Roger Ebert was an American film critic, journalist, and screenwriter. He died in April 2013 at the age of 70. Life Itself (2014) is an American biographical documentary about Ebert, skillfully and respectfully directed, with Ebert’s approval, by Oscar-nominated director Steve James. The film is based on the critic’s 2011 memoir of the same name.
Rogert Ebert was generally regarded in America as one of cinema’s most respected and acclaimed critics. He commenced his work as film critic on the Chicago Sun-Times in 1967 where he remained until his death last year. However Ebert’s real fame sprung from his television film-review show, Sneak Previews, which he began in 1975 with Gene Siskel on PBS. This was followed by a number of other review shows which saw Egbert become a national institution.
Life Itself is an informative and touching tribute to Ebert and the era of which he was a part. This insightful and respectful eulogy was a pet project of two master craftsmen: Steve Zaillian and Martin Scorcese. Zaillian wrote the screenplays for such notable films as Schindler’s List, Gangs of New York and Moneyball, among others. Scorsese credits Ebert with saving him from the scourge of the ‘white marching powder’ that was decimating Hollywood during the mid 80s.
The film provides insight into Egbert’s background and how he came to be such a powerful voice in the film world. It also has a strong personal focus showing how Ebert coped with the diagnosis of jaw cancer in 2002 which finally overcame him in 2013. The film recounts how Ebert dealt with crippling ill health in his latter years with the assistance of humour, an unbridled love of life and family but, maybe above all, his passion for the art of film.
Ebert was at times an abrasive and outspoken individual who was certainly not lacking when it came to self-confidence. As his oldest friend observed: ‘Roger was basically a nice guy, but not that nice!’
Is the film worth seeing? I would lay good odds that the man himself is up there in his favourite seat in that great movie theatre in the sky giving it his trademark ‘two thumbs up’.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Life Itself
Steve James
USA, 2014, 120 min
www.miff.com.au
31 July – 17 August
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