“Movies are like a machine that generates empathy” says Roger Ebert in the great biopic LIFE ITSELF by director Steve James, and the great film critic adds: “They let us take part in other people’s lives.” In fact it was Roger Ebert who let so many people take part in the wonders of films and filmmaking. Ebert was a dreaded and loved critic, he starred in epic TV-film critic format “Siskel & Evert” and he was one of the first bloggers. Steve James got to share the last part of Ebert’s momentous live with him and his beloved wife Chaz, and he takes us on a journey through the decades, from Cannes to the Ebert blog up to his cancer stricken last weeks, which is sad at times, but never sentimental. I always loved Ebert’s wit and style, and I am deeply grateful to Steve James for this documentary, as I am grateful to 10. Zurich Film Festival for showing it.
Be the first to comment