John Harkness, Canada’s preeminent film critic, has passed away at the age of 53.
According to The Globe and Mail, Harkness — who reviewed films for NOW Magazine since it started publication in 1981 — had been suffering from high cholesterol. Noting that “he had never missed a deadline in 26 years,” NOW publisher Michael Hollett sent someone to Harkness’ home to check on him after his copy failed to arrive; finding Harkness dead, they called the police. NOW issued the following press release:
John Harkness was simply the best film critic in Canada over the last 26 years. He has been an essential element of NOW magazine’s success and his unique vision and bravery and art in expressing it inspired all of us at NOW to strive.
Harkness’ work was also found in Sight and Sound, Take One, and the Cinemateheque Ontario program; his Academy Awards Handbook is in its eighth edition.
Source: The Globe and Mail
