What makes a great critic?

A critic is some one who constructively judges something and the informs the masses of whether the piece under examination is worth any attention. What makes a great critic is not just experience but also what they know about the subject. This means they should be able to analysise the form, structure, language even. For instance if it is a film they are reviewing then the should know the technical terms, the history of film and also be able to relate to the viewer on thier level. Remember a critic must bare in mind that the audince watch, look or listen for pleasure.

People ask me what do I know about the subjects I critise and I say that having studied my subjects to a technical level and have an passion for these subject I feel qaulified to voice my opinion knowing that I know what I am talking about and can analysise the piece in any context knowing that I can support my critisism with constructive comments.

I review music, theatre, books and fims. I have studied music, theatre and english to A-Level standard. These subjects have taught me how to analysis these art forms breaking them apart to appreciate the beauty and hard work that goes into these forms. So much of this goes unappreciated by the audience but a critic can look and see beyond and truely judge its worth.

I feel I can critcise even better having written creatively and written music. This means I can put myself in the shoes of an audience and a critc when reviewing my own work in editing process.

Critics are judged to cruel dislikable people, but we know our subjects well enough to give a true honest opinion, where we are not having to gain favour of the artist(s) to gain respect. A critic is definately the person to fear as they make or break an artist.

However a rare gem of a critic is the one that is instinctive and intutive on what the next trend will be, as well as what is crurrently trending. As I critique a lot of new up and coming artists I have to know what will be big, what is big but won't last and what is never going to make it. A critic is never wrong and the only person who can contest a critic is another critic who has the same amount of knowledge on that subject.