Film executive turned host and historian Alicia Malone is a refreshing voice in the world of cinema, bringing thoughtful commentary grounded in scholarship. While uncovered lost female filmmakers, she’s also building an inspirational legacy of her own.
From Movie Obsessed Aussie to Leading Industry Voice
Malone’s passion for film was ignited early growing up in Australia’s suburbs, where sheescape into VHS tapes of cinema classics. This initial obsession drove to her move to Los Angeles, chasing dreams of working inside the movie business.
Her journey began working in film distribution and production roles. But Malone ultimately found her calling by shifting into film criticism, capturing attention for her scholarly style and sharp perspectives.
“I approach film criticism from an angle of history and context versus just pure opinion. It creates analysis that helps readers more deeply connect with cinema past and present.”
After gaining notoriety writing for outlets like Bustle and Backstage, Malone transitioned into broadcast, hosting shows for Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Her commentary balances knowledge with accessibility for mass audiences.
Blending Film Theory and Readable Analysis
What distinguishes Malone is how she seamlessly blends formal film scholarship with cogent, engaging criticism.
Her grounded approach is informed by:
- Academic background in cinema studies
- Immersion in critical frameworks and concepts
- Genre expertise honed over 20,000+ movies seen
Rather than relying on typical thumbs up/down reviews, Malone examines works through lenses like:
- Gender theory
- Interpretations of meaning
- Creative choices analysis
She distills these perspectives into criticism easily grasped by fans, filled with context enriching our relationship with cinema.
“I want my writing to enlighten fans to see their favorite films through new, more nuanced eyes.”
Leading the Charge for Women Directors
In addition to her talents as a critic, Malone has become an advocate for women filmmakers – particularly those lost to history.
She continually highlights overlooked and emerging female directors via:
- Profiles recognizing their breakthroughs
- Event moderating and partnerships
- Commentary tracks restoring reputations
Malone is also outspoken regarding Hollywood’s systemic gender bias. For example, in 2020 only 16.7% of the year’s highest grossing films had women directors.
Her advocacy is steadily moving the needle, as 2022 saw a high of 18% in women helmed box office hits. But there’s still more progress needed, which Malone is determined to keep fighting for.
“There have always been incredible women making films. I want to ensure they finally get opportunities long overdue – and that today’s female directors feel empowered to tell their stories without obstacles.”
Shedding Light on Overlooked History
Malone’s passion for illuminating women’s untold contributions to Hollywood expanded into her lauded recent book Backwards and in Heels.
This text chronicles the journeys of early 20th century trailblazers who broke barriers like:
- Alice Guy-Blaché – First ever female film director
- Lois Weber – Highest paid silent film helmer
- Dorothy Arzner – Directed major stars in golden age musicals
Malone movingly profiles their game-changing work alongside the obstacles faced. She also unearths forgotten contributions by screenwriters, editors and more.
Backwards and Heels draws acclaim for countering the erasure of women from cinema’s origin stories. It cements Malone as not just an exceptional critic – but also a historian reclaiming lost narratives.
An Essential Voice Defining Today’s Film Conversation
Whether through broadcasting, writing, or scholarship – Alicia Malone’s compelling voice continues re-shaping film criticism’s future. She enlightens fans on untold history while fighting for inclusive direction of movies ahead.
Malone still maintains that innocent awe and passion that originally drew her to cinema growing up. Now she instills that same wonder and knowledge in audiences worldwide.
As Malone reflects:
