Kenneth Turan is an American film critic, journalist and cultural commentator whose reviews and essays have shaped public conversations about movies for decades. He is widely known for his career as a newspaper critic, his books on film and festivals, and his regular appearances on radio. As a critic he combines historical perspective with attention to storytelling and craft, and he has written about both contemporary releases and classic cinema. Film critic, journalist and historian are among the roles he has been described by commentators and readers.

Early life and education

Turan was born in Brooklyn and grew up in the New York area. He received his undergraduate education at Swarthmore College and pursued graduate studies at Columbia University. His upbringing and academic background contributed to a critical approach that often places films in broad social and historical contexts. He has returned repeatedly to themes from film history in his reviews and longer pieces.

Newspaper and radio career

He joined the Los Angeles Times in the early 1990s and for many years wrote the paper's chief film criticism and feature commentary, contributing reviews, interviews and longer essays. His tenure at the Los Angeles Times made him one of the better-known voices on American movie criticism. In addition to print journalism, Turan has been a familiar presence on radio, offering critiques and cultural commentary on public radio programs and national broadcasts.

Books, themes and selected works

Beyond newspaper columns, Turan has authored books that examine film festivals, individual films and the role of cinema in public life. His books often blend criticism, reportage and history and are aimed at both general readers and cinephiles. Selected titles include:

  • Not to Be Missed: a personal collection of favorite films and reflections
  • Sundance to Sarajevo: a study of film festivals and their cultural impact

These works illustrate his interest in how festival circuits, distribution and historical memory shape what audiences see and value.

Critical style and influence

Turan's criticism is often described as informed, accessible and attentive to both form and context. He typically situates films within their artistic lineage and social moment, explaining why a work matters beyond whether it entertains. Over the course of his career he has influenced readers, filmgoers and younger critics, and he has been asked to speak, teach and serve on panels and juries at film festivals and cultural institutions.

Personal life and public presence

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Turan later made his home in Los Angeles, where his work placed him at the crossroads of Hollywood and film culture. He has kept a public profile as a critic and writer while maintaining a private personal life. For more on his writing and current contributions see his profiles and published collections at major outlets. Brooklyn and New York remain part of the biographical record, and his academic ties include study at Columbia University.

Readers seeking Turan's reviews and long-form pieces can consult newspaper archives and his published books to trace a long-running engagement with film, criticism and cultural history.