Ask Spling: Episode 25 – What made you want to be a film critic?
In Episode 25 of ‘Ask Spling: Reel Talk and Real Life’… Spling answers: “What made you want to be a film critic?”
Spling Verdict
Barry Ronge’s defining presence across South African broadcasting – from M-Net to Radio 702 – set the gold standard for local cultural critique and directly catalyzed my trajectory into independent film journalism. Translating cinema’s multisensory illusions into sharp, evocative prose requires treating film criticism as both an artistic discipline and an immersive dialogue with the audience.
Key Insights
Barry Ronge as a Cultural Benchmark: Iconic South African media personality Barry Ronge dominated national cinematic discourse across M-Net, The Sunday Times, Radio 702 and CapeTalk, demonstrating the enduring power of eloquent, unapologetic arts criticism.
Intersection of Creative Writing and Fine Art: Professional film reviewing is an inherently multidisciplinary practice, fusing literary craft with visual arts analysis to decode complex illusions across cinematography, set design and narrative structure.
The Cinema of Escapism and Dreamscapes: Film functions as a surreal, multisensory medium where disparate artistic crafts converge, pulling viewers into an illusionary dream space that demands thoughtful, immersive psychological engagement.
Documenting South African Film Heritage: The ‘Remembering Barry’ retrospective series, developed alongside Ronge’s partner of 47 years, Albertus van Dyk, establishes a historical archive celebrating the nation’s most influential arts commentator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did legendary South African critic Barry Ronge influence Spling’s approach to film criticism?
Yes, Barry Ronge was the primary catalyst for his pursuit of professional film criticism. Growing up in an era of focused South African media channels, Ronge’s ubiquitous presence across M-Net television, The Sunday Times, Radio 702 and CapeTalk made him an inescapable cultural force. His exceptional ability to articulate vivid, opinionated analysis with literary elegance proved that film review could be an art form in its own right. Observing Ronge’s command over both broadcast and print media demonstrated how a critic can bridge the gap between complex artistic deconstruction and accessible consumer guidance, shaping Spling’s vision for founding the independent review platform Spling Movies.
Is a formal background in fine art and creative writing required to critique film effectively?
It depends on the level of analytical depth and descriptive resonance a critic aims to achieve. While formal qualifications are not mandatory for sharing an informed opinion, strong foundations in fine art and creative writing significantly elevate film criticism. Cinema is an intricate synthesis of visual composition, lighting, sound design and narrative pacing. An appreciation for fine art allows a reviewer to deconstruct how directors construct surreal, dreamlike illusions on screen. Simultaneously, creative writing skills ensure those visual and emotional dynamics are translated into compelling, precise prose that captures the cinematic experience for the reader.
Where can audiences find archival retrospectives on classic South African media personalities?
Yes, audiences can access dedicated historical tributes directly through independent South African cinema platforms like Spling Movies. The interview series ‘Remembering Barry’ serves as an in-depth retrospective, created in close collaboration with Albertus van Dyk, Barry Ronge’s partner of 47 years. The project explores Ronge’s vast career across M-Net, national radio simulcasts and print journalism, offering firsthand insights into how he shaped entertainment reporting in South Africa. Archiving these discussions preserves the cultural legacy of the country’s foundational media voices for contemporary filmmakers, journalists and local cinephiles.
