Roger Ebert: The Dean of American Film Criticism
Roger Ebert was more than a critic; he was a cultural figure. He shaped how people viewed movies. From the
Decoding Ebert: Navigating the Star System and Beyond
When Roger Ebert comes to mind, stars appear, but not Hollywood ones. Ebert used a four-star system skillfully. Four stars meant cinematic brilliance. But what about the films with zero stars? Many ponder which ones fell into that abyss of despair.
The Pantheon of Perfection: Ebert's Four-Star Films
Ebert awarded four stars to a wide variety of films he cherished. This prestigious honor identified cinematic masterpieces that deeply resonated with him. His list from over five decades is vast, but certain films are discussed repeatedly. Titles like
The Abyss of Awfulness: Ebert's Zero-Star Films
Now, we delve into zero-star films. Ebert rarely gave zero stars; these films offended him deeply. In his expansive career from 1967 to 2013, such condemnation was rare but powerful. Notably,
Walk-Out Wonders: The Films Ebert Couldn't Endure
Besides star ratings, some films made Ebert walk out. He famously left several during his career, showcasing movies so intolerable they tested his limits. While the specifics vary, his walk-outs left a significant mark. Leaving a film is a profound statement, akin to a chef rejecting terrible food. It declared, "This is a waste of time and senses." Ebert rarely walked out, making it a notable event. Such disasters could shock a man whose career was built on film critique.
Ebert's Last Words on Film: A Final Positive Note
In his long career spanning decades, reflecting on Ebert's first and last reviews is intriguing. Identifying his first review is challenging, but the final one was
The Sheer Volume: Ebert's Herculean Movie Marathon
Let’s consider numbers. Roger Ebert evaluated at least 10,000 films. This figure is staggering—more than most will see in ten lifetimes. From 1967 to 2013, he worked tirelessly, producing reviews with passion. It reflects his unwavering love for film as an art form. He observed not merely movies; he chronicled cinematic history through his critiques. He functioned as a walking film database, insightful and witty.
Siskel & Ebert: A Tale of Two Godfathers (and Agreement!)
The dynamic of Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel was monumental. Their chemistry and debates became legendary, along with their "Two Thumbs Up" system. Yet even these critics found common ground. In 1972, both honored
Ebert's Inner Circle: His Pantheon of Favorite Films
While Ebert rated countless films, some resonated much more deeply with him. These movies were personal favorites, which he championed fiercely. We've noted some four-star films already, but let’s explore what truly connected with him.
Hitchcock's Notorious : The Pinnacle of Suspense
Ebert’s favorite Hitchcock film was
Beyond Notorious : A Spectrum of Cinematic Affection
While
Cinema reflects Ebert's diverse tastes. His favorites include
The Ebert Persona: More Than Just a Critic
Ebert was more than a critic. He was a cultural figure with a powerful voice. His writing and public persona allowed him to resonate beyond film. This will explore his life and career. Ebert is more than a reviewer; he is Roger Ebert.
The Midwestern Voice: Populism and Humanism in Prose
Ebert's writing was not academic. It was direct and engaging. His Midwestern style made complex ideas accessible. He valued films that touched audiences emotionally. Ebert wrote for movie lovers, not snobs. He demystified criticism, creating a public conversation.
Pulitzer Prize Pioneer: A Critic's Crowning Achievement
In 1975, Ebert won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. This marked a milestone in film criticism. It validated film criticism as journalism. Ebert's achievement brought respect and recognition. It paved the way for future critics.
A Decade-Long Battle: Ebert's Courage in the Face of Cancer
In 2002, Ebert faced thyroid cancer. This began a decade-long battle with health issues. Multiple surgeries included reconstructive surgery in 2006. He lost his ability to speak. Still, his written voice remained strong until his death in 2013. His struggle inspired many, symbolizing courage.
Final Curtain: Ebert's Poetic Last Words
Ebert passed away on April 4, 2013, at age 70. His death ended an era in film criticism. Chaz Ebert shared his last words: a quote from
From Academia to the Arts: Ebert's Path to Criticism
Ebert's path to film criticism was unique. He earned a journalism degree in Illinois, then pursued a Ph.D. in English. However, he chose writing full-time, abandoning academia. His academic background shaped his criticism, bridging scholarly rigor with public accessibility.
No Children, Just Cinema: Ebert's Personal Life
Ebert was married to Chaz Hammelsmith from 1992 to 2013. They shared a loving bond. Chaz supported him during his health struggles. They had no children. His family was cinema, and his legacy continues through his work and influence.
Graceland Chapel, Cremated Remains: The Afterlife of a Critic
After passing, Ebert's memorial service took place at Graceland Chapel in Chicago. However, his crematory had closed before then. Ebert's ashes were likely with Chaz. Graceland Chapel was a fitting choice due to its beauty and significance.
Siskel and Ebert: Friendly Rivals, Lasting Bond
The relationship between Siskel and Ebert was complex. They weren't best friends but shared a close bond. Their debates were legendary. Beneath rivalry, they respected each other's opinions. After Siskel's death in 1999, Ebert honored their bond and legacy.
The Everlasting Debate: What is the "Best Movie of All Time"?
The search for the best movie sparks endless debates. Is there a single answer? Not really. Film tastes vary based on experiences and preferences. What resonates with one viewer may not affect another. However, some films appear consistently in discussions of greatness.
No Single Answer: The Subjectivity of Cinematic Greatness
There is no consensus on the best movie ever. What makes a film "best" is subjective. Different viewers focus on different elements: innovation, impact, significance, or success. A film may be a masterpiece to one but overrated to another. This diversity lies at the heart of cinema's beauty.
The Usual Suspects: Films Frequently in the "Best Of" Conversation
Some films frequently appear in "best of" discussions. Titles like
Citizen Kane
: A Perennial Poll Topper
Orson Welles's
Five-Star Favorites: A Glimpse at Highly Rated Gems
Besides the "best" discussions, many movies achieved acclaim. Think about films like
Behind the Silver Screen: Intriguing Movie Industry Facts
The movie industry combines glamour and surprising realities. Beyond the red carpets, intriguing facts exist. These details reveal Hollywood's inner workings. Let's explore some movie industry trivia.
Rotten Tomatoes Royalty: The Perfect Score of Leave No Trace
Rotten Tomatoes, the review aggregation site, highlights positive reviews with its Tomatometer. Many films aim for high scores, but
Box Office Bomb: The Curious Case of Zyzzyx Road
As
Williams' Star Wars Score: A Symphony of Success
John Williams's score for
Star Wars Mania: A Galaxy of References
Eric Roberts: The Prolific King of Quantity (and Maybe Quality?)
Some actors choose selective roles, unlike Eric Roberts. This prolific actor appears in over 300 films, the highest number for any actor. His output rivals that of industrious filmmakers. While quality varies, his dedication to acting is clear.
Avatar 's Reign: The King of the Box Office Mountain
Decoding Movie Ratings: A Starry and Lettered Guide
Movie ratings guide audiences on quality and content. Understanding different systems helps navigate cinema better. Let’s explore the world of ratings, from stars to letters.
Common Sense Media: A Family-Friendly Star System
Common Sense Media rates movies based on family content. Their five-star system differs from Ebert's. Three stars mean "Just fine; solid," indicating a decent film. Ratings lower than 3 stars are disappointing at best. Their system assists parents in making viewing choices.
The Elusive 10-Star Movie: Hyperbole or True Masterpiece?
"10-star movies" wow audiences without following strict rating guidelines. Ebert capped at 4 stars. Yet some systems use a 10-star scale. Films like
Rotten Tomatoes' Top 300: A Critic-Approved Canon
Rotten Tomatoes lists the 300 best movies based on critical reviews. This selection represents cinematic excellence. Films like
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies: American Cinematic Landmarks
The American Film Institute's lists spotlight key films that shaped cinema. These periodic lists recognize cultural impact and artistic achievements. Many films overlap with Rotten Tomatoes' best films, emphasizing their importance in film history.
The Origin of Stars: Mobil's Guide to Quality
The star rating system began with the Mobil Travel Guide in 1958. Mobil funded anonymous reviews for restaurants and hotels. This method led to the five-star system used today in various reviews, including film critique.
NC-17: Adults Only, No Exceptions
The NC-17 rating stands as the most restrictive category in film ratings. It indicates "No Children Under 17 Admitted." This rating is strictly for adults, with no exceptions for younger viewers, even with parental guidance. It's reserved for films with explicit content.
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