Forrest Hartman, a Highbrow Magazine contributing writer and Video Verdict columnist, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. He also reviews movies for several radio stations and for Fox 11 TV in Reno, N.V. When he isn’t reporting on projects of his own, you’ll find him teaching journalism and English at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Q & A With Forrest:

What inspired you to become a writer?

As a youth, I was always into the arts, and I briefly thought about trying to make a living as an actor or musician. Then I realized I had just as much fun writing about actors and musicians. Since I saw writing as a more stable profession (I was young then, give me a break), I went that route.

Who are a few of your favorite authors/journalists, etc.?

Film critic Roger Ebert has inspired me more than any other journalist. He and I don’t always assess films in the same way, but I have immense respect for his knowledge of the industry, his outstanding prose and the impact he’s had on film criticism.  

What’s the worst job/assignment you’ve ever had?

Sorting fruit at a cannery. I lasted about a half a week when I was in college.

Which is your favorite city in the U.S.?

Although I’ve never had the pleasure of living in either city, I don’t get to visit Los Angeles or San Diego often enough.

What’s your all-time favorite film?

 I love so many that it’s hard to narrow the field down, but by my default answer is “Casablanca.” I can’t think of another movie that produced so many unforgettable lines of dialogue.

Which newspapers/magazines/websites do you read regularly?

Highbrow Magazine, of course! In fact, I like to read all the publications I write for. Others fitting that description include the Monterey Bay News & Views, the Free Daily Observer (Hotchkiss, CO) and the Reno Gazette-Journal. Moving beyond nepotism, I enjoy the AP News app on my phone, Entertainment Weekly, IMDB.com and RottenTomatoes.com. 

Would you rather become the next editor-in-chief of the New Yorker or replace Jon Stewart as host of the “Daily Show”?

Tough choice, but since I have a lot of experience in broadcasting and love on-air work, I have to go with the “Daily Show.”

What are your favorite “highbrow” pastimes?

I love watching classic movies and playing guitar. I’m not sure if the latter counts as highbrow, but between teaching, writing, and raising two kids, it’s one of the few pastimes I find time to enjoy. 

Read a few of Forrest’s articles below:

Top 10 Films Every Highbrow Should Own

‘Underwold: Awakening,’ ‘The Vow’ Arrive on DVD, Blu-ray

‘The Iron Lady,’ ‘Darkest Hour’ Arrive on DVD, Blu-ray