- After extended discussion
the panel was persuaded that it should focus firmly on the
Pascall Prize's clear aims in identifying and rewarding a
critic actively at work in the mainstream media. Further,
the judges were of the view that it was important that the
successful recipient be one who had a strong track record
both in terms of the longevity and consistency of their
contribution; the quality and originality of their writing;
their developed film literacy; and their sense of
enthusiasm, indeed passion, for the moving image, whether in
cinema or television.
-
- After careful deliberation
the Committee unanimously agreed that of all the nominees,
Sandra Hall best met those criteria.
-
- Sandra Hall's contribution
over 25 years to film criticism in the pages of The
Bulletin (virtually uninterrupted since the early
'70's), for several years in The Australian and in
the publication of three books (two on television and one
collection of reviews from The Bulletin) is
substantial and of an enduring quality, freshness and
originality.
-
- Her reviews bring the very
best essential elements to criticism: keen perception; fair
minded independence; elegant, succinct writing and a real
developed sense of wit. Her writing is never prosaic, always
concise and imbued with a deep, abiding and expansive
knowledge of the cinema and its potential to inform,
challenge and entertain. Over almost three decades she has
managed to sustain a commitment to her craft the best broad
minded sense in addressing the cinema is all its strands
from more specialist areas of artistic endeavour through to
that which is mainstream and avowedly commercial.
- Her criticism has always
straddled that fine balance between the celebration of the
cinema as one of the most potent creative mediums whilst
maintaining an objective distance and grace in her
independent review of its output - domestically and
internationally. She is fine writer and brings a real sense
of authority and respect for the endlessly difficult role of
the mainstream public critic.
- We are delighted to
unanimously agree as to her selection for the award of the
1994 Geraldine Pascall Prize.
-
