In a heartfelt reflection on Derek Malcolm’s influence at The Guardian, director Asif Kapadia shares how the renowned film critic transformed his understanding of cinema during his formative years. Malcolm, who passed away at 91, left an indelible mark on both the film industry and those who sought guidance in navigating the world of international cinema.
Kapadia’s account of his relationship with Malcolm’s criticism provides a unique window into the critic’s lasting impact. During his student years, Kapadia would eagerly anticipate Malcolm’s Film of the Week column, using these recommendations as a trusted compass for exploring cinema beyond mainstream offerings. When Malcolm praised a French or Polish film, Kapadia would make the solitary journey to view it, consistently discovering works that proved remarkable in unexpected ways.
The cultural landscape that Malcolm inhabited as The Guardian’s primary film critic was markedly different from today’s digital age. As Kapadia notes, this was an era when film reviewers were few but wielded substantial influence. Their words could genuinely shape the success or failure of a film, particularly for international and independent releases seeking audiences in the United Kingdom.
The relationship between critic and filmmaker evolved when Malcolm reviewed Kapadia’s debut film “The Warrior,” shot in India. This interaction revealed Malcolm’s surprising depth of knowledge about Indian cinema and actors, an expertise that Kapadia admits caught him off guard at the time. Their subsequent encounters at film festivals and screenings demonstrated Malcolm’s consistent approach – always approachable, ready with conversation, and prepared to deliver incisive observations about both current releases and cinema classics.
Kapadia’s experience serving on festival juries under Malcolm’s presidency provides another dimension to this portrait. He describes Malcolm’s distinctive leadership style – creating space for all voices while skillfully guiding discussions toward identifying truly deserving films. This reflected Malcolm’s broader critical philosophy: maintaining high standards while remaining open to diverse perspectives and new artistic directions.
For Kapadia, Malcolm’s influence proved particularly valuable during a period when his own cinematic tastes were diverging from those of his peers in Hackney. The critic’s writings provided validation and guidance for someone seeking more challenging and rewarding cinematic experiences. Malcolm’s reviews introduced Kapadia and countless others to international directors and what he describes as “the greatest of world cinema.”
The significance of Malcolm’s cultural contribution becomes clearer when considering how he helped shape several generations’ understanding of cinema as an art form. His reviews provided more than just thumbs up or down verdicts; they offered context, insight, and a deeper appreciation for film’s possibilities. Through his writing, he helped create and sustain a serious film culture that supported ambitious filmmaking and thoughtful criticism alike.
Perhaps most tellingly, Kapadia reveals his intention to work through Malcolm’s Century of Films list with his children, ensuring the critic’s influence extends to future generations. This gesture speaks to the lasting value of Malcolm’s critical perspective and his ability to identify works that continue to resonate with viewers.
The relationship between Malcolm and filmmakers like Kapadia reminds us that criticism at its best isn’t adversarial but collaborative – part of a larger conversation about cinema’s potential. Their interactions, whether through reviews, festival encounters, or jury deliberations, exemplified how critics and filmmakers can work together to advance the art form they both cherish.
This legacy continues to resonate through contemporary film culture, even as the landscape of criticism has dramatically changed. Malcolm’s example – his independence of mind, his commitment to artistic quality, and his ability to balance rigorous standards with genuine enthusiasm – remains relevant for anyone serious about cinema’s possibilities as an art form.
From his position at The Guardian, Malcolm helped shape several generations’ understanding of cinema as an art form. His reviews provided more than just judgments; they offered a pathway to deeper engagement with film’s artistic possibilities. Through his writing, he helped create and sustain a serious film culture that supported ambitious filmmaking and thoughtful criticism alike.