HYDE PARK — New York Times film critic A.O. Scott will be in Hyde Park on Saturday to defend the intellectual discipline of criticism.
Scott will talk about his new book “Better Living Through Criticism” at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Seminary Cooperative Bookstore, 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Scott’s new book defends a critical view of art as the professional class of critics dwindle and the internet has spawned innumerable critics on every conceivable aspect of culture.
He will be joined by Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips for a conversation delving into the importance of turning an intellectually critical eye on culture using his own work as a jumping off point, including his well-known dismissal of the “The Avengers” movie and infatuation with Pixar’s “Ratatouille.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Scott will remain in the neighborhood for an evening fundraiser at K.A.M. Isaiah Israel, 1100 E. Kenwood Ave.
There will be cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner at 7:30 p.m. that includes a conversation between Scott and author Mark Bazar, a question and answer session with the audience and a raffle.
Tickets are $100 for guests younger than 35 and $180 for others, and are available on the synagogue’s web site.
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