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| Courtesy of Magnolia |
Full
disclosure: there’s no way I can be completely objective when reviewing Steve
James’ documentary about the life and death of Roger Ebert. He’s arguably the
most famous film critic in history and a major reason you’re reading these
words right now. He influenced my writing style, my taste in film and the way I
approach criticism.
Fortunately,
the film – based on Ebert’s autobiography of the same name – immediately lets
viewers know that it’s not exactly impartial either. James states up front that
Ebert was one of the biggest supporters of his breakthrough documentary Hoop
Dreams and Martin Scorsese, an executive producer on this project, establishes
his close friendship with Ebert.
However,
rather than letting those admissions serve as a reason to make the film a
two-hour petition for sainthood, it’s, at Ebert’s insistence, a warts-and-all
look at some of the most uncomfortable aspects of his life. We get a quick
version of the usual biographical bullet points – his childhood, his time as
the brilliant editor of his university newspaper, his rivalry with fellow
critic Gene Siskel, etc. – but James is more interested in how all of that
transformed Ebert into the man he became in his final years.
The
surprising death of his former co-star, only a few years after their antagonism
turned to friendship, had a profound influence on Ebert’s own waning health. As
cancer destroyed his body, he felt it was important for his readers to learn
about it, including graphic details about his many unsuccessful surgeries.
That’s what James seems most interested in. Particularly in the scene that
captures a nurse suctioning Ebert’s throat as he grimaces in pain, the skin and
muscle that once surrounded his now-gone jaw flapping uselessly.
Anyone
with access to Wikipedia can learn about Ebert’s career, his Pulitzer Prize,
his struggle with alcoholism or the time he dated Oprah. Anyone interested in
his writing can find all of his reviews on his website. Life Itself is
interested aspects of his life that most people – not even admirers like me –
don’t know about.
The
scenes I found most fascinating focus on his relationship with his friends and
colleagues, even the ones who disagree with his philosophy of criticism. The
way his beloved wife, Chaz, fiercely protects him when he can no longer take
care of himself. And the heartfelt relationship he had with the children and
grandchildren he gained late in life.
Most
importantly, I was touched by the way Life Itself captures Ebert’s admirable
strength when facing certain death. The film doesn’t pretend he was a cuddly
teddy bear. Interviewees point-blank say he was egotistical, stubborn, mean and
often oblivious to others’ needs. (Heck, he once stole a cab from Siskel’s wife
when she was eight months pregnant.) But he was a brilliant writer who loved
movies and contributed a lot to the world.
An
honest and illuminating experience, Life Itself is playing in limited release
and available on demand through numerous cable/satellite providers.
Life Itself is rated R for brief sexual images/nudity and language.
Grade:
B+
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