Ebert Will Be Missed

With the passing of Roger Ebert, and so goes a true voice of the theatre.

Famed film critic Roger Ebert has moved on from this mortal plane. After combating cancer for many years, this multi-generational voice has left us. As a multiple time nominee for various Emmy awards, and the first film critic to win the coveted Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, he carved his name into the annals of theatrical history. In addition, he was also the first film critic to be awarded a star on the glorious Hollywood Walk of Fame, and held honorary degrees from the University of Colorado, the AFI Conservatory, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His place in the books is well-earned, with a legacy that will stand the test of time

His official accolades aside, Mr. Ebert has repeatedly proven his worth beyond measure in the field of criticism for his impeccable passion, integrity, honesty, work ethic, and willingness to question himself. He was not often willing to simply sit on his opinions and view them as pure gold, nor was he willing to lie on the fruits of his past praise. He was blunt and intelligent, and never afraid to give his personal opinion, public views be damned. If he felt that a particular movie wasn’t worth the praise being heaped upon it by the viewing audience, he said so.

Often heralded as the most profound and impactful film critic to be found nationwide, he was also easily the most beloved. He was passionately in love with film. Cinema was his mistress, his open lover. If he enjoyed a movie, he enjoyed it to the fullest. And if he loathed the experience, he found it simply atrocious. But he always, above all, defended the craft, fought for its quality, and kept his voice both loud, yet eloquent. Always willing to relook at movies he had prior panned, not to mention mend fences previously torn down, he left a bright light on the industry, and remained a friend and intellectual companion to all.

Film criticism is a field of work that many of the younger generation seem to not really appreciate. They simply hear a supposed “hater,” and immediately tune them out. The art of the critique is slipping away, as our collective tastes seem to devolve and dissolve into being easily-pleased. Ebert’s constant drive was educating the populace on a true cinematic experience, or at least what his view of it was. No matter people’s stances on his particular tastes, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t at least respect the man’s mind and knowledge of the cinema.

Having battled through multiple surgeries and various cancers, the man persevered, continuing to work and work and work. Putting out review after review, critique after critique and hardly stopping to catch his breath unless absolutely necessary, and even then only at the bare minimum. He continued to press on in his work until the end of his life. He is a testament to the power and the stubbornness of the human spirit, and proof that hardships are merely speed bumps, and not road blocks. He kept his mind, as well as his pen, sharp until the very end. Kudos, Mr. Ebert, for your ever-lasting work ethic. You are a true inspiration to anyone who finds his or herself wanting to dissect a film. Enjoy spending eternity with Siskel, reviewing the best of the best in cinema, with all of history as your audience.

As Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel said in his eulogy “Life is too short not to be shared with others….The art that Roger most enjoyed was living.”

Two glowing thumbs up good sir, and bravo.