IN THE CRITIC'S CORNER. Cont'd

CAN WE TRUST THE ROMANTICISM OF JAMI BERNARD?

One of the most characteristic aspects and  greatest secrets of the abundance of knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, know-how, eloquence, enlightenment and ad infinitum discoveries of great thinkers and men of science like Maimonides, Ibn Sina, Aviroes, Pythagoras and  Cicero was THE critical mind. And I am so delighted to hear Jami Bernard talking about the enormous importance of  rational and critical  thinking in film criticism. Therefore, her romantic approach to appreciate nostalgic beauty and the lyrical intellectualism she uses to explain and or to review a film are to be admired and revered, because Bernard's criticism is built upon an analytical mind and an  intelligent critical thinking. Yes, we can fully trust the romanticism of Jami Bernard.  She goes two steps further to insist upon the necessity and importance of  rational thinking and combating ignorance, not only in film criticism, but also in politics, world affairs, our daily life, responsibilities and commitment, schooling, arts, health and medicine. She expressed her concerns about this alarming reality, when she publicly stated "My feeling about this ties into my huge concern with the lack of critical thinking in America, as personified by the decrease in people studying science and in America's related fall in stature in the worldwide scientific community. Critical thinking and the ability to question and think rationally is important in film criticism, of course, but just as important in world affairs and everyday living and medicine and combating ignorance. That ignorance is prized in movies and in having an incurious, C-student as a president is not only shameful, it's dangerous."

I was told, she avoids reporters, but gladly will open up to her public and fans. Mata Hari was like that, and Indira Gandhi tried to be one. Bernard who studied film with Ann Douglas, and writing with Elizabeth Hardwick, has her own perception of the cosmos of movies. Don't argue with her. She knows her craft. She is sweet like the gentle whisper of a butterfly but, Bernard can be tough too and she will not hesitate a second  to tell you what she thinks of you, of your work and her colleagues. For instance, Bernard believes that Rex Reed's writings are "wrong-headed and infuriating", Dave Kehr is witty, David Denby is a good writer. She admires the intellect of Jim Hoberman,  the politeness and savoir-faire of Jack Mathews. Clive James, Stephanie Zacharek and Charles Taylor are among her "favoris". Bernard also believes that exotic films are thrilling and wonderful, and news reporting is awful. She loves "Double Indemnity", "West Side Story", "Crash", " Silence of the Lambs",  "Klute", and "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir", but not bad stuff like Charlie Chan's flicks, and sadistic, cruel, hateful movies like "The Passion of the Christ". What else about Jami Bernard? Intelligent humor is part of her critiques, especially, when she hammers strong on bad movies. And by doing so, Bernard rejoices, for when a film is bad, it becomes easier for Bernard  to be entertaining about it. . Parisian legend, Mistinguet used to confront her envious cabaret rivals by telling them "I don't mind your criticism, as long as you do it with class and at the sound of Dom Perignon bubbles." Jami Bernard's films critiques bubble with humor, depth and classy intelligence. Is she a team player in this tumultuous cosmos of journalism and  among and around her colleagues? You bet! She knows the ropes. Although, she believes that many editors are jealous of film critics' unrestrained autonomy, Bernard manages to bring sync and harmony into her professional relationship with those editors and managing editors whom she disagrees with.