For nearly three decades, Kenneth Turan has been a staple of the los angeles film scene, and one of the most widely read film critics in town, at the Los Angeles Times. With his sharp insights and incisive analysis, he has been able to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, and provide readers with a unique perspective on the world of cinema. But what drove Turan to pursue a career in film criticism, and what motivated him to explore the lives of two Hollywood legends, louis b. Mayer and Irving Thalberg?
Early Life and Career
- Kenneth Turan was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a family of modest means.
- He developed a passion for film at a young age, and spent much of his childhood watching classic movies.
- After graduating from college, Turan began his career in journalism, working at various newspapers and magazines before joining the Los Angeles Times in 1991.
During his time at the Los Angeles Times, Turan established himself as a respected and influential film critic, known for his in-depth analysis and thoughtful reviews. He also became an on-air film critic for NPR’s Morning Edition, and a lecturer in USC’s Master of Professional Writing Program. Turan’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Press Award at the ICG Publicists Awards in 2000, a Special Citation from the National Society of Film Critics in 2006, and the Luminary Award for Career Achievement from the Los Angeles Press Club in 2013.
Writing About Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg
Turan’s latest book, Louis B. Mayer & Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation, is a fascinating dual biography that explores the lives of two Hollywood legends. Mayer and Thalberg worked together at Louis B. Mayer Productions and then, famously, at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, from 1923 until 1936. Turan was drawn to writing about these two men because of their significant contributions to the development of the film industry, and the unique relationship they shared.
- Through his research and interviews, Turan uncovered many interesting and surprising facts about Mayer and Thalberg’s lives and careers.
- The book provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of the complex and often tumultuous history of the Hollywood studio system.
- Turan’s writing is engaging and accessible, making the book a pleasure to read for both film enthusiasts and scholars.
Challenges and Rewards of Film Criticism
Turan has spoken publicly about the challenges and rewards of film criticism, including the need to balance subjective opinion with objective analysis, and the pressure to stay current with the ever-changing landscape of the film industry.
- Some of the biggest challenges of film criticism include:
- Staying current with the latest releases and trends.
- Balancing subjective opinion with objective analysis.
- Dealing with the pressure to conform to industry expectations.
- Managing the emotional impact of negative reviews.
Despite these challenges, Turan finds the rewards of film criticism to be well worth the effort. He enjoys the opportunity to share his passion for film with readers, and to provide insights and analysis that help them better understand the movies they love.
Current State of Film Criticism and the Industry
Turan has also spoken about the current state of film criticism and the industry, including the rise of online criticism and the challenges of staying relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
“I think that film criticism is at a crossroads right now,” said Turan. “On the one hand, we have the rise of online criticism, which has democratized the process and given more voices to the conversation. But on the other hand, we also have the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape, where attention spans are short and the competition for readers is fierce.
Turan believes that the key to success in this era of film criticism is to stay focused on the core mission of film criticism: to provide thoughtful and insightful analysis that helps readers better understand the movies they love.
Legacy and Future Plans
Turan’s legacy as a film critic and author is already well established, with a body of work that includes 10 books and numerous awards and accolades. As he looks to the future, Turan is excited to continue exploring new topics and themes, and to share his passion for film with readers around the world.
| Next Project | Untitled Book on the History of Film |
| Release Date | 2024 |
Turan is currently working on a new book, which will explore the history of film and its impact on society. The book is expected to be published in 2024, and will be the next installment in Turan’s ongoing series of books on film and its culture.
Conclusion
As we look to the future, it is clear that Kenneth Turan will continue to be a major force in the world of film criticism and authorship.
