Painter of pictures: The Farber equation is never simple.(Manny Farber)

Few critics have written on cinema with the verve and dexterity of Manny Farber, whose essays have garnered a cult following--particularly among fellow film critics. In 1977 Farber bade farewell to writing to devote his energies fully to his painting (a retrospective of which is scheduled for fall 2003 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego), but the connection between his pursuits is a marked aspect of his work as an artist.

In December Artforum and the New School Writing Program cosponsored a tribute to Farber. Here Robert Polito, the evening's moderator, provides an overview ...

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