Movielogr
Life Itself (2014)
Directed by Steve James
Twitter Facebook Google+Most recently watched by GMOM65, lordofthemovies, jeneot33, Angjonesy
Overview
The surprising and entertaining life of renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert (1942-2013): his early days as a freewheeling bachelor and Pulitzer Prize winner, his famously contentious partnership with Gene Siskel, his life-altering marriage, and his brave and transcendent battle with cancer.
Rated R | Length 121 minutes
Actors
Stephen Stanton | Roger Ebert | Chaz Ebert | Ramin Bahrani | Richard Corliss | Nancy De Los Santos | Ava DuVernay | Bruce Elliot | Laura Emerick | Emil Evans | Raven Evans | Sonia Evans | Thea Flaum | Josh Golden | Werner Herzog | Marlene Iglitzen Siskel | Carol Iwata | Steve James | Rick Kogan | Donna La Pietra | John McHugh | Tom McNamee | Errol Morris | Howie Movshovitz | William Nack | Gregory Nava | Jonathan Rosenbaum | Martin Scorsese | A.O. Scott | Roger Simon | Johnny Carson | Chevy Chase | Pauline Kael | David Letterman | Oprah Winfrey | Lynn Sherr | Gene Siskel
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/05/2014 | Movie Screen | Digital | Theater | 7.5 stars |
| (Average) 7.5 stars |
Viewing Notes
Headed back over to Siskel Film Center to catch this on its second run there. Probably the most appropriate place to view this film in Chicago. Very sad to see the final days of Roger Ebert before his death. Really explains a lot of what was happening that wasn’t revealed to the public at the time. Tragic turn of events.
Several wonderful and fun moments and memories from Ebert’s history. Of which the Siskel stuff is the best material. Really took me back to a time when I watched their show regularly and loved when they appeared on the late night talk shows. Ebert’s letter to Siskel’s wife is what completely crushed me. Wasn’t expecting that.
For a 2 hour runtime this film breezes by as all of it is compelling especially (unfortunately) knowing the outcome. Does a good job of framing Ebert’s life and journey to the top before succumbing to cancer. Always thought it was strange that both Siskel and Ebert were taken before their time. I’m glad the film gives all sides to this man, who wasn’t always the nicest of people. Yet Ebert was a true character of the Chicago newspaper scene that was able to rise beyond and inspire so many.
I’ve never always agreed with his opinions but I certainly appreciate what he accomplished and his influence on the medium. Seeing this film and having more insight to his final years I am more forgiving of some of his opinions and outlook on the topics he chose to write about. Wish we had that context at the time.
My only gripe with this movie is that it doesn’t spend any time on those that Ebert influenced in this digital age or really what impact he has had on the new generation of film critics and online criticism. Seems weird to not give any time, even 5 minutes, to present how he encouraged and farmed new talent through his TV show and website. His impact was huge in this area. Really a missed opportunity to demonstrate his true legacy rather than just the story of this man.
Clearly recommended viewing for any cinephile but it’s really a story about humanity that can touch and affect anyone. Really well made documentary that squeezed my heart.
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