Review of Life Itself (2014) by Erin C — 25 Jul 2014

Iconic film critic Roger Ebert changed the way many people viewed film. This remarkable documentary about the legendary film critic follows his life from the early years up until his death in April of 2013.

I was surprised to learn that film critic wasnâ??t his first career choice. Ebert fell into the role by accident when he replaced a critic at the Chicago Sun Times. The relationship between Roger and the late film critic Gene Siskel was intriguing.

Together they formed the iconic Siskel & Ebert, (originally introduced as Siskel & Ebert & the Movies.) You could feel the intensity between the two, the bitter contention if they disagreed on a film, especially when watching the promos for the show and viewing the many takes necessary to appease them.

It was heartbreaking to watch Rogerâ??s battles with cancer, first with thyroid cancer in 2002 & then with his salivary gland in 2003. In 2006, the cancer returned forcing the removal of his lower jaw, leaving him voiceless and relying on communication though a computer.

Supporting Roger through his ups & downs was his lovely & devoted wife, Chaz, who he met at AA meeting. Roger was a strong supporter of little known filmmakers just starting out in the business and facilitated having their films shown at various theatres in New York or Los Angeles.

Writer & director Steve James whose previous film was the 1994 Oscar nominated film, Hoop Dreams, gives us fantastic insight into the man, how he viewed and reviewed films. Roger Ebert gave the average moviegoers a new way to look at the depth of a film beyond the usual entertainment value.

I was a big fan of the Siskel & Ebert show growing up & those two were a huge influence on my becoming a film critic, as The Movie Guy. MUST-SEE FILM.