Fallen film critic returns with ‘Big Screen Boston’

After a scandalous debacle in 2006 when Boston-based film critic Paul Sherman pled guilty to copying and selling DVD promo screeners of soon-to-be-released films, the writer has re-emerged from the ashes to release a new book, "Big Screen Boston: From Mystery Street to The Departed and Beyond."

Sherman, who was axed from the Improper Bostonian as well as the Boston Herald, is slotted to do a book signing at the Museum of Fine Arts’ Remis Auditorium at Noon, Saturday, May 3.

At the MFA shindig, Sherman will introduce the infamous documentary "Titicut Follies." The flick, released in 1967 and once banned in Massachusetts, is the classic first film by Frederick Wiseman who offers a stark and graphic portrayal of the conditions that existed at Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane.

According to the MFA press release, Sherman’s novel "digs deep into Boston ’s varied history as a cinematic backdrop just as Massachusetts filmmaking activity is reaching an unprecedented level. Sherman’s book covers over 80 Boston movies in depth —from the biggest Hollywood productions (‘The Friends of Eddie Coyle,’ ‘Good Will Hunting’) to the most inspired local features (‘Girltalk,’ ‘Lift’)."

The ultimate irony? The MFA press team offers DVD screeners (the same thing that initially got Sherman in trouble) of the film "Titicut Follies" to interested members of the media. Go figure.

UPDATE: The Boston Phoenix did a great write-up on "Big Screen Boston" here.