Todd McCarthy is a distinguished American film critic, whose illustrious career has spanned an impressive period of over three decades.
Throughout his remarkable tenure, he held the esteemed position of chief film critic for the prominent entertainment industry publication, Variety, from 1979 to 2010, an extraordinary duration of 31 years.
As he bid farewell to Variety in March 2010, McCarthy embarked on a new chapter in his professional journey, joining the renowned trade publication, The Hollywood Reporter, in October of the same year.
Under the visionary leadership of Janice Min, McCarthy assumed the role of chief film critic at The Hollywood Reporter, further solidifying his reputation as a leading authority in the film criticism world.
The individual in question, a notable figure in his own right, was brought into this world on February 16, 1950, in the charming city of Evanston, Illinois. As a product of this union, McCarthy is the proud offspring of Daniel and Barbara McCarthy, a pair of individuals who played instrumental roles in shaping his life.
His mother, a talented cellist, not only brought joy and beauty to the world through her music but also served as the president of the esteemed Evanston Symphony Orchestra. This esteemed position allowed her to utilize her skills and passion to foster a deeper appreciation for the arts within her community.
In stark contrast, McCarthy's father, a rancher and real-estate developer, brought a sense of rugged individualism and entrepreneurial spirit to the table. His influence was profound, and his guidance helped to mold McCarthy into the person he is today.
Through the unique blend of his parents' diverse backgrounds and experiences, McCarthy's life was set on a trajectory that would ultimately lead him to become the accomplished individual he is known as today.
Noted individual McCarthy embarked on an academic journey that ultimately led him to Stanford University, where he successfully completed his educational endeavors and received his degree in the year 1972.
He subsequently entered into a romantic union with Sasha Alpert, a talented documentary filmmaker, on a most auspicious date, July 4, 1993, amidst the picturesque backdrop of his family's ranch in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Before commencing his illustrious career as a film critic, McCarthy initially served as an assistant to the renowned director and comedian Elaine May at Paramount Pictures from 1974 to 1975, a tenure that would ultimately prove to be a valuable learning experience for him.
During this period, he had the opportunity to contribute to the editing process of the 1976 film "Mikey and Nicky", a project that allowed him to hone his skills and gain valuable insight into the film industry.
Furthermore, McCarthy co-authored a book titled "Kings of Bs: Working Within the Hollywood System" alongside Charles Flynn, which was published in 1975. This comprehensive tome delves into the fascinating world of B-movies and the influential filmmakers who helped shape the genre.
Through his work on this book, McCarthy demonstrated his expertise and passion for the subject matter, showcasing his ability to analyze and appreciate the often-overlooked B-movies that played a significant role in the development of the film industry.
From 1975 to 1977, McCarthy's professional journey continued to flourish as he assumed the esteemed position of director of advertising and publicity for New World Pictures, a pivotal role that showcased his exceptional skills in the field. This impressive tenure was followed by another notable accomplishment in 1977, as he took on the responsibility of managing the English-language editions of Le Film français, a prestigious organization that further solidified his reputation as a capable and dedicated professional.
The following year, McCarthy's expertise and passion for the film industry led him to accept the role of a Hollywood editor for Film Comment, a renowned publication that allowed him to share his insights and knowledge with a wider audience, while also honing his skills as a writer and editor.
In the year 1979, McCarthy embarked on a new chapter in his career, transitioning from one field to another, specifically into the realm of film criticism. He began to pen his thoughts and opinions on the world of cinema, taking up a position with the esteemed publication, Variety. During this period, McCarthy was responsible for crafting a number of notable works, one of which being a documentary that would go on to achieve great acclaim. The documentary in question was titled "Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer", a film that would ultimately win a prestigious Emmy Award in the year 1990.
In addition to his work in film criticism, McCarthy also ventured into the realm of documentary filmmaking, directing a total of four documentaries that focused on the world of cinema. The first of these documentaries was "Visions of Light", which premiered in the year 1992. This was followed by "Claudia Jennings", a documentary that was released in 1995. McCarthy's next documentary was "Forever Hollywood", a film that was released in 1999. His final documentary, "Man of Cinema: Pierre Rissient", was released in 2007, and was a fitting culmination to his body of work in this genre.
The cinematic masterpiece "Visions of Light" garnered widespread critical acclaim, ultimately being bestowed the esteemed honor of Best Documentary of the Year by both the National Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics Circle, a testament to its exceptional quality and impact.
Meanwhile, the documentary "Forever Hollywood" has maintained a prominent position at the iconic Grauman's Egyptian Theatre for over a decade, solidifying its status as a beloved and enduring staple of the cinematic world.
Notable among McCarthy's literary endeavors is the publication of "Fast Women: The Legendary Ladies of Racing" in the year 2007, a book that showcases his fascination with the world of racing and its most remarkable female figures. Additionally, his 2000 publication, "Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox of Hollywood", provides a comprehensive examination of the life and career of the renowned film director, offering readers a unique glimpse into the world of Hollywood's golden age. Furthermore, his 2011 work, "Des Ovnis, des Monstres et du Sexe: Le Cinéma Selon Roger Corman", delves into the world of cinema, focusing on the life and career of the influential film director Roger Corman.
After a significant departure from Variety in March of the year 2010, Paul Thomas McCarthy shifted his focus towards collaborating with the independent online publication, Indiewire. Subsequently, in October of the same year, he made the decision to join the renowned entertainment trade publication, The Hollywood Reporter, where he has been actively involved in producing and contributing insightful content to the film industry ever since.
