Legacy of Film Critic Gene Shalit: A Retrospective

Gene Shalit, a renowned film critic and arts reporter for the ‘Today’ show, has passed away at the age of 100. Known for his distinctive style, Shalit was a staple on American television and left a lasting impact on film criticism through his engaging presence and wit.

Career at ‘Today’ Show

Shalit joined ‘Today’ in 1970 as a contributor and became the show’s arts editor in 1973. He became famous for his segment ‘Critic’s Corner,’ where he offered film reviews with his unique brand of humor. Shalit’s appearance was as notable as his work; his puffy hair and oversized handlebar mustache were as memorable as the playful puns he incorporated into his critiques.

When he retired from ‘Today’ in 2010, he was one of the last prominent film critics on network television. Guy Ludwig, who worked as Shalit’s producer for over two decades, praised his wit and intelligence, noting that Shalit enlightened audiences without overwhelming them.

“What resonated above his unusual appearance was his incredible wit, his remarkable intelligence. But he didn’t pound you over the head with it. He amused you.”

Influence on Film Criticism

Gene Shalit played a significant role in popularizing film criticism on television. His stint at ‘Today’ coincided with the rise of other significant critics such as Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, whose ‘thumbs-up, thumbs-down’ style became a cultural touchstone.

Shalit helped shift the power of cinematic critique from print media to television. Before his tenure, newspapers and magazines were the dominant platforms for movie reviews. His presence on ‘Today’ integrated film criticism into mainstream media, influencing programs like ‘Sneak Previews’ on PBS and ‘Good Morning America.’

Writing Career

Before his television career, Shalit gained recognition as a writer. He contributed entertainment columns to McCall’s and became the senior film critic for Look magazine. His success in print led to an offer from NBC, marking the start of his television career. Despite his unconventional television appearance, Shalit won over audiences with his quirkiness and sharp critiques.

Notable Reviews and Interviews

Throughout his career, Shalit was known for his middle-of-the-road reviews. He often avoided spoiling movie plots, aiming to enrich the viewing experience. Highlights of his reviews included calling ‘Defiance’ a vivid dramatization of history and describing ‘Frozen’ as “very cool.” He also humorously critiqued ‘The Lovely Bones’ with his typical wordplay.

Often, Shalit’s interviews with celebrities were as memorable as his reviews. Highlights included lively exchanges with figures like Carol Channing and John Belushi. His questions often provided a deeper insight into the personal lives of the stars he interviewed.

Personal Life and Legacy

Gene Shalit was born in New York and raised in Morristown, New Jersey. He cultivated an affinity for humor early in life, penning columns even as a student. With a degree from the University of Illinois, he embarked on a career that blended humor with film critique.

Shalit was a cultural icon, regularly impersonated on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and making appearances on shows like ‘Sesame Street.’ In 1987, he edited a book celebrating American humor, featuring figures like Mark Twain and James Thurber.

Gene Shalit’s legacy endures through his daughter, Willa Shalit, and the profound impact he had on film criticism and television. His style, characterized by humor and insight, reshaped public discourse on movies and left an indelible mark on entertainment journalism.