Rex Reed: A Life Spiced with Opinion and Stardom

Rex Reed: The Undisputed Film Critic

As the Academy Awards approach, film critic Rex Reed takes center stage with his unfiltered insights and penchant for controversy. With a career that spans decades, Reed has solidified himself as a bold-faced name in cinema. I caught up with him to explore a colorful life filled with movies, celebrities, and a delightful disregard for political correctness.

A Love for the Oscars

Rex Reed's enthusiasm for the Oscars is palpable, as he eagerly anticipates the ceremony with a trusty club sandwich in hand. "I always watch the Oscars with a club sandwich in bed," he chuckles, reflecting on years past when he mingled with Hollywood's elite at lavish Oscar parties. One standout evening had him sandwiched between the legends Lucille Ball and Paul Newman, a memory that he fondly recalls.

"I always watch the Oscars with a club sandwich in bed."

The Oscars Need More Opinions

In a culture where critics are often labeled as harsh, Reed happily wears that badge. "Today, everyone is a critic," he muses, lamenting the absence of bold voices reminiscent of his own glory days in the late '60s and '70s when his frank opinions graced television screens. His critique of this year's Best Picture nominees? Unyielding.

• "Call Me By Your Name" - "Terrific movie!"
• "Dunkirk" - "Hated it!"
• "Get Out" - "A complete fraud."
• "The Post" - "My favorite movie of the year!"

Making Friends on Film Sets

Reed's journey began in the South, where a childhood spent moving from school to school led him to develop a unique lens for storytelling through film. A degree in journalism from Louisiana State University paved the way for him to make a name for himself in New York City. "I always dreamed of living in a place where people knew things and served drinks with umbrellas in them," he says with a twinkle in his eye.

A Long-standing Connection with Celebrities

Throughout his career, Reed has shared close relationships with significant figures in Hollywood, like Ava Gardner and Natalie Wood. A memorable encounter saw him firmly on Gardner's radar as she once quipped, "That sonofabitch knows more about me than I do!"

"I really loved Natalie and stayed with her many times."

Critics and Controversy

Reed's honest reviews are not without their own controversy. His critiques often ruffle feathers, such as his scathing take on "The Shape of Water", calling it a "loopy, lunkheaded load of drivel." What some saw as harsh, Reed viewed as necessary. "I don't apologize for anything," he insists, standing firm on his opinions.

When asked about a particularly heated critique involving Sally Hawkins' character, Reed smiles, "I thought she was mentally handicapped. I still think her character was mentally handicapped." His candor reflects a bygone era when criticism was more about raw honesty than pleasing public sentiment.

The Golden Age of Critique

There's an undeniable charm about Reed, whose presence lingers much like the celebrities he once mingled with. At 79, he maintains that he doesn't want to fade into obscurity and jokes, "I don't want to be discovered dead in a chair in a dark screening room while watching 'Star Wars LXXX.'" His willingness to skew tradition while embracing the evolution of film keeps the dialogue alive.

Life Behind the Curtains

While Reed has accomplished much in his career, he chooses to live alone in New York's infamous Dakota Apartments, sighting independence as a source of comfort. His solitary existence contributes to his prolific ability to critique without restraint.

A Timeless Perspective

In a world where opinions seem diluted, Rex Reed stays unapologetically authentic. His relentless critiques carved a niche in film history that brings laughter, intrigue, and often a healthy dose of reckoning. Whether you celebrate him or dismiss him, Reed is a vital part of the conversation surrounding cinema today.

For more on Rex Reed:

• Rex Reed at Observer.com