Roger Ebert, one of the most influential film critics in history, revolutionized how movies were perceived by the public. His insightful reviews and captivating prose have made him an icon in the world of cinema and journalism. Over a career that spanned over four decades, Ebert became a trusted voice in film criticism, shaping public opinion and introducing audiences to new genres and directors. This article delves into his life, career, impact, and the lasting legacy of Roger Ebert.
Early Life and Education
Roger Joseph Ebert was born on June 18, 1942, in Urbana, Illinois. He grew up in a middle-class family, with his father, Walter, working as a mechanic, and his mother, Annabel, as a bookkeeper. From a young age, Ebert demonstrated a passion for writing and storytelling. His love for literature led him to explore a variety of subjects, but it was in high school where he truly developed his interest in film.
Ebert attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied journalism. During his time at university, he served as the editor of the student newspaper, The Daily Illini. It was here that Ebert honed his writing skills, which would later help him establish a career in film criticism. After graduating in 1964, he continued his education at the University of Chicago and began to explore his passion for film more seriously.
Career Beginnings
Ebert’s career in journalism officially began when he joined the Chicago Sun-Times in 1967 as a reporter. He initially wrote for various sections of the newspaper, including news and entertainment, but it wasn’t long before he started focusing on film. His intelligent, thoughtful reviews made him a standout writer at the Sun-Times.
His reviews quickly gained attention for their thoroughness and for Ebert’s unique ability to distill complex films into digestible and engaging commentary. His straightforward, yet thoughtful style, appealed to both moviegoers and filmmakers alike. Ebert’s work earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975, cementing his status as one of the most respected critics in the world.
The Rise of “Siskel & Ebert”
While Ebert was excelling as a film critic in print, his career took a turn when he teamed up with fellow critic Gene Siskel. In 1975, Siskel, who worked for the Chicago Tribune, invited Ebert to appear on a local television show called Sneak Previews. The program, which initially aired on PBS, featured the two critics discussing and debating the latest films. The dynamic between the two was electric, with Ebert’s calm, methodical approach often clashing with Siskel’s more energetic, confrontational style.
Their contrasting personalities made the show an immediate hit, and soon Sneak Previews expanded into a nationally syndicated show, retitled At the Movies. The show was a landmark in film criticism, giving audiences a deeper understanding of films through the insights of two of the best critics in the industry. The show ran for over 20 years and became a staple of film commentary. Their signature thumbs-up/thumbs-down rating system became a shorthand for moviegoers trying to decide which films were worth their time.
Despite their on-air rivalry, Ebert and Siskel developed a close friendship. Their debates and disagreements, while sometimes heated, never detracted from the professionalism and mutual respect they shared for each other’s opinions. Their partnership remains one of the most iconic in television history, and their impact on the landscape of film criticism cannot be overstated.
Ebert’s Writing and Style
One of the hallmarks of Roger Ebert’s writing was his ability to make film criticism accessible to a wide audience. His reviews were not only informative, but they were also a joy to read. Ebert had an uncanny ability to blend the technical aspects of filmmaking with an emotional and philosophical understanding of cinema. Ebert’s style was characterized by his warm, conversational tone. He had a knack for making complex ideas simple without ever sounding condescending. He believed that film was an art form and treated it with the same level of seriousness and respect as any other medium.
What set Ebert apart from other critics was his deep empathy for filmmakers and their creative process. He never shied away from admitting when a film had flaws, but he always sought to understand the intent behind the work. This made him a trusted voice not just among moviegoers, but also within the industry. Filmmakers respected his critiques because they knew Ebert watched their work with a discerning, yet empathetic eye.
Democratizing Film Criticism
In the age before social media and online forums, Ebert’s reviews were some of the most widely read and discussed. His influence grew exponentially with the rise of the internet, where his reviews were easily accessible to audiences across the world. Ebert was one of the first critics to embrace the power of the internet, creating a website that allowed him to continue publishing his reviews and columns even after his health began to decline. This move helped pave the way for other critics to use the internet as a platform, leveling the playing field for film critics everywhere.
Additionally, Ebert was one of the first to champion the idea that film criticism should be accessible to everyone, not just academic or elite circles. He believed that movies had a universal appeal, and that anyone could engage with them critically. His passion for movies and his ability to connect with ordinary audiences helped make film criticism less intimidating and more inclusive.
Advocating for Diversity and Representation
Ebert was also a vocal advocate for diversity in film. He used his platform to highlight films and filmmakers from underrepresented groups, championing voices from minority communities and international cinema. He believed that cinema had the power to reflect the world in all its complexity, and he was committed to ensuring that voices from all walks of life were heard.
He often championed films that dealt with important social issues, from race relations to gender equality to LGBTQ+ rights. His reviews were not only critical analyses of films, but also reflections on the cultural impact of those films. Ebert understood that cinema was a mirror of society. And he used his platform to provoke thought and discussion on these larger issues.
Elevating Film as an Art Form
Perhaps one of Roger Ebert’s most enduring contributions was his role in elevating film to the status of fine art. He was among the first mainstream critics.To argue that film should be taken as seriously as any other art form. In his review of Citizen Kane, he famously called it “the greatest film ever made. And he continued to argue for the artistic merits of films throughout his career. Ebert believed that cinema could capture the essence of the human experience. And he worked tirelessly to bring that idea to the masses.
Ebert’s Personal Struggles and Triumphs
In 2002, Ebert was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which led to several surgeries and a long battle with the disease. In 2006, he lost the ability to speak after complications from surgery, and he began to communicate through a computer. Despite this, Ebert continued to write prolifically, becoming an even more poignant figure in the public eye.
Throughout his illness, Ebert remained remarkably positive. And continued to write about film, life, and death with. The same depth and humor that had characterized his earlier work. His final column, published just a few days before his death in 2013, was a reflection. On the value of life, the joy of watching movies. And the importance of appreciating every moment.
Ebert’s struggle with illness did not diminish his passion for cinema, nor did it reduce his impact on the world. In fact, his personal courage only deepened his connection with his audience. His vulnerability and openness in the face of such a dire diagnosis made his work even more relatable and poignant.
The Enduring Legacy of Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert passed away on April 4, 2013, but his influence continues to be felt today. His work remains a touchstone for film lovers, critics, and filmmakers alike. His website, RogerEbert.com, continues to publish film reviews and essays. And his legacy is upheld by a new generation of critics. Who are inspired by his thoughtful, inclusive, and passionate approach to film.
Ebert’s impact on film criticism is immeasurable. He transformed the role of the film critic. And his belief in the power of cinema to change the world remains a central tenet of his legacy. Through his writing, television appearances, and advocacy. Roger Ebert will forever be remembered as one of the greatest voices in the history of film criticism.
Conclusion
Roger Ebert was not just a film critic; he was a cultural force. Whose contributions have shaped the way we engage with movies to this day. His dedication to his craft, his respect for the art of filmmaking, and his unwavering belief in the power.