Life Itself (2014) Dir. Steve James – QFT Belfast 24th Nov
Who’s in it? Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, Gene Siskel
What’s it about Landmark Sports documentary Hoop Dreams director Steve James turns his keen eye for human detail to the life, work and legacy of one of cinema’s most renowned and respected film critics, Roger Ebert; his passion for film and telling the truth as he saw it, his long and illustrious career and his dignity in suffering which revealed an “inner core made of steel”. The film is based on Ebert’s best selling 2011 memoir of the same name and taps into the spirit of his life in movies, which Ebert himself referred to as staying ‘Awake in the Dark’ for a living. Using footage and interviews of Ebert in his final few months as he succumbed to throat cancer – which took his speech but not his unique voice – as well as touching testimony from his family and noted filmmakers and admirers including Martin Scorcese, Werner Herzog and Errol Morris, James’ film constructs an evocative profile of a critic and writer who was a film fan first and whose influence reached beyond the industry to which he contributed for over 40 years.
Memorable Moments? In one scene Ebert’s wife asks him, as he lies in a hospital bed, laptop on chest, unable to speak due to his illness, “do you want to keep working or rest for a while”, Ebert replies with his typical wit, “Ask Steve, he’s the director!”.
Look Who’s Talking: ‘Rich in detail and warmly affectionate, Life Itself offers a joyful yet poignant tribute to a critical cinematic legacy.’ – Rotten Tomatoes
Like that? Try this: Side by Side (2012) reviews the history of film within the cinematic process and the advent of digital, with all star Industry talking heads.
Trivia Pursuit: In 2010 Ebert wrote, ‘What I am grateful for is the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter.’
