Remembering David Stratton: A Tribute to an Iconic Australian Film Critic
David Stratton, a renowned Australian film critic and co-host of popular television programs like The Movie Show and At The Movies with Margaret Pomeranz, passed away at the age of 85. Born in Trowbridge, England in 1939, Stratton's passion for cinema was ignited by his grandmother, who took him to the movies daily during World War II. He moved to Australia in 1963 and became deeply involved in the local film industry, eventually becoming an Australian citizen in the 1980s.
During his tenure as director of the Sydney film festival, Stratton was under surveillance by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation due to his visit to the USSR and his decision to showcase Soviet films. He later became a film consultant for SBS and met Margaret Pomeranz, with whom he co-hosted The Movie Show and later At the Movies. Their contrasting tastes in films, with Pomeranz favoring mainstream blockbusters and Stratton leaning towards European cinema, made for entertaining television.
Stratton's expertise in international cinema, particularly the French New Wave, earned him global recognition. He served on prestigious film festival juries and received accolades such as the Croix de Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and a lifetime achievement award from the Australian Film Institute. In his retirement, he expressed a desire to continue watching and appreciating films, both old and new.
Throughout his career, Stratton shared his passion for cinema through writing, television, and public appearances. His legacy as a film critic and advocate for Australian cinema will continue to inspire film enthusiasts for years to come.