Maitland McDonagh, a celebrated film critic and erudite scholar, embarked upon a prestigious tenure of nearly a decade as the Senior Movie Editor for TV Guide Online, a position she held from 1998 to 2008. This remarkable stretch of time was followed by the establishment of 120 Days Books in 2012, a pioneering publishing venture dedicated to reviving and republishing a plethora of forgotten gay adult genre novels from the 1970s, a testament to her enduring passion for uncovering and sharing hidden literary gems.
Born and raised in the culturally rich and diverse city of New York, McDonagh embarked on her academic journey by pursuing her undergraduate education at Hunter College, City University of New York, where she had the opportunity to be immersed in a stimulating environment that fostered intellectual growth and development. Subsequently, she took her academic pursuits to the next level by earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film History/Theory/Criticism from Columbia University, a renowned institution that is highly regarded for its excellence in the field of film studies. During her time at Columbia, McDonagh was instrumental in co-founding and editing the prestigious Columbia Film Review, a scholarly publication that served as a platform for students and faculty to share their insights and perspectives on film. The publication, which later evolved into Columbia Film View, played a significant role in providing a forum for the discussion and analysis of film as an art form and a cultural phenomenon.
Throughout the course of her remarkable professional journey, McDonagh has had the distinction of crafting a multitude of insightful articles and thought-provoking essays on the subject of cinema, which have been widely disseminated across a diverse array of esteemed publications spanning the United States and Europe.
Her impressive body of work encompasses a vast range of contributions to renowned publications, including but not limited to Film Journal International, a leading authority on the film industry, as well as the Film/Psychology Review, a publication that delves into the complex psychological dynamics at play within cinematic narratives.
Furthermore, her work has also been featured in Film Comment, a prominent film magazine that provides in-depth analysis and critique of the latest cinematic releases, as well as Mad Movies, a publication that showcases the most innovative and boundary-pushing films from around the world.
In addition, her articles and essays have been published in Premiere, a leading entertainment magazine that covers the latest news and trends in the film industry, as well as Entertainment Weekly, a widely read publication that provides comprehensive coverage of the world of entertainment.
McDonagh's writing has also appeared in L'Ecran Fantastique, a French publication that specializes in horror and science fiction films, as well as Interview, a iconic magazine that has featured in-depth conversations with some of the most influential figures in the world of entertainment.
Her portfolio also includes contributions to Film Quarterly, a prestigious publication that provides scholarly analysis and critique of cinematic masterpieces, as well as Fangoria, a leading publication that specializes in horror and cult films.
Moreover, her work has been featured in Persistence of Vision, a quarterly publication that explores the intersection of film and art, as well as Gorezone, a publication that delves into the darker side of cinema, including horror, science fiction, and exploitation films.
Throughout her illustrious career, McDonagh has established herself as a respected and accomplished film critic, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the cinematic arts.
Noted film author, McDonagh, has penned four notable books on the subject of cinema, comprising Broken Mirrors/Broken Minds: An Exposé on the Dark, Dreamlike Works of Dario Argento; Filmmaking on the Periphery: An Exploration of the Good, the Bad, and the Unconventional Directors; The 50 Most Erogenous Films of All Time: A Guide to Cinematic Sensuality; and Movie Lust: A Curated Selection of Essential Viewing for Every Mood, Moment, and Occasion.
