Is the noble art of film reviewing in critical condition? The internet, with its endless, free, quick-fix blogger reviews, has inevitably impacted upon the status and influence of the once-monolithic print critic. And it’s not just the easy availability of the writing itself that’s shifting the parameters. The internet has also forged a culture that privileges the opinion of the layman, and devalues the very notion of expertise – and who doesn’t have an opinion to spout about the film they just saw? The impact of these cultural shifts has been considerable upon the American critical community, with numerous high profile critics having lost their jobs in recent years, and increasing reliance upon syndicated review copy. Gerald Peary’s thorough, thoughtful and very entertaining film seeks to restore the dignity to this somewhat beleaguered element of film culture – an industry forged, as the film’s title suggests, out of nothing other than sheer passion for film. We begin with the very origins of film criticism as a branch of journalism, and go on to hear from some of the most eminent practioners on the current US scene – including Roger Ebert, Andrew Sarris, Elvis Mitchell, Kenneth Turan and A O Scott. The most established and venerable – such as the octogenerian Stanley Kauffman, who has served as critic for The New Republic since the 1950s – share screen space with self-made new media entrepreneurs like Harry Knowles of ainitcoolnews.com. Also interviewed are enthusiasts such as the ever-lovable John Waters, who shares the story of one of his own favourite movie hacks, the late experimental and underground film expert Parker Tyler. Peary – a noted critic himself, chiefly for the Boston Phoenix – has crafted a loving tribute to the art form and its best exponents, which also functions as a defence of expertise and a rallying cry for criticism that goes a touch deeper than ‘ILMAO ’… The contributions from America’s finest film writers are witty, frank and revealing, and actress Patricia Clarkson provides a characteristically warm and graceful narration. In association with Screen – the academic film journal published from Glasgow University which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary – we are delighted to accompany this screening with a critics’ discussion forum hosted by Sight and Sound editor Nick James and Professor John Caughie of Glasgow University.