Review of Life Itself (2014) by Bjorn B — 07 Aug 2014

As I write this review, I am wiping the tears from my eyes. Roger Ebert was my biggest inspiration, he made my the person I am today and he gave me a new perspective on life and I'm not just asking about films. 'Life Itself' has honestly changed me as a person. To see, right up until Ebert's last days, that his thumb was always up and his smile never left his face. His bravery is an inspiration to me and countless others. Roger Ebert meant so much to the entire film community and when it was announced that there would be a documentary about his life and struggle after cancer, nearly every cinema lover jumped at the opportunity. Ebert, as well as his wife Chaz, inspired millions with their love, story, and the simplicity of living life with films as the central focus. Life Itself by director Steve James is an intimate and respectful look into the life of a man who too many people didn't get the chance to know.

In 'Life Itself', Ebert is captured in some of his most vulnerable moments but ironically, at his strongest point in his life. We witness him battle the heartbreaking truth, that his time with us is limited and there isn't much time left. But before we venture off into our Ebert of the past few years, director Steve James tells us a fascinating and beautiful story of Ebert's life, starting off in the film criticism industry, and what he brought to so many people. We get first person accounts from some of the world's most prestigious filmmakers and actors like Martin Scorsese, and first person accounts from Ebert's early days from many of his closest colleagues. It offers so much insight into the legacy of a man who offered so much to the world.

Through outtakes from the Siskel & Ebert show, to intimate and rich portraits from his many adventures around the globe, through Life Itself, we become even closer to a man we hardly knew, and in essence, become closer to ourselves. It's one of the finest films of the year and one that should be considered as the first documentary ever to be nominated for Best Picture. If there's a film that breaks the barriers for all movie-lovers everywhere, Steve James' Life Itself is it. Ebert's death deeply affected me and a piece of my life has now gone but Ebert left behind a legacy and will forever inspire people. "I'll see you at the movies".