Words and Pictures
Roadside Attractions | Release Date: May 23, 2014 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
49
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 26 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
13
Negative:
4
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
USA TodayClaudia PuigJun 5, 2014
A thoughtful film about ideas — creativity, the power of language and the eloquence of visuals — it features two impeccable performances full of vitality. Read full review
80
The New York TimesStephen HoldenMay 22, 2014
Words and Pictures has a host of flaws, but the performances by Mr. Owen and Ms. Binoche have a crackling vitality, and the screenplay’s strongest moments set off the kind of trains of thought that dedicated teachers hope to spur in their students. Read full review
75
Washington PostStephanie MerryJun 5, 2014
None of the movie’s faults can undo the power of Binoche and Owen. Their interactions look so naturalistic that they seem unscripted. Read full review
75
Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerMay 23, 2014
Words and Pictures is a minor effort from Schepisi, but minor Schepisi still trumps most of what’s out there. Read full review
75
ObserverMatthew KasselMay 22, 2014
Words and Pictures doesn’t possess the tender grace of "Enough Said," Nicole Holofcener’s wonderful film about middle-aged love. Nor does it have the kinetic energy of a high school movie like "The History Boys", adapted from Alan Bennett’s play. But it’s a winning effort from a director whose varied oeuvre has consistently charmed viewers. Read full review
67
Portland OregonianJeff BakerJun 5, 2014
Much of Words and Pictures is second-rate. A subplot involving a sexual harassment case is clumsily handled and a talented supporting cast, particularly Bruce Davison and Amy Brenneman, is underused. Read full review
63
Philadelphia InquirerSteven ReaJun 6, 2014
A kind of Tracy/Hepburn rom-com with a "Dead Poets Society" backdrop and dollops of human failing for added drama, Words and Pictures stars Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche - a matchup that makes you want to like Fred Schepisi's film, even when it becomes impossible to do so. Read full review
63
Boston GlobeTy BurrJun 5, 2014
Enjoyable, occasionally grueling, and overstuffed with incident and agenda. Read full review
63
St. Louis Post-DispatchJoe WilliamsJun 5, 2014
The movie looks like it was made for broadcast television, the place where words and pictures go to die. Read full review
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