Life Itself: Movie Review

Siskel and Ebert were a big part of my childhood. The two critics were probably the biggest influence on me and to this very day, I still miss watching them argue about films. I loved nothing more than movies and every Saturday afternoon, I would catch the two critics sitting across the aisles from each other arguing about the latest film releases. It started as “Sneak Previews” and then became “At the Movies” When Gene Siskel passed away due to a brain tumor, Roger Ebert kept the show going with guest critics, before settling down with Richard Roper. After discovering a lump below his Jaw, Roger was diagnosed with cancer as well. Not long after, Roger retired from television but not from his career of reviewing movies.

Directed by Steve James (Hoop Dreams), “Life Itself” takes us into the life of the Pulitzer Prize winning Chicago film critic and delves into his past through interviews from the people who knew Roger best. To me, Roger Ebert was a professional and passionate critic who gave great praise to films he loved and damned the films he loathed. I may not have always agreed with him or his TV partner Siskel, but I always respected them.

Most of the time spent with Ebert takes place in a hospital. At first, it is a little jarring to see him getting the fluid suctioned out of his throat with a tube as he winces from the discomfort. As “Life Itself” continues on, I was able to get past it. Although Roger is no longer able to speak with his jawbone removed, he is still able to type and he still has plenty to say.

While watching “Life Itself’, I couldn’t believe how much about the famed critic that I wasn’t aware of. I had no idea he was an alcoholic or that he met the love of his life, Chaz Ebert in A.A. I knew that Gene and Roger had their differences but I had no idea how much they hated each other in the beginning. One of the funniest moments within “Life Itself” comes from a few “At the Movies” outtakes where they give each other a hard time. Of course the two men grew to love each other.

“Life Itself” is a very moving documentary that shows us how tough Mr. Ebert truly was. He was not only tough on films but on how he handled life. In his final years, Cancer kept knocking him down but it never stopped him. His loving wife Chaz never left his side and their relationship as well as Roger’s relationship with her kids kept him going. It doesn’t matter if you were a fan of Roger or not, “Life Itself” is a film definitely worth checking out.

By: Marc Ferman