As we were dilligently working to make PCC Y2K a reality, a press release crossed our transom for a new site, Juxtaposeur.com. This gentleman presumed to comb exhaustively through other critics' reviews of films and offer a critique of the critics--who wrote well, who wrote poorly, who delivered meaningless pap. Intrigued by the concept, we sent along some interview questions to Mr. Juxtaposeur--whose identity is currently a secret. We recieved the following response:

Matt:
I am forwarding these answers to your interview questions at the request of my client, the Juxtaposeur. He loves attention, and would like me to pass on to you his gratitude for the interview. Will a link to juxtaposeur.com be provided in the interview?

Best -
Brian G. Clark
The Clark Law Firm, PLLC

So who is the Juxtaposeur? Who knows? All we know is that he's a vigilante who dares to take on that most sacred of Hollywood institutions: the film critic. Who are we to stand in his way?

What inspired you to launch this site and take on nearly every published movie critic out there?

People like to talk about the 60s, but quite a bit of drug use went on during the late 80s and early 90s. It takes its toll.

No really....I love movies, I read a lot of reviews, and I thought people could benefit from a little filtering in the area of critical opinion.

What do you have against film critics? Is your issue with the very idea of criticism itself, or the critics?

I don't have anything against film critics in general--the good ones provide a valuable service, whether one agrees with the conclusions or not. But do you ever wonder about those critics that show up in some film ads?

"Baby Geniuses is the Best Film of the Year!"

Please.

Why focus on criticism of the critics? Why not just review movies yourself?

What do I know? I'm just some opinionated guy that loves movies and knows quite a bit about them.

Hmmm...I see your point. Actually, being a film critic means seeing a lot of crappy movies. I let the critics deal with that, and help everyone else figure out along with me which movies to invest valuable time and money in.

What's the most common problem you find with reviews you dislike?

Some critics just don't bother to check their facts, make bonehead mistakes, or let their own biases get in the way of their job--which is evaluating a film based on its merit or lack thereof. Others only give a cursory review or lack finesse in writing.

Who's your favorite film reviewer? Least favorite?

Janet Maslin of the New York Times is probably my favorite, followed by perennial favorite Roger Ebert. I also enjoy James Berardinelli, who is an engineer in real life but publishes great reviews on the Internet.

As for least favorite, I try to give each critic a clean slate with each new review, but some do annoy me or screw up on a regular basis. I'll probably start an "Annual Juxtaposeur Award for Worst Film Critic" to make my choice official.

Have any of the critics you've written about responded to your critiques?

Well, besides hate mail and letter bombs, no. Actually, newer film critics request that I include them in my juxtapositions--talk about inviting disaster!

Do you make any distinctions between a "reviewer"--someone who simply writes whether they liked or disliked a film, and why--and a "critic"--someone who will take apart a film to examine how it works?

As you've stated, no--but I pretty much stick to those that at least attempt a critical analysis of a film. Internet message board postings amounting to "End of Days rocked!" or "Man on the Moon blows!" have their place, but not in my reviews.

What's the worst film review you've read so far? Who wrote it, and why did you hate it so much?

I'm reserving judgment till the Juxtaposeur Awards. It'll be a strictly black tie affair.

So what's your favorite movie?

Oohh...I'm torn between Casablanca and Caddyshack....

Why is your identity currently a secret?

Critics, and especially film critics, are some of the most vindictive folks on earth in my estimation. Until I can afford top-notch security, I'm staying underground.

The press release mentions a lawyer in Austin, Texas--you're not Harry Knowles, are you? Or affiliated with Harry?

No, I'm not Harry, and I hope you are not confusing Harry with a lawyer. The Juxtaposeur respects the efforts of fellow Austinite Harry Knowles as another rebel and pioneer against the film establishment.

Some people think that my lawyer Brian Clark is actually me, but that's like confusing Andy Kaufman with Tony Clifton, or vice versa. One of the two. I can never keep that straight.

Who are you? C'mon, tell us. We won't tell anyone. We promise.

Patience, Grasshopper. In time, all will be revealed....