LIFE ITSELF (Ebert Film Festival Champaign Illinois USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

Life Itself—a documentary tribute to movie critic Roger Ebert—tells its story with flash forward/flash back screen shots that show personal and professional growth over his professional career. The film contains good detail of Ebert’s evolving professional relationship with Gene Siskel from 1975 through 1999 with archival footage showing both their on screen debates and off screen patter/rivalry. Ebert’s personal life as he meets and marries Charlie ‘Chaz’ Hammel-Smith is included as well as vivid shots of the pain of his battle with cancer in early 2000 through 2006 until his death in 2013. The positive tone and dedication to a high work ethic give this documentary good value for viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The documentary details Roger Ebert's life both personally and as a film critic.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Steve James. A sincere thank you to Executive Producer Mark Mitten, Martin Scorsese, Justine Nagan, Gordon Quinn, Kat White, and Steven Zaillian for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Martin Scorsese (Himself), Werner Herzog (Himself), Ava DuVernay (Herself), Chaz Ebert (Herself), Errol Morris (Himself), Ramin Bahrani (Himself), Roger Ebert (voice of Stephen Stanton), and Gregory Nava (Himself).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This gives Roger Ebert high praise and works for Ebert fans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers