It’s been a personal goal of mine to promote Roger Ebert as much as possible, whenever I can, to whomever I can. Ironically, most of the general population associates Ebert with perhaps the most simplistic form of criticism out there, ‘two thumbs up’ and its antithesis, when in fact, he possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of film, and unlike many critics, has an intrinsic understanding of the language of filmmaking. His print reviews are consistently insightful, charming and literary, and it’s nice to see that after a long battle with his health (which is far from over) he’s begun writing reviews again.
To commemorate that event, as well as Roger’s 65th birthday, his friend and colleague Richard Corliss, Time Magazine’s resident critic, has written an extensive and entertaining tribute to his friend. He shares personal anecdotes, highlights, and thoughts on the man he’s known for nearly 30 years. If you’re a fan of films, film criticism, or Roger himself (which surely follows the first two) I suggest you check it out. Here’s an excerpt:
When he doesn’t like a movie, he will often go out of his way to mention some attractive element amid the carnage, giving what amounts to a review that says, “Yes, but! Big but!” And when he decides that a movie rates a pan — a “Bah, thumbug,” if you will — he tends to approach the task not with the hot rage of a jilted suitor, or the curled lip of contempt that is the occupational habit of other critics (this one included), but with the fretful brow of a knowing, caring family doctor. He diagnoses the symptoms, then calmly and compassionately explains the nature of your ailment.
Check out the article in its entirety HERE.
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