The longtime film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times, without a shadow of a doubt, was Roger Ebert. More than just a reviewer, Ebert was a passionate champion of film, a gifted writer, and a cultural icon who democratized film criticism for millions.
The Legacy of Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert’s impact on film criticism is undeniable. For over four decades, he served as the primary film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, his reviews reaching a vast audience and shaping their understanding and appreciation of cinema. His accessible writing style, combined with his insightful analysis and unwavering honesty, made him one of the most influential and beloved critics of all time. He wasn’t just telling people whether a movie was “good” or “bad”; he was engaging them in a conversation about its meaning, its purpose, and its artistry.
Ebert’s partnership with Gene Siskel on the television show “Sneak Previews,” later known as “Siskel & Ebert,” further cemented his place in popular culture. Their fiery debates and iconic “thumbs up/thumbs down” rating system brought film criticism to a wider audience than ever before. While their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, their intellectual sparring often revealed the complexities and nuances of film interpretation.
Beyond his reviews and television appearances, Ebert was a prolific author, writing numerous books on film, including his acclaimed “Great Movies” series. He also embraced the internet early on, establishing RogerEbert.com as a vibrant hub for film criticism and discussion, a platform that continues to thrive today.
Ebert’s battle with cancer, which ultimately led to his death in 2013, was fought with courage and grace. Even as his physical health declined, he continued to write, to engage with his audience, and to share his love of cinema. His perseverance and unwavering spirit served as an inspiration to many. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring critics and film enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the power of film to entertain, to educate, and to connect us to each other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Roger Ebert
Q1: What was Roger Ebert’s writing style like?
Ebert’s writing was characterized by its accessibility, clarity, and wit. He avoided jargon and pretension, opting for a conversational tone that made his reviews easy to understand and engaging to read. He had a remarkable ability to capture the essence of a film in a few well-chosen words, and his reviews were often filled with insightful observations and memorable turns of phrase. He understood the power of storytelling, even in his criticism.
Q2: How did Ebert’s “thumbs up/thumbs down” rating system work?
The “thumbs up/thumbs down” rating system, popularized on his television show with Gene Siskel, was a simple yet effective way to convey his overall assessment of a film. One thumbs up meant he recommended the film, while one thumbs down meant he did not. Two thumbs up indicated a particularly strong recommendation, while two thumbs down signaled a film he considered especially bad. The simplicity of this system made it instantly recognizable and easily understood by a wide audience, though Ebert always emphasized that his reviews provided a more nuanced and detailed explanation of his opinion.
Q3: What were some of Ebert’s favorite films?
While Ebert appreciated a wide range of films, some of his all-time favorites included “Citizen Kane,” “Casablanca,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “La Dolce Vita,” and “Aguirre, the Wrath of God.” These films represented different genres and eras, but they all shared a common thread: they were films that challenged audiences, explored complex themes, and demonstrated the power of cinema as an art form. He detailed his love and reasoning in his “Great Movies” series.
Q4: How did Ebert’s partnership with Gene Siskel influence film criticism?
Ebert’s partnership with Gene Siskel revolutionized film criticism by bringing it to a wider audience through television. Their animated debates and contrasting opinions made film criticism entertaining and accessible, sparking discussions about film in homes across the country. They demonstrated that film criticism could be engaging, thought-provoking, and even confrontational, challenging viewers to think critically about the films they watched.
Q5: What role did the internet play in Ebert’s career?
Ebert embraced the internet early on, recognizing its potential to connect him with a wider audience and to provide a platform for more in-depth film criticism. His website, RogerEbert.com, became a thriving online community, featuring his reviews, essays, interviews, and film festival coverage. He also actively participated in online discussions, engaging with readers and responding to their comments and questions. The internet allowed him to expand his reach and to foster a more interactive and participatory approach to film criticism.
Q6: How did Ebert’s battle with cancer affect his writing?
Even after undergoing surgery for cancer, which resulted in the loss of his lower jaw and his ability to speak, Ebert continued to write, using a computer and voice synthesizer to communicate. His writing during this period was often marked by a greater sense of vulnerability and introspection, as he reflected on his life, his career, and his love of cinema. He wrote openly about his struggles with his health, inspiring many with his courage and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Q7: What is the significance of Ebert’s “Great Movies” series?
Ebert’s “Great Movies” series is a collection of essays on some of the most important and influential films in cinematic history. In these essays, Ebert delves deep into the themes, techniques, and historical context of each film, providing a comprehensive and insightful analysis that goes beyond a simple review. The “Great Movies” series serves as a testament to Ebert’s deep knowledge of film history and his ability to articulate the enduring power of these cinematic masterpieces.
Q8: How did Ebert define a “great” movie?
For Ebert, a “great” movie was more than just entertaining; it was a film that engaged the mind, touched the heart, and resonated with the soul. It was a film that explored complex themes, challenged conventions, and left a lasting impression on the viewer. A great movie, according to Ebert, possessed artistry, originality, and the power to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level.
Q9: What was Ebert’s approach to reviewing independent and foreign films?
Ebert was a champion of independent and foreign films, recognizing their importance in expanding the horizons of cinema and providing audiences with alternative perspectives. He often used his platform to promote films that might otherwise go unnoticed, praising their originality, their artistic merit, and their ability to challenge conventional filmmaking. He believed that independent and foreign films played a crucial role in fostering creativity and diversity within the film industry.
Q10: What advice did Ebert have for aspiring film critics?
Ebert advised aspiring film critics to watch as many movies as possible, to read widely, and to develop their own unique voice. He emphasized the importance of honesty, integrity, and a genuine passion for film. He also encouraged aspiring critics to be open-minded, to avoid cynicism, and to approach each film with a willingness to be surprised and moved.
Q11: How is Roger Ebert remembered today?
Roger Ebert is remembered today as one of the most influential and beloved film critics of all time. His writings continue to be read and studied by film enthusiasts and aspiring critics, and his legacy lives on through RogerEbert.com and the annual Ebertfest film festival. He is celebrated for his intelligence, his wit, his passion, and his unwavering commitment to the power of cinema.
Q12: Where can I find Roger Ebert’s reviews and essays?
Roger Ebert’s reviews and essays can be found on RogerEbert.com, the official website dedicated to his work. The website features a vast archive of his writings, including his reviews, essays, interviews, and film festival coverage. You can also find his writings in his published books, including the “Great Movies” series and his memoir, “Life Itself.”