Watching this documentary about Roger Ebert was an uncomfortable experience for me. Yes, I laughed at parts of the movie. After all, Roger Ebert was a funny guy. But watching the nurses suctioning out Roger’s air tube was unsettling. Steve James, the director, shows Roger in pain. He shows Roger being “difficult.” Life Itself is as much about Roger’s wife Chaz as it is about Roger. You can see Chaz’s strength empowering Roger. But Steve James also shows the exasperation that all care givers experience when their loved ones are resistant. This is an honest and revealing movie, just what Roger wanted when he started this project. Life Itself moved me, saddened me, and inspired me. It’s a great documentary. I expect Life Itself to win an Oscar next year. GRADE: A
Thanks George – thumbs aside, I was always a fan of Ebert but I’m glad to hear that this focuses on his life and that of his wife – I must see this.
Sergio, LIFE ITSELF doesn’t pull any punches. And that’s what makes it a great documentary.
My mom was always picking out men for me to marry and Roger Ebert (along with Richard Dreyfus) was always at the top of the list. After I got married, she would laughingly say that Ebert didn’t get married until after I did because he knew he’d list his chance! I’m looking forward to seeing this–and I’m glad Chaz gets equal billing because in his book (also titled Life Itself), Ebert makes it clear that they were partners and equals in everything they did.
Deb, it’s very moving to see Roger and Chaz interact in LIFE ITSELF. Their love and respect for one another is right there on the screen.
I’ve read Ebert’s memoir, but I’m not sure I’m tough enough for the movie.
Bill, parts of LIFE ITSELF are hard to watch. But that’s the way Roger wanted it. LIFE ITSELF is an honest picture of a marvelous life.
I’m with Bill, I try to avoid depressing things, especially these days.
Rick, only parts of LIFE ITSELF are medically serious. Much of the documentary consists of Roger’s humor and cleverness.
Though it’s not an issue right now, I can’t read, either book, computer screen (I greatly magnified this) or even watch TV – it’s all just a blur. I’m now listening to podcasts and audiobooks. It makes me wonder what sightless persons do with all their time.
Rick, vision problems are the worst! Diane’s mother has macular degeneration and reading for her is a struggle even with magnifiers. Diane introduced her mother to audio books a couple years ago and that has been working well.