LIFE ITSELF

LIFE ITSELF
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

10 thoughts on “LIFE ITSELF

  1. Deb

    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.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      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.

      Reply
    1. george Post author

      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.

      Reply
  2. Richard R.

    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.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      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.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *