Life Itself

Film critic Roger Ebert knew that he would not live to see this documentary based on his same-titled 2011 memoir. In a particularly poignant scene, Ebert tells director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) that his thyroid cancer has metastasized to his spine. Ebert died in April 2013, at the age of 70. Filmed during what would be the last five months of Ebert's life, the renowned critic here shares his regret that he never got to say goodbye to his contentious “frenemy” Gene Siskel, who concealed his brain cancer diagnosis in 1998, fearing that Disney would replace him on Siskel & Ebert. That affected Ebert so much that he was determined not to make the same mistake, even though numerous surgical procedures left him without a lower jaw and unable to eat, drink, or speak. Ebert's wife, Chaz, is equally forthcoming, admitting for the first time publicly that she met Roger at Alcoholics Anonymous. Chaz also reveals that she was not aware that Roger had a “do not resuscitate” order until the day he died. Beginning with Ebert's definition of cinema as “a machine that generates empathy,” this bio-pic covers Ebert's career and personal life—from his early days at the Chicago Sun-Times to his popular TV show and final years. While Ebert was both celebrated and criticized for his thumbs-up-or-down judgments, he was also the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize. Included are interviews with directors Martin Scorsese, Werner Herzog, Errol Morris, and Ramin Bahrani, along with critics A.O. Scott and Richard Corliss. Unflinching and engrossing, this inspirational tribute to America's most influential film critic is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes (23 min.), an interview with director Steve James (11 min.), a Sundance tribute to subject Roger Ebert (7 min.), an AXS TV segment (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an excellent biographical tribute.] (S. Granger)