As a young New York couple goes from college romance to marriage and the birth of their first child, the unexpected twists of their journey create reverberations that echo over continents and through lifetimes in LIFE ITSELF. Director and writer Dan Fogelman (“This Is Us”) examines the perils and rewards of everyday life in a multigenerational saga featuring an international ensemble including Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, Olivia Cooke, Sergio Peris- Mencheta, Laia Costa, Alex Monner and Mandy Patinkin. Set in New York City and Carmona, Spain, LIFE ITSELF celebrates the human condition and all of its complications with humor, poignancy and love.
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Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. Photo credit: Art Shay
“Life Itself,” the documentary directed by Steve James based on renowned film critic Roger Ebert’s rollicking memoir, makes its television debut on CNN Films TONIGHT, Sunday, January 4 at 9 p.m. ET.
After earning critical acclaim at international film festivals, in movie theaters (Magnolia Pictures) and, most recently, a coveted spot on Oscar’s short list, “Life Itself” comes into America’s living rooms, where many of Ebert’s fans got to know him on the long-running “At the Movies” film review series. His segments with co-host Gene Siskel are so funny they have been compared to a comedy duo. And yet, the life lessons about the movies, racial politics, illness, death and love are some of the most poignant and instructive of any movie in 2014.
Ebert said that movies are a giant machine that generates empathy, allowing us to feel what it is like to be a person of a different race, gender, age, physical ability or economic class.“Life Itself” shows Roger Ebert as only those closest knew him, from a socially-conscious college newspaper editor to Pulitzer-prize winning movie critic to loving husband and grandfather. The film also captures Ebert in the final days of his battle with cancer. Ebert said that if he hadn’t lived to see this “third act” of his life (approaching death), he would have been disappointed.
“Roger’s vision for the film was clear; he wanted to show the man, not the icon,” said his wife, Chaz Ebert. “And director Steve James certainly achieved that with this film, warts and all. Roger lived true to his nature. He was compassionate and loved with all his heart. His illness didn’t diminish that one bit. Through the end, Roger’s grit shone through. I think people who see the film will come away with a deeper understanding and admiration of him, but more important, they will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for life itself.”
Ava DuVernay, the first African-American woman director to be nominated for a Golden Globe for “Selma,” gives Roger Ebert credit for being one of the first film critics to make the film industry more inclusive. In “Life Itself” she says: “It’s dangerous as a black woman to give something that you’ve made from your point of view, very steeped in your identity and your personhood to a white man whose gaze is usually the exact opposite and … say you’re the carrier of this film to the public. You’re the one who is going to dictate whether it has value. And you had a lot less fear around that with Roger.”
“Life Itself” also shows the influence that Ebert had on the careers of other independent filmmakers like Werner Herzog, Errol Morris and Martin Scorsese. Ebert reviewed Scorsese’s first film, “Who’s That Knocking at My Door,” released in 1967. Scorsese executive-produced “Life Itself”‘ with Steven Zaillian (“Schindler’s List,” “Moneyball”) and shares a touching encounter with Ebert in the film.
The accolades for the film extend to the elegant, jazzy score by composer Joshua Abrams. It has been nominated for Best Original Score by Cinema Eye Honors, which annually honors the year’s best achievements in nonfiction cinema. The film has been nominated for Best Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking, Best Direction, Best Editing and the Audience Choice Prize.
The award ceremony will be held January 7. Hitfix.com calls it one of the Top 15 Best Films Scores of 2014. Listen to it here.
Contributed by Tom Stockman, Jim Batts, Melissa Howland, Travis Keune, Michael Haffner, Melissa Thompson and Michelle McCue
Going to the cinemas in 2014 was part emotional, part uproarious, and part interstellar thrill ride – there were a lot of movies to see this past year.
The everlasting bond between a parent and a child, courageous real life heroes, superheroes – past, present and future and their gripping stories of bravery graced the silver screen as well as our year ends lists. As a collective audience, we cried with them, we laughed with them and we cheered for them.
With the 323 films eligible for Best Picture at the upcoming 87th Academy Awards, have a look back at the movie-going experiences that was 2014.
We Are Movie Geeks presents our Top 10 films of 2014.
Let us know your favorites by adding your top 10 films in our comments section below.
HONORABLE MENTION – NIGHTCRAWLER
NIGHTCRAWLER imparts a healthy amount of social commentary into a haunting and dark character study of one very determined journalist willing to do whatever it takes to survive in LA. It is through Lou’s journey into the depths of the crime world that director Dan Gilroy is able to speak about the dog-eat-dog world of business and the political slant of the media. Intense, nail biting, and shocking, NIGHTCRAWLER delivers an explosive finale that will leave you shaken. (review)
10. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
Fans of the franchise were delivered another thrilling installment to the Planet of the Apes series. The critically praised DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES rode once again on the shoulders of conflicted leader Caesar, played with powerful depth by actor Andy Serkis. Along with composer Michael Giacchino’s emotional score, director Matt Reeves’ sequel to 2011’s RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES was this summer’s soulful, intelligent blockbuster. (review)
9. GONE GIRL
David Fincher might have outdone himself with his latest film GONE GIRL. The performances, especially Ben Affleck, along with an incredible plot are reason enough for this film to being home some awards this season. Just be careful. This film might hit home a bit too much for some viewers. (review)
8. LIFE ITSELF
In a year of superb documentary features, Steve James delivers a film that engages both the mind and the heart. It’s a terrific overview of the remarkable career of Pulitzer Prize winning movie reviewer Roger Ebert with great insight into the newspaper and show biz world. But more importantly it’s a very moving love story, first with competitor and TV co-star Gene Siskel, and at the end with his soul mate, the indomitable Chaz Ebert.
7. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Inspiring film biographies of triumph over adversity usually dominate the theatres near the end of the year in cinema, but this one gave audiences an unexpected bonus. Eddie Redmayne shows us the very human side of the genius who defied the odds of living with ALS. But it’s Felicity Jones who is the story’s beating heart as his wife Jane who inspired him to great heights with her unconditional love. It doesn’t tie up the tale in a nice little bow, but reflects the complications of true life. (review)
6. THE LEGO MOVIE
Few animated films are as chock full of contemporary pop culture nostalgia as THE LEGO MOVIE. This, along with the uniquely magical stop motion animation using actual Lego toys, combine to create a cinematic experience that both child and adult can enjoy on a level playing field, time and again… even if “Everything is Awesome” does become annoying after the first 10-20 times your kids recite the song. (review)
Even the bloopers were hilarious!
5. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
What can we say that hasn’t already been said about GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY? Writer/Director James Gunn takes audiences on a galactic thrill ride that will leave you laughing and touch your heart. After all, we are Groot! (review)
4. THE IMITATION GAME
During WWII, brilliant mathematician Alan Turing is hired to break the German Enigma code which involves pioneering computer work. Unfortunately, Turing is homosexual in an age where homosexuality is illegal, and there are those who seek to bring him down by whatever means possible. With a smart script and great performances by hot actors, IMITATION GAME is the perfect film for those interested in history, wartime intrigue, technology, and the struggles of visionaries way ahead of their time.
3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL is a terrific film and perhaps Wes Anderson’s best, an exhilarating experience thanks in part to a superior rapid-fire script but mostly to a magnificent central character played by Ralph Fiennes. Anderson keeps the story moving at a madcap Marx Brothers-style pace and the movie is packed with tasty dialogue, looks stunning thanks to Adam Stockhausen’s meticulous production design and sounds unique due to Alexandre Desplat’s Cossacky score. Wes Anderson is one of the few true originals currently working in American cinema. (review)
2. BOYHOOD
BOYHOOD may be labeled as a film, but a more apt description would be a unique experience that is truly unforgettable. As Ethan Hawke’s father figure responds when Mason inquires about “the point of all this,” it’s as if the whole of the film rests on his response: “You’re feeling things, and that’s what is important.” (review)
1. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
BIRDMAN is such a complex look at the artistic process that it’s hard to even put into words all that it encompasses. Even more so, it is an incredibly ambitious meta experiment from director Alejandro González Iñárritu that pays off. The film is presented as a work of art while deconstructing what it means to be a working artist. You can’t help but stare in awe at the majesty of this triumphant and artistic masterpiece. (review)
Not to be left off the list, we decided to add some of our best surprises from 2014. This includes THE SKELETON TWINS, JOHN WICK, MALEFICENT, LUCY, and THE RAID 2.
The one that caught our eye was THE BABADOOK. As Michael Haffner wrote in his review,
“Between the cold, almost black and white photography, and slow building dread, THE BABADOOK feels like a classic tale of psychological horror. Jennifer Kent brings out a strong performance from the talented Essie Davis, but it’s her approach to real life anxieties and everyday horror that makes THE BABADOOK a must-see for non-horror fans and horror fans alike.”
Here are some of the most anticipated films coming to theaters in 2015:
10. JODOROWSKY’S DUNE
9. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
8. GONE GIRL
7. THE IMITATION GAME
6. THE BOXTROLLS
5. LIFE ITSELF
4. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
3. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
2. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
1. BOYHOOD
Best Surprise: THE BABADOOK, OBVIOUS CHILD
Tom Stockman
Honorable Mention: JOE
10. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR
9. BIG EYES
8. SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR
7. ENEMY
6. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
5. THE IMITATION GAME
4. THE GAMBLER
3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
2. UNDER THE SKIN
1. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
Best Surprise: THE RAID 2
Melissa Howland
Honorable Mention: THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
10. BIG HERO 6
9. THE BABADOOK
8. GONE GIRL
7. FURY
6. WHIPLASH
5. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
4. NIGHTCRAWLER
3. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
2. BOYHOOD
1. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Best Surprise: MALEFICENT
Michael Haffner
Honorable Mentions: NIGHTCRAWLER, IDA
10. THE LEGO MOVIE
9. THE BABADOOK
8. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
7. ENEMY
6. THE IMITATION GAME
5. WHIPLASH
4. SPRING
3. LIFE ITSELF
2. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
1. TIE: BOYHOOD and BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
Best Surprise: JOHN WICK, LUCY
Michelle McCue
Honorable Mention: UNDER THE SKIN
10. NOAH
9. FURY
8. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
7. AMERICAN SNIPER
6. THE LEGO MOVIE
5. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
4. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
3. BOYHOOD
2. GONE GIRL
1. INTERSTELLAR
Best Surprise: JOHN WICK, SNOWPIERCER
Travis Keune
10. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2
9. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
8. BIG HERO 6
7. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
6. THE LEGO MOVIE
5. ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
4. LOCKE
3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
2. SNOWPIERCER
1. BLUE RUIN
Melissa Thompson
10. INTERSTELLAR
9. TAMMY
8. BIG HERO 6
7. MALEFICENT
6. ST. VINCENT
5. NOAH
4. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
3. GLEN CAMPBELL: I’LL BE ME
2. MY OLD LADY
1. INTO THE WOODS
Between January and August of 2014, local cinemas worldwide entertained moviegoers with themes of sci-fi, documentaries, animation, fairy tales, horror and thrillers.
Glowing up on the big screen were images of clicking colorful bricks, racing trains, mysterious creatures, superheroes – both shielded and guarded, coming-of-age tales and a fond farewell to the best Movie Geek ever.
Small and original storylines or epic stories with big stars, it’s been a good time at the movies this year and a lot for ticket buyers to choose from.
With so many to great films in the first half of 2014, including SNOWPIERCER, UNDER THE SKIN, ENEMY, LONE SURVIVOR, EDGE OF TOMORROW, and NOAH, whittling it down to a list of our “10 Favorite Movies of 2014… So Far” was a challenge.
Check out our lineup and let us know in our comments section below what your favorite movies have been this year. Some of these films are in theaters or you catch them at home on Netflix, OnDemand or a Premium Channel.
HONORABLE MENTION: THE LEGO MOVIE
Synopsis: The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.
THE LEGO MOVIE is wildly creative and often hilarious.
Opening Weekend: $69 million
10. THE RAID 2
Synopsis: He thought it was over. After fighting his way out of a building filled with gangsters and madmen – a fight that left the bodies of police and gangsters alike piled in the halls – rookie Jakarta cop Rama thought it was done and he could resume a normal life. He couldn’t have been more wrong. Formidable though they may have been, Rama’s opponents in that fateful building were nothing more than small fish swimming in a pond much larger than he ever dreamed possible. And his triumph over the small fry has attracted the attention of the predators farther up the food chain. His family at risk, Rama has only one choice to protect his infant son and wife: He must go undercover to enter the criminal underworld himself and climb through the hierarchy of competing forces until it leads him to the corrupt politicians and police pulling the strings at the top of the heap. And so Rama begins a new odyssey of violence, a journey that will force him to set aside his own life and history and take on a new identity as the violent offender “Yuda.” In prison he must gain the confidence of Uco – the son of a prominent gang kingpin – to join the gang himself, laying his own life on the line in a desperate all-or-nothing gambit to bring the whole rotten enterprise to an end.
THE RAID 2 is compelling drama punctuated by fist-pumping action, and stomach-churning violence that barely gives the audience a moment to catch their breath
9. PALO ALTO
Synopsis: Shy, sensitive April (Emma Roberts) is the class virgin —a popular soccer player and frequent babysitter for her single-dad coach, Mr. B. (James Franco). Teddy (Jack Kilmer) is an introspective artist whose best friend and sidekick Fred (Nat Wolff) is an unpredictable live wire with few filters or boundaries. While April negotiates a dangerous affair with Mr. B., and Teddy performs community service for a DUI — secretly carrying a torch for April, who may or may not share his affection — Fred seduces Emily (Zoe Levin), a promiscuous loner who seeks validation through sexual encounters. One high school party bleeds into another as April and Teddy finally acknowledge their mutual affection, and Fred’s escalating recklessness spirals into chaos.
PALO ALTO methodically paints a portrait of a generation that’s simultaneously looking for the truth and yet trying to drink enough to forget it.
8. MALEFICENT
Synopsis: MALEFICENT explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.
Synopsis: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes, led by Caesar, are threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES leaves a lasting impression based on the impressive special effects, rich visual landscapes, and moving character interactions.
Opening Weekend: $72 million
6. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
Synopsis: After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” finds Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off assailants sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.
This crackling action-adventure tale may be the brightest gleaming jewel in Marvel’s dazzling movie crown.
Opening Weekend: $95 million
5. TRUST ME
Synopsis: TRUST ME tells the sharp, comic story of Howard Holloway ( Clark Gregg), a down-on-his luck agent for child actors and truly one the last good guys left in Hollywood. After discovering a 13-year-old acting prodigy (Sharbino), he is poised to close the deal of a lifetime which would catapult his tween client and, at long last, himself, into the big time. With the support of his gorgeous new neighbor (Amanda Peet), he must wrangle the actress’ volatile, overprotective father, dodge a scheming producer (Felicity Huffman), and outwit his uber-slick nemesis (Sam Rockwell). As he arrives on the brink of the Hollywood dream that’s eluded him for a lifetime, he begins to sense that his innocent young starlet may not be quite what she seems. This is the second feature film written and directed by Gregg, who made his directing debut with Choke, an adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel that starred Sam Rockwell.
Clark Gregg bucks his beloved SHIELD Agent typecasting by writing, directing and starring in this smart, sincere, darkly comic tale of Hollywood extremes that proves he has much more to offer than playing a guy in a suit with a gun.
4. GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
Synopsis: THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune — all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.
Thanks in part to his terrific script but mostly to a magnificent central character played by Ralph Fiennes, Wes Anderson pulls out his best film yet.
3. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Synopsis: From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team—the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits—Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand – with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.
It’s original, smart, it doesn’t talk down to audiences, and it’s above all, an emotional film about outsiders finally finding a place to fit in.
Opening Weekend: $94 million
2. LIFE ITSELF
Synopsis: Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed) and Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) present LIFE ITSELF, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert – a story that is by turns personal, funny, painful, and transcendent. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, LIFE ITSELF, explores the legacy of Roger Ebert’s life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.
WAMG review HERE
LIFE ITSELF is a heart-wrenching love story, a witty tale of news hounds, a glitzy jaunt through “Tinsel Town”, mixed together with great warmth, skill, and affection.
1. BOYHOOD
Synopsis: Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason’s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, BOYHOOD charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay’s Yellow to Arcade Fire’s Deep Blue. BOYHOOD is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting. It’s impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our own journey.
Richard Linklater has transcended the “coming-of-age drama” and has in fact achieved a cinematic marvel.
As to what’s coming up in the remaining months of 2014, MY OLD LADY starring Maggie Smith and Kevin Kline, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s BIRDMAN (Oct. 17), Graham Annable’s and Anthony Stacchi’s THE BOXTROLLS (Sept. 26), Christopher Nolan’s INTERSTELLAR (Nov. 7), Tim Burton’s BIG EYES (Dec. 25), David Ayer’s FURY (Nov. 14), Bennett Miller’s FOXCATCHER (Nov. 14) and David Fincher’s GONE GIRL (Oct. 3) are just a few of the films we can’t wait to see. How about you?
The 2014 march of outstanding documentaries about artists continues on with the best of the impressive group of feature films. But this artist’s means of expression are not the brush as in TIM”S VERMEER or still photography as seen in FINDING VIVIAN MAIER or cinema itself (along with many superb illustrators) in JODOWORSKY’S DUNE. Nope, this artist’s (and after viewing this film, that title is not up for debate) means of expression were words with typewriters, computer keyboards, and his own voice utilized instead of brushes on canvas or cameras. The subject of Steve James’s (HOOP DREAMS, THE INTERRUPTERS) new feature documentary is celebrated, Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert. He had been a fixture on TV screens for decades, discussing and debating current movies usually with Gene Siskel, so you may think that you know everything about good ole’ “Uncle Rog”. But though he left the “aisle seat” over a year ago, this new work shows us that as enthralling as the films he wrote about since the late 1960’s, many of them couldn’t match the heartbreak, triumphs and wonders of LIFE ITSELF.
The first shot of the film is a glorious view of that palace of entertainment delights, the Chicago Theatre on State Street, its long expansive marquee lit in tribute to the Windy City staple. Director Steve James takes us back several months as he begins the documentary (based on the autobiography) with Ebert back in the hospital after another health crisis. Because of their friendship Ebert and his wife Chaz have given James intimate access to their lives. Health problems had plagued him for over a decade when complications from papillary thyroid cancer necessitated the removal of his lower jaw, robbing him of the ability to eat, drink, and speak. I recalled his long leave of absence from his TV show and his return with a full hour on Oprah Winfrey’s popular syndicated daytime show. Her crews were not permitted to film Ebert having lunch, but no restraints are on James here. The scene of him taking nourishment may upset viewers, but the film’s subject takes it in stride, smiling, joking, and giving that famous “thumbs up”. As Bette Davis suposedly remarked, “Growing old is not for sissies”, and as is vividly shown, neither is illness. Always grinning, this bit of trouble won’t keep him down (just watch his eyes sparkle as he plots an unapproved trip to the cinema).
But this is not just a film filled with doctors and hospitals. James double back to the beginning with photos of the young lad from Urbana and quotes from Ebert’s book read in a warm, folksy manner by actor Stephen Stanton (often mimicking Ebert’s old vocal mannerisms). We’re then introduced to the first of Ebert’s three great loves, the newspaper. You’d think dark, blue newsprint ink was running through his veins. His big childhood heroes were not the sportsmen or cowboys but the wise-cracking reporters of THE FRONT PAGE (he called the sound of the printing presses “romantic”). A stint as one of the youngest editors of the University of Illinois daily newspaper the Illini lead to a job in the big leagues with the Chicago Sun Times. James gives us terrific interviews with former colleagues who wax nostalgic about grabbing “scoops” and bringing in stories under the wire. And then there’s the stories that occurred after the paper was “put to bed”, of endless hours at seedy, colorful watering holes. The downfall of many newshounds almost took Ebert as we learn in his own words, and from pals, of his struggle with the bottle and his long journey to sobriety (he had only gone public about this a few years ago). During his travails he never lost his affection for the fifth estate and wrote for his beloved Sun Times to the very end (actually several pieces were posted after his passing).
It was at his Sun Times job that the road to his second great love began. As the film relates, Ebert’s film reviewing career started as a lucky fluke. The position opened up and he got the assignment. The newsman took to the cinema gig immediately and became the first reviewer to win the Pulitzer in 1975. Before the big prize, he even scored a screen credit as the writer of Russ Meyer’s campy cult flick BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS in 1970 ( the two continued to team up over the years). Local TV soon came calling (we see a dull, dry Ebert with a “deer-in-headlights” look introducing Ingmar Bergman flicks on the Chicago PBS station). One of those PBS execs had the bright idea of mounting a film review show that would pair him with his rival from the big Chicago Tribune paper, Gene Siskel. James treats us to the stilted uncomfortable footage from that initial pilot. The two maintained a professional, not personal, relationship as they competed for movie news and interviews. We see the outtakes from a session recording show promos with the two insulting and nitpicking at each other like schoolyard enemies. We learn that Ebert wanted to be in control, but Siskel was the wild card, the free radical in the TV mix (one of their old show producers called Gene “Roger’s ‘wasically wabbit'”). But something about the duo clicked with the public (I’ve always thought they had a comedy team visual dynamic similar to Laurel & Hardy or Abbott & Costello) in a way that copycat critic pairings never did. The late night shows came calling and we’re treated to highlights from their many stints on the coach with Johnny Carson (including the infamous Chevy Chase show). And thanks to interviews with former staff members of the TV show and the revealing Marlene Siskel (Gene’s widow) we see how the annoyance slowly became akin to brotherly love (Ebert had no siblings). It’s a complex fascinating relationship that James adroitly explores.
And then there was Chaz, the last great love of Ebert’s life and the film’s vibrant energy. When I lived in Chicago many decades ago, stories careened around town concerning this unlikely Casanova (yup, Uncle Rog was a “playa'”). Thus the wedding of the two in 1992 came as a surprise (a most pleasant one for Siskel, it seems). Chaz brought children (and grandchildren) into the marriage, much to Roger’s delight. Home video vacation footage shows a beaming Ebert leading Chaz and the kids on all manner of adventures in far-off cultures. Several of the now adult kids share stories of how Ebert introduced them to new worlds of art and literature. And thankfully he had her by his side when illness struck. In the camera interviews, Chaz is a fiercely protective partner in her startlingly candid recounts of his struggles and setbacks. But as tender as she could be with him, we get a taste of the tough task-master, who will not tolerate Ebert giving in to frailty (“No! Roger no! Get up from that chair! Now!”). Also their mixed-race coupling is recounted with great humor. Anyone would be very fortunate to have a strong, brave woman like Chaz in their lives. Without her the world may have been denied the last dozen years of Ebert’s remarkable work. To paraphrase the old big band standard, “Love found him just in time”.
To give a sense of the subject’s seventy years, James doesn’t cover a few things in the film like Ebert’s eloquent defense of Justin Lin’s BETTER LUCK TOMORROW, his concern over the influence of 3D and video games, or even his attempt with Chaz to return to public TV in 2011 with the ill-fated “Ebert Presents: At The Movies”. But included are controversies he generated with other critics who charged that the TV shows oversimplified, even “dumbed-down” film criticism. And that Ebert was compromised by having friendships with actors and film makers. Several of said artists are interviewed here including James himself, Errol Morris (he insists the TV show saved his film GATES OF HEAVEN, Werner Herzog, and a very compelling Martin Scorsese (one of the film’s producers), who relates how Ebert and Siskel threw him an emotional lifeline in the mid 1980’s. Even if you rarely agreed with him on films, this bio-doc will have you wishing you could read Ebert’s thoughts on new works like BOYHOOD or THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. Steve James has made a remarkable film about a remarkable man. It’s a heart-wrenching love story, a witty tale of news hounds, a glitzy jaunt through “Tinsel Town”, mixed together with great warmth, skill, and affection. LIFE ITSELF is a glorious life-affirming, life-celebrating achievement. Recalling his old show sign off, I hope the balcony is not closed to the ultimate movie lover, so he can sit back, enjoy the show once more and joyfully raise that famous thumb.
5 Out of 5
LIFE ITSELF opens everywhere and screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas
When: Tuesday, July 1st at 1-2:30pm PT / 3-4:30pm CT
Magnolia Pictures will release LIFE ITSELF on iTunes/OnDemand and in theaters July 4, 2014.
Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed) and Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) present LIFE ITSELF, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert – a story that is by turns personal, funny, painful, and transcendent.
Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, LIFE ITSELF explores the legacy of Roger Ebert’s life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.
On Wednesday, the brand new trailer for LIFE ITSELF came online. The film premiered at Sundance 2014 and screened on May 19 at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams, The Interrupters) and Executive Producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed, Raging Bull) and Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List, Moneyball) present LIFE ITSELF, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert – a story that is by turns personal, wistful, funny, painful, and transcendent.
Watch the preview below – it will leave you smiling.
Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, LIFE ITSELF explores the impact and legacy of Roger Ebert’s life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.
The filmmakers were granted unprecedented access to Roger and Chaz during the final four months of his life. In that time, they captured Roger’s fighting spirit, his sharp sense of humor, and the ways he directly inspired filmmakers, family and fans. The response to Roger’s unexpected passing in April 2013 was immense and profoundly moving – front page news not just in Chicago, but worldwide.
Influential filmmakers and politicians reflected on Roger’s legacy – everyone from Spike Lee, and Michael Moore to President Obama, who said, “When he didn’t like a film, he was honest; when he did, he was effusive – capturing the unique power of the movies to take us some place magical.” Roger was an avid supporter of independent film, and an early champion of the work of iconic filmmakers, and LIFE ITSELF interview subjects, such as Werner Herzog, Errol Morris and Martin Scorsese.
Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. Photo credit: Kevin Horan
Roger himself became an iconic force when he joined with Gene Siskel to create one of the longest running, most influential television shows in history, making Chicago the cultural center of film criticism. The film features candid and insightful interviews with many of the principal producers of the show, along with the first ever feature documentary interview with Siskel’s wife, Marlene.
In the wake of Roger’s illness and disability, Roger’s writing grew creatively and in importance – transcending film criticism. Using his blog, and social media, Roger became a must-read commentator, thoughtfully addressing the political and social issues of our time. His public defiance of cancer and the resulting disfigurement literally and symbolically put a new face on the disease, and brought inspiration to countless thousands in the disabled community and beyond.
Despite his “leave of presence,” his body of work stands as a great populist monument, accessible inspiration for the next generations of film lovers. LIFE ITSELF gives a definitive document of the flesh and blood man who forever changed what it meant to be at the movies: Roger Ebert.
Production of Revelations Entertainment’s comedy LIFE ITSELF is underway in New York City starring starring Academy Award® winners Morgan Freeman, Diane Keaton and Cynthia Nixon.
This marks the first time that Freeman and Keaton have worked together.
The film is directed by award-winning director Richard Loncraine (The Gathering Storm,My One and Only, Firewall, Wimbledon, Richard III), and is based on the acclaimed novel “Heroic Measures” by Jill Ciment, from a screenplay written by Charlie Peters (My One and Only, Krippendorf’s Tribe, Three Men and A Little Lady, Blame It On Rio).
LIFE ITSELF tells the story of one comic and eventful weekend in the life of Ruth (Keaton) and Alex (Freeman), an aging New York couple who have finally decided to sell their Brooklyn apartment of 40 years. They fear that they are getting too old to climb the stairs, and Ruth’s realtor niece (Nixon) has convinced them that they can make a small fortune on the sale.
Alex, an artist, and Ruth, a former schoolteacher, are enticed by the prospect of suddenly having more money than they ever dreamt possible. But as they prepare for the open house, the couple’s beloved little dog gets sick and has to be taken to an animal hospital, and New York City suddenly goes on high alert when a truck gets jack-knifed on the Williamsburg Bridge and the driver flees the scene.
Over the course of this hectic weekend, Ruth and Alex are swept along as every shift in the breaking tanker story makes the real estate market spike and trough. As the bids fly, Ruth and Alex reflect upon on all the memories that they have shared in their home during the course of 40 happy and fulfilling years together, and they realize that sometimes happiness can’t be measured as easily as square footage or asking prices.
LIFE ITSELF is produced by Revelations Entertainment in association with Latitude Productions with Lori McCreary, Curtis Burch, Charlie Peters and Tracy Mercer serving as producers. Revelations’ Morgan Freeman will serve as executive producer with with Bob Gass, Judy Burch Gass, Sam Hoffman and Richard Toussaint. CAA and WME co-represent the North American rights and Myriad Pictures is handling international sales.
