly criticized pretension, rejecting directors who overwhelmed viewers with "wet towels of artiness." The essence of his criticism lies in the attentive exploration of each film's unfolding reality, capturing its complexities and nuances. His prose embraces "oddities, muddles, crises, contradictions," resulting in critical essays that are works of art themselves. This collection presents Farber's complete works, including early reviews and later essays on directors like Godard and Scorsese, alongside an introduction by Robert Polito that reflects on Farber's career and lasting impact on American criticism.