Life Itself, not to be confused with the 2018 film of the same name, is a beautifully made documentary about the late Roger Ebert.

I remember waiting for the CNN broadcast in early 2015. After all, the documentary was among my most anticipated films after hearing about it in 2014. In a perfect world, the Steve James-directed documentary would have won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Unfortunately, it did not advance to the final nominations after making the shortlist. Interestingly enough, Gene Siskel’s nephew, Charlie Siskel, did receive a nomination for Finding Vivian Maier.

People have their own thoughts on celebrity-focused documentaries. This is one of the best ones ever made and I’m not just saying this because I’m–cough–in the industry. You can make an argument that the tone is all over the place. This is by design and it wouldn’t be the same film if it weren’t. It’s a very personal film and the ultimate goal is telling Roger’s story. In telling Roger’s story, there are laughs and tears–the latter happens when you know that his death is coming soon. How many people would be telling jokes during the last four months of their life? There’s also a vulnerability on display. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for filmmaker Steve James to be making a documentary during that time. When Chaz Ebert starts breaking down on camera, you can’t help but want to cry at the same time.

Among the interviewees are numerous friends and family members. It is impossible to tell Roger’s story without mentioning Gene Siskel. The two were iconic together on television and made numerous late night talk shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman. I’ve also heard from colleagues how studio treatment was very different when Siskel and Ebert were still alive. It was a sad day when Gene died of brain cancer in 1999, much as it was 14 years later with Roger’s passing. Gene’s widow, Marlene Iglitzen, joins a few Siskel and Ebert producers in sharing candid memories. Beyond friends and family, there are quite a few filmmakers who share their memories of Roger and the role he played in their careers. Ava DuVernay shares one of the most touching memories in the film. I’m crying now just thinking about it.

I suppose Pauline Kael’s name inevitably comes up during conversations about film critics. Likewise, her name comes up in the film, too. In watching the film, I did a double take during Rick Kogan’s comments about Pauline Kael.

“I don’t know Pauline Kael. I never knew Pauline Kael, but f— Pauline Kael. Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel were the most powerful critics of all-time in any realm.”

I don’t know about you but it certainly caught me off guard. Of course, I also didn’t remember it from watching the CNN broadcast. But then again, it’s been about ten years. I will say this: growing up, I knew the names Siskel and Ebert more than any other film critic. Rotten Tomatoes didn’t become a thing until the 2000s and I didn’t start my Entertainment Weekly subscription until the late 2000s.

I couldn’t easily access Roger Ebert’s reviews until after getting the internet at home in 1999. Of course, I was already familiar with his work because of his being one-half of Siskel and Ebert. But anyway, he became one of my go-to critics to read, especially for films in which I was make or break. Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips would later become one of my go-to critics along with Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper. I know what you’re thinking–there’s something about Chicago film critics! While I went to many advanced screenings back in 2009, I never had the honor of meeting Roger Ebert. I wish that I had.

Life Itself introduces Rogert Ebert to a new generation and plays a role in ensuring that his legacy will never ever be forgotten.

DIRECTOR: Steve James
FEATURING: Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, Raven Evans, Ava DuVernay, Ramin Bahrani, Richard Corliss, Nancy De Los Santos, Bruce Elliot, Thea Flaum, Josh Golden, Werner Herzog, Marlene Iglitzen, Donna LaPietra, Rick Kogan, John McHugh, Errol Morris, Howie Movshovitz, Gregory Nava, William Nack, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Martin Scorsese, A.O. Scott, Roger Simon

Magnolia Pictures released Life Itself in theaters on July 4, 2014: Grade: 5/5

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