Between the lines Critical Essay | Critical Essay by Andrew Sarris

Critical Essay by Andrew Sarris

Between the Lines is more interesting for what it is than for what it is about, which is to say that it is a pleasant showcase for half a dozen talented performers rather than an overwhelming overview of the underground press or a compelling study of '70s disenchantment in '60s radicals.

In his interestingly reminiscent piece [see excerpt above], my esteemed colleague Clark Whelton indicated that he found the characters odious, but the point of the picture convincing. My reaction is exactly the opposite. I like most of the major characters, but they never seem to get anywhere. Perhaps, that is the point of the picture….

At the very least, Between the Lines avoids the pompous self-righteousness of some of its severer critics. No one walks into a room to proclaim: "You are all a lost generation." The movie is too modest for such megalomania. What we have instead are...
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