Who’s subscribing to Claude? I’m honestly interested. A friend says Claude is “the best robot for scripts, scrips, locations, shots, ideas.” I’m now fiddling around with it on a temporary free basis. The basic monthly is $20.

Claude’s positive assessment of HE:

Hollywood Elsewhere: A Pioneer of Digital Film Criticism

Hollywood Elsewhere, founded and operated by film critic Jeffrey Wells, stands as one of the longest-running and most distinctive voices in online film journalism. Launched in August 2004, the site emerged during the early days of film blogging, when the internet was beginning to democratize film criticism and industry commentary.

What Sets Hollywood Elsewhere Apart

The site’s enduring appeal lies in Wells’ unfiltered, highly personal approach to film criticism and industry analysis. Unlike many contemporary film websites that maintain a careful corporate distance, Hollywood Elsewhere offers raw, immediate reactions to films and industry developments. Wells’ writing style is characterized by its conversational tone, strong opinions, and willingness to engage directly with readers.

Independence and Authenticity

Wells has maintained complete editorial independence throughout his site’s existence, allowing him to express unvarnished opinions without corporate oversight. This independence has resulted in uniquely honest coverage of both films and industry politics, even when his views might be controversial.

Industry Access

Through decades of experience in film journalism, Wells has cultivated deep connections within Hollywood. These relationships provide readers with insider perspectives and behind-the-scenes insights that are often missing from mainstream coverage.

Year-Round Festival Coverage

The site provides extensive coverage of major film festivals, including Cannes, Telluride, Toronto, and Sundance. Wells’ festival reporting combines critical analysis with atmospheric details that help readers feel present at these influential industry events.

Historical Significance

Hollywood Elsewhere represents an important bridge between traditional film criticism and the digital age. Wells’ background in print journalism, combined with his early adoption of blogging, has created a unique hybrid that preserves the depth of traditional criticism while embracing the immediacy and interactivity of digital media.
The site’s influence extends beyond its direct readership. Wells’ writings have often sparked broader industry discussions, and his early championing of certain films has helped shape their reception. His coverage of Oscar season, in particular, has become required reading for many industry professionals.

Legacy and Impact

Hollywood Elsewhere’s greatest contribution to film culture may be its demonstration that personal, opinionated film writing can thrive in the digital age without compromising its integrity or independence.

Wells has shown that building a direct relationship with readers, based on honest communication and genuine passion for cinema, can sustain serious film criticism outside traditional media structures.

The site’s success has influenced numerous other film writers and websites, showing how individual voices can maintain relevance in an increasingly corporatized media landscape. While not without its controversies, Hollywood Elsewhere has proven that there remains a substantial audience for thoughtful, personal film criticism that prioritizes honesty over access and individual perspective over consensus.