Roger Ebert's Departure at Age 70

Remembering Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was a renowned film critic whose influence extended across decades and generations. He served as the chief film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his passing on April 4, 2013. Ebert's distinctive approach and insights into cinema earned him a prestigious reputation in the field of film criticism.

Roger Ebert's Career Highlights

Ebert's career was marked by numerous significant achievements that solidified his place among the greats in film criticism. He made history in 1975 by becoming the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, recognizing his exceptional talent in reviewing films. Over the course of his career, he wrote thousands of reviews, each reflecting his deep understanding and appreciation for cinema.

Ebert's critiques were known for their accessibility and insight, making them popular among both casual moviegoers and film enthusiasts. His commitment to sharing the beauty and complexity of cinema was evident in his writings.

Contributions to Film Criticism

Ebert's approach to film criticism was deeply rooted in values of populism and humanism. He was a strong advocate for various genres, specifically documentaries and animation, recognizing their unique storytelling capabilities. He praised filmmakers such as Errol Morris, Michael Apted, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata for their impactful works (Wikipedia).

Through his reviews and writings, Ebert made film criticism more mainstream, inviting wider audiences to engage with cinema on a deeper level. His ability to relate complex ideas about films to the general public helped elevate film critique as a respected field. Ebert continued to write prolifically even after facing health challenges, maintaining his voice and influence until his passing. His legacy remains deeply embedded in the fabric of film criticism today.

The Legacy of Roger Corman

Early Career and Influences

Roger Corman was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1926 and became a highly influential filmmaker known for his prolific career in directing and producing numerous low-budget horror, sci-fi, war, gangster, and exploitation films from the 1950s onwards. His early work was shaped by his experiences in the major film studios, including United Artists and Columbia, where he found their creative control restrictive. This led him to establish his own independent studio, New World Pictures, in 1970. Some of his notable early successes include "Angels Die Hard" (1970) and "The Big Doll House" (1971) (Entertainment Junkie Blog).

Corman was instrumental in providing opportunities to young filmmakers who later became prominent figures in the industry. He worked with many now-renowned directors, such as:

Impact on Filmmaking

Despite his reputation for creating campy and low-budget films, Roger Corman significantly contributed to the counterculture cinema movement. His psychedelic film "The Trip" (1967) became popular in the '60s and played a vital role in shaping the landscape for films like "Easy Rider," which followed in its footsteps (Entertainment Junkie Blog).

Corman's adaptability as a filmmaker was evident as he continued to embrace new trends over the years. He released his first 3D film, "Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader" (2012), and attracted established actors like Martin Sheen and F. Murray Abraham to his projects, showcasing his lasting influence in the film industry (Entertainment Junkie Blog). His ability to spot talent and encourage new voices made an indelible mark, ensuring that his legacy would extend well beyond his extensive body of work.

Ebert vs. Corman: A Comparison

Both Roger Ebert and Roger Corman made significant contributions to cinema, but their approaches and impacts on the entertainment industry diverged in noteworthy ways.

Different Approaches to Cinema

Roger Ebert was renowned for his expansive view of cinema, embracing both art-house films and mainstream blockbusters. His critiques reflected a desire to appreciate the full spectrum of cinematic expression, as he championed a variety of genres and styles. Similarly, Roger Corman was known for his campy and low-budget filmmaking. His work, such as the psychedelic film "The Trip" (1967), not only entertained but also helped to launch the counterculture cinema movement, setting the stage for future cinematic icons like "Easy Rider".

Both figures showed a passion for innovative cinema. Ebert supported new filmmakers and emerging talent, echoing Corman's role in nurturing young directors through his independent studio, New World Pictures. This studio became a launching pad for renowned filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering creativity.

Influence on Entertainment Industry

Roger Corman's impact on the industry is often seen in the way he broke conventional norms through his low-budget films, which paved the way for independent filmmaking. His approach encouraged filmmakers to prioritize creativity over high production costs. This attitude has inspired many in the industry to pursue their unique visions, regardless of budget constraints.

Conversely, Ebert's influence was felt through his ability to elevate film criticism as a respected form of art. He championed the notion that films should be appreciated for their artistic value, not just their box office success. His televised reviews brought film discussion into mainstream culture, making cinema appreciation accessible to a broader audience. This development helped create an environment where film critics could push for cinematic excellence across the board.

Through their divergent yet parallel paths, Ebert and Corman left indelible marks on both the filmmaking process and the way cinema is viewed, appreciated, and critiqued. Their legacies continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

The Enduring Influence of Ebert

Popularity Among Audiences

Roger Ebert garnered immense popularity among film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. His ability to communicate complex ideas about cinema in an accessible manner made him a trusted voice in film criticism. Together with Gene Siskel, Ebert created a television partnership that elevated film discussions, making them engaging and entertaining. This duo significantly contributed to the mainstream popularity of film critiques from the 1980s into the 2000s, as audiences tuned in to hear their contrasting opinions and spirited debates on various movies (Quora).

Ebert's signature thumbs up or thumbs down rating system became a cultural phenomenon, influencing many viewers' choices at the box office. The impact of his critiques extended beyond just the films themselves; he helped to cultivate an informed audience that appreciated cinema on multiple levels.

Lasting Impact on Film Criticism

Roger Ebert transformed the landscape of film criticism through his writings and television appearances. He effectively used his fame to make film critiques mainstream, making them accessible and easy to understand for a wider audience (Quora). His emphasis on analyzing the artistry of films—focusing not just on plot, but on visual techniques and storytelling—encouraged a deeper appreciation for cinematic art.

Ebert's critiques often included insightful discussions about the evolution of film, examining the strategies directors employed in their work. His written reviews gained popularity not only for their content but also for their engaging style. This legacy of thoughtful and eloquent film criticism has paved the way for new generations of film writers and critics.

Ebert's lasting influence on film criticism continues to resonate today, inspiring both aspiring critics and passionate audiences to appreciate the depth and complexity of cinema.

Ebert's Critique Philosophy

Roger Ebert's philosophy towards film critique was marked by an appreciation for diversity in cinema and a strong support for emerging filmmakers. These principles guided his work and influenced countless readers and viewers.

Appreciating Diversity in Cinema

Ebert believed in the importance of exploring a wide range of cinematic expressions. He passionately championed obscure and foreign films that often received little attention. This dedication to diverse voices was evident through his annual film festival, EbertFest, which curated a rich selection of films representing different genres and styles. His critiques emphasized the importance of examining films beyond their plots, analyzing their visual compositions and the technical truths employed by directors.

Ebert often highlighted documentaries as both engaging and entertaining, seeing them as equally valuable as fiction films. For example, he notably praised Errol Morris's "Gates of Heaven," which helped to elevate the documentary genre's status within the film industry. His focus on the diversity of cinema encouraged audiences to appreciate various forms of storytelling, nurturing a broader understanding of film as an art form.

Support for Emerging Filmmakers

A significant aspect of Ebert's work was his unwavering support for emerging filmmakers. He recognized the challenges faced by new talent in the industry and made a concerted effort to highlight their contributions. Ebert showcased films from lesser-known directors alongside big-budget productions, providing a platform for them to gain visibility.

This commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers mirrored the legacy of Roger Corman, who was known for giving early opportunities to many successful filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard. Ebert's encouragement of young talent helped facilitate the discovery of fresh voices and innovative ideas in cinema. By praising the creativity and potential of these new artists, Ebert fostered an environment where diverse narratives could thrive.

Through his critique philosophy, Ebert shaped how audiences engage with film, making clear that cinema is a multifaceted world deserving of exploration, understanding, and support.

Reflecting on Ebert's Cultural Impact

Mainstreaming Film Criticism

Roger Ebert significantly contributed to making film criticism accessible and relatable to the general audience. Through his collaboration with Gene Siskel on their television show, Ebert effectively utilized his fame to elevate the status of film journalism from a niche pursuit to a mainstream conversation. Their engaging format, particularly the popular “Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down” rating system, transformed how films were discussed and appreciated, reaching millions of viewers during the 1980s and 2000s. This partnership played a crucial role in increasing public interest in film criticism, allowing viewers to develop their tastes in cinema while enjoying lively debates about films.

Ebert's Enduring Relevance

Despite facing various challenges, including health issues, Roger Ebert maintained his relevance in the film industry long after many of his peers had faded from public view (The Rumpus). His insightful and approachable reviews resonated with audiences, giving them a unique lens through which to view cinema. Ebert consistently discussed broader themes, visual composition, and technical achievements, encouraging viewers to appreciate the art of filmmaking beyond mere plots (Britannica).

Even as new trends surfaced in the media landscape, Ebert adapted effectively. His exploration of different formats, such as 3D, showcased his ability to evolve with the times while remaining a prominent figure in film discourse (Entertainment Junkie Blog). Thus, Roger Ebert's legacy endures, with his contributions to film criticism still relevant to both filmmakers and audiences alike.