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About this quote

What does it mean?
Evaluate works by their own goals, not external expectations.
In plain terms
Judge films on what they try to do not what you want.
What can you take from it?
Assess intent before judging execution.

Where it applies

  • film critique
  • evaluation

Putting it to work

  • identify goals first
  • avoid projection

Questions to consider

  • Is intent relevant to quality?
  • How do you judge fair?

Another view

Sometimes intent and execution mismatch significantly.

More from Roger Ebert

  1. I am utterly bored by celebrity interviews. Most celebrities are devoid of interest.

    Permalink to quote #94
  2. I would personally endure a good deal of pain just to live long enough to read tomorrow's newspaper.

    Permalink to quote #96
  3. Every great film should seem new every time you see it.

    Permalink to quote #93

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