Life Itself (2014 film)

Did You Know?

• The film was shortlisted for the Documentary Feature category at the 87th Academy Awards but was not nominated.
• It won a News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Editing: Documentary & Long-Form.
• CNN Films acquired the television rights to the film on January 18, 2013, and it aired on CNN on January 4, 2015.

Structure

The film combines footage of Roger Ebert during his final months with interviews of his wife Chaz Ebert, colleagues such as Martin Scorsese, Werner Herzog, Errol Morris, A.O. Scott, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Ramin Bahrani, Gregory Nava, Richard Corliss, and Ava DuVernay. Voice actor Stephen Stanton reads Ebert's writings. Clips from Ebert's television show with Gene Siskel, including outtakes and appearances on programs like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman, are featured. The documentary also examines the Siskel-Ebert relationship, Ebert's friendship with Russ Meyer and their work on Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, and how Ebert became an influential cultural voice beyond film criticism.

Production

On September 7, 2012, Roger Ebert announced on Twitter that his memoir had been optioned for a documentary by Steve James, with Martin Scorsese and Steven Zaillian as executive producers. Steve James stated that Ebert's desire for adventure and his suffering informed the critic he became. An Indiegogo campaign launched on November 20, 2013, raised over $150,000. Locations appearing in the film include the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Old Town Ale House, the Chateau Marmont, and Hotel Splendid.

Reception

Life Itself received universal acclaim from critics. Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post gave the film 3/4 stars, writing that viewers who are not moved by it ought to have their hearts examined. Kate Muir of The Times noted that fans of Roger Ebert would be both moved and amused. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote that although the film is a warts-and-all portrait, his guess is that Ebert's thumbs would be shooting upward. Mark Kermode of The Observer gave it 4/5 stars, describing it as a splendidly watchable tribute that inspired and uplifted him. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian also gave 4/5 stars, calling it an inspiring documentary for critics and cinema lovers. Geoffrey Macnab of The Independent awarded 4/5 stars, calling the film deeply moving. Antonia Quirke of the Financial Times was more critical, giving 2/5 stars and stating the film is undercooked. Kristy Puchko of CinemaBlend gave 2.5/5 stars, expressing disappointment that the film is not as inspiring or entertaining as Ebert himself.