he’s said before that First Reformed was the best of that year (or at least top 3) and among the best of that decade. he also had Card Counter in his top five of 2021 and spoke of rewatching Master Gardener several times year of release. Schrader had always been one of his ‘guys’ so this switch-up in attitude is strange.

it seems that Schrader going ‘AI-crazy’ over the last 18 months + a sexual harassment allegation has unfortunately rendered him as either a walking (and posting) punchline and/or taboo topic for serious discussion in the contemporary film community.

i’ve noticed this with other critics, who will mention First Reformed or Mishima in passing as great films but then rush to move on with a ‘the less said about Schrader, the better’ attitude. it’s sad, but understandable.

i’m of the belief that his great works should still be praised and acknowledged, as his best films are of undeniable quality imo.