ESSENTIALS
Paddy Mulholland — Founder / Editor, Screen On Screen
FILMOTOMY SAYS
The website takes you straight into the heart of the content, with trailers, reviews and opeds all on the main homepage. There are also all the usual social links at the top so you can follow the site (and the team) on various platforms. For me, that’s one of the most enjoyable things about the Film Twitter collective, getting to know the people behind the opinions.
The site has a real mix of content, which is neatly sectioned off into four categories: Awards, Opinion, Preview and Review. There is also a variety when it comes to the types of films being critiqued. You have everything from big budget blockbusters, such as Captain Marvel, to films that trail the indie circuit, like Lee Cronin’s The Hole in the Ground.
In particular, the oped piece stand out. Paddy Mulholland’s thoughts on Green Book winning Best Picture at this year’s Oscars was really well-executed. Even if you don’t agree with his opinion, it’s hard not to be taken in by the style of writing. Screen on Screen is a really easy site to navigate, with lots of content to keep you clicking (or scrolling) on through. — Mary Palmer
WANT TO KNOW MORE
Robin Write: How was your Website / Podcast Conceived?
Paddy Mulholland: Consuming movies takes up so much of my time and has done for the past 15 years. It made sense to try to make that hobby my career, and I figured the best way to get my foot in the door as a critic was to actually start doing some critical work myself. So, I started my blog, which I then ditched for the website I currently run.
What makes your Website / Podcast stand out from the rest?
I cover all kinds of cinema, completely indiscriminately. I’m as excited for the latest action movie blockbuster as I am for the latest arthouse curio, and I really do mean curio – living in London enables me to see movies that only a tiny handful of people may ever get a chance to see.
Where do you see your Website / Podcast in the next 5 years?
Potentially defunct, though for a good reason: if I give it up completely, it’s because I’ll be so busy with other film criticism work that I have neither the time nor the need to keep it running. There’s a decent chance I’ll still be doing it though, even if I’ve got the kind of regular employment as a critic that I hope for.
What are your Go-To Sites for Film?
My favourites are Desistfilm, Transmissions at Grasshopper Film, and Letterboxd for checking out my favourite critics’ opinions on movies they haven’t reviewed elsewhere. I also enjoy the International Cinephile Society’s Cannes coverage, and Cineuropa and Slant boast some fantastic critics so I usually enjoy their reviews.
Classic Film you Shamefully haven’t seen?
Gone with the Wind
A Film that Genuinely Scared you?
May the Devil Take You
A Film that still makes you Cry like a baby?
The Lion King
A Film that still has you Pissing Your Pants Laughing?
Borat
An Old film you would love to see on an IMAX screen?
Seconds
What is your Favorite Film of 2019 so far?
Donbass
Which Screenplay do you wish you had Written?
Cries and Whispers
Who would Play you in your Biopic?
Josh Hutcherson
Who should Host the Oscars next year?
Cher
Whose Zero Oscar wins or nominations hurts the most?
Glenn Close
The Internet is no more – what is your Job now?
Composer
What is one of your greatest Childhood Movie Memories?
Receiving a VHS of The Lion King for my birthday.
Who were your Movie Star crushes growing up?
Mark Wahlberg. Can’t help it. I don’t care how bloated and conservative he’s gotten, even thinking about the guy gets me hard.
Pick 5 words that best describe going to the Cinema?
Nachos, cheese, salsa, sour cream.
Where do you stand on Streaming Services and their place in film?
Streaming services bring the cinema to the consumer, which is vital for a great many people. Those who live in rural areas or areas underserved by cinemas, and those on low incomes who can’t afford the increasing price of cinema tickets – these are the people who benefit most from streaming. People in Western nations on low incomes are also more often BAME than in those nations’ general populace. The people complaining about streaming are typically old, white and wealthy. The old, white and wealthy among us already have enough in their favour. Let streaming live!
What is your Honest Opinion on the entire Star Wars saga?
I find the movies enjoyable and the fanbase deplorable. Overall, though, I really couldn’t give a shit.
We really need a Film Twitter definition – what is yours?
SJW who faves 50% gay porn videos and occasionally dips into some inane cinema discussion with the only bit of bloody sense on the entire site.
Share one of your most Controversial movie world opinions?
Hong Sang Soo’s movies just are not good. They’re tedious.
Change one thing about a Masterpiece, and tell us why?
Recast Kyle MacLachlan in Showgirls. He’s not nearly sexy enough.
What are some of the Film Quotes you use a lot in everyday life?
I don’t use film quotes in everyday life, and I gladly look down upon those who do.
What is the Role of a Film Critic – and how important are they?
The role of a film critic is, often, a very unimportant one. Rather, what the role of a film critic should be is evidenced by the best critics, the ones whose insight into art and whose own artistry with words make their reviews invaluable pieces of reading material and equally invaluable commentaries to accompany their respective movies.
A Film Buff asks you for advice starting a Website / Podcast – what do you tell them?
Work hard at making it professional. Put time into learning the details, such as good verbiage, coding, SEO, a clear concept behind the product. Chances are you’ll never make any serious cash out of it, so if this is part of a long-term strategy, you shouldn’t be too concerned with popularity. Professionalism is what will make you seem attractive to future employers, who’ll not care if your site or podcast doesn’t reach a huge audience if they’re personally impressed by your content.
