The Australian film community is in mourning with the passing of David Stratton AM, the country’s most beloved film critic and cultural custodian, who died peacefully at home in the Blue Mountains on August 14, aged 85.
For more than half a century, Stratton’s measured voice, twinkling wit, and unshakeable passion for cinema guided audiences through the magic and meaning of the movies. Whether on the small screen alongside Margaret Pomeranz or championing Australian talent on the world stage, Stratton was more than a reviewer — he was the nation’s cinematic conscience.
Born in England in 1939, Stratton’s love affair with film began in childhood, blossoming into a lifelong vocation when he moved to Australia in 1963. By 1966, he was steering the Sydney Film Festival into an era of international acclaim, introducing Australians to bold, diverse, and challenging stories. His career would go on to influence generations of filmmakers and filmgoers alike.
Millions came to know him through The Movie Show on SBS and later At the Movies on ABC, where his lively, affectionate debates with Pomeranz became appointment viewing. The duo reviewed thousands of films, celebrated the greats, and stood firmly on principle — Stratton famously refusing to rate Romper Stomper over its violent extremism.
Beyond the screen, Stratton was an educator, historian, and author. For over 30 years, he wrote for The Weekend Australian, and for 35 years he taught film history, ending his last lecture by introducing his favourite movie, Singin’ in the Rain. That film, his family says, is the perfect way to remember him.
Tributes have poured in from filmmakers, politicians, and fans, praising his dry humour, sharp insight, and unwavering belief in the value of cinema. He leaves behind not just a body of criticism, but an entire culture of film appreciation that he helped to shape.
David Stratton’s legacy is a reminder that cinema is not just entertainment — it’s an art form that connects, challenges, and enriches us. In his honour, perhaps tonight is the night to dim the lights, press play, and let the magic of the movies wash over you.
RIP DAVID you not be forgotten.
Caroline Russo
