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Who is the most controversial film critic in the industry and why?

Berdie Paumier

Hey there!

When it comes to controversial film critics, there are a few names that come to mind. However, the one who stands out the most to me is Armond White. He's been both loved and hated by different audiences for years now.

White first made a name for himself as a film critic in the late 90s when he started writing for the New York Press. He quickly gained a reputation for his contrarian views, frequently going against the mainstream opinions of films and filmmakers.

Some people appreciate White's unique perspective and willingness to challenge popular ideas about cinema. They see his reviews as refreshing and thought-provoking, even if they don't always agree with them.

However, others believe that White is simply a contrarian for the sake of being one. They claim that he consistently gives positive reviews to critically panned films and negative reviews to widely acclaimed ones, purely to stir up controversy and attract attention.

White has also been accused of making racially charged comments in his reviews. In 2015, he was expelled from the New York Film Critics Circle after allegedly heckling 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen during a ceremony, shouting "You're an embarrassing doorman and garbage man!" Many saw this as a racist attack on McQueen, who is Black.

Overall, opinion on White is deeply divided. Some people respect him for his unique perspective and willingness to speak his mind, while others find him to be a problematic critic who values controversy over genuine criticism.