This is not a film review, it's more of a book review, but that is more towards the end.I like to think of it as a celebration or a partial testimony. To a great man in my eyes. Who put his passion on display for the world to see. Sure it was his opinion, but it helped shape film appreciation and the way we look at films to a degree.
Now I know this is late, but it took some time to put in words what I felt for the man. I can probably never fully out in a million words exactly my thought nor in a hundred essays express my range of thoughts wen it comes to him.
I started early. I shouldn't say I did as much as my father did. When I was growing up it was almost a ritual to go to the movies every weekend. Even I not there was always a movie playing on television or a recent contraption of modern technology at the time called a VCR and since buying a video cassette of a movie that had just came out on home video was quite expensive and bulky with the box. My father had the great idea to get two VCR's and copy films. He usually used the show to know what was out and what was worth checking out or copying for his home collection. Which he might have lent out.
Now to gauge the quality or critical reception of the film my father not only read all the newspapers for reviews but as he was thrifty. He would always watch Siskel & Ebert every Saturday and tape it if he was going To miss it. At first I found it annoying a show for old people but as they showed clips from the movies. Thy was the part that kept me contained and interested. So soon I found myself constantly watching the show also and as I got older actually paid attention to what they were saying. Now gene Siskel seemed to be the most level headed and cooler of the two. Though with Ebert maybe it was the fact he was overweight like I was but he represented someone who reminded me of myself physically and also what I resented. Over the years I always watched the how even if I never intended to watch the film. To see the reasons and reasoning behind their thoughts. Especially if I had seen the film the Friday before the show to sort of compare notes. Over the years I found myself ether agreeing or rather sharply disagreeing. As at times his arguments seemed more passionate about certain film rather than Siskel who seemed more happy go lucky. Soon watching the show like i'm sure all who did felt like they were the third critic in the balcony with them. Soon I was the one telling my dad when the time for the show was moved where and when to find it.
There were imitators like SNEAK PREVIEWS on PBS with Jeffrey Lyons and Michael Medved which was O.K., a little too clinical and sanitary. But no Siskel & Ebert. I think the sneak preview crew lacked the passion. Not that as critics they had none for the films. They just didn't know how to express it properly. They made film reviewing seem like only a job. Siskel and every made it look like an obsession a passion, like cinema was a good friend and they were telling you status reports on their lives. He also showed me and others that it was acceptable to be an intellectual and look at whatever subject you want to in that way. Not exactly cool socially, but smooth and cool to be one. For some of us it's more fun to have debates about heavy examination of something and talk about things other might see as nonsense but means something to the individuals. Such as some of us might find the Behavior and repetitive discussion subjects of others boring or uninteresting, we just leave it for than to have. And hopefully can respect our interests in entertainment which some may consider disposable art for the masses, But still has a huge impact on culture worldwide and is beginning to encompass all media in one. I also began reading his books on film criticism more in my twenties once I had decided I wanted to be a filmmaker myself. I read other guides, but I liked his guides the best. As he always let you know the exact reasons for his ratings rather than just dismiss with a comment. Through these books as him and the show out together. It was like he was one of the major professors of my home schooled film school. As far as film appreciation and in general film education.
One miraculous thing and the closest I ever came to contacting him was. One day on a movie reviewing
website. It let’s you know who is following your reviews and apparently towards the end I was one of the people he was following. There were many more, but I was just honored that i was even being looked at maybe by him for my opinion on certain films. It was an honor even if not real or just a made up account. it was just a minor acknowledgement that made me float and feel proud. One of the few achievements that I have known or at least remember in full. Making me feel like I am doing the right thing and on the right path. Haven't revealed that I too many people. Now some might not like or find interest in this book as much as I did. One of the reasons might be as I followed his career and writing i found then to be intellectual and kind of like a certain type of philosophy or spiritual. Reviewing bit also saying how the film felt and how I affected him. Instead of keeping the film at an arms distance. Maybe as a film fan and practicing critic. That really affected me as he always seemed I he a constant in my life and in my movie interests. He introduced me to film criticism. He remained a constant inspiration to those who loved movies to a degree. Even of it was just I disagree with him.
Which reminded me of recently when a friend Adam, brought up a habit I have when going to the movies and making sounds, laughs and snickers for no reason. He’s not the only one to bring this up actually. I don’t do it loudly, but audible to whomever I am watching a film with. It takes them by surprise. Recently I have caught myself doing it. Not necessarily as like a facial tic. I believe that when I watch a film good or bad I get enraptured in the film and he so into it that I have my own reactions some late and remote. To an inside joke or something I am only paying particular notice to, which is a good thing. If I had no reaction at all that probably means I have no interest In it at all in ago is or bad way. In my own way I am going on the adventure and journey the films asks me to. The only question in the end is it a good trip or a bad one.
Getting back on subject, To tell you the truth, I never in the long run thought he would have so much meaning in my life and would mean so much to me. He was just a constant standard, who I took for granted and thought would always be around now once he is gone. There seems to be a void. As he really was one of the last popular and known film reviewers, who was a star in his own right. Though more for skills and talent then looks. Definitely one of the last universally respected critics.
Now while the documentary of the book and his life is excellent. It is simply an abridged version Of the book. Now those looking for reviews and views on film will be disappointed only in the fact he rarely talks about them In depth. Instead focusing on the things he rarely talked about in public. His life. That is truly the only part of the book I can see that would be considers disappointing. As this book isn't so much a celebration of life, bit more a lively summary. It's Interesting that with this book while he talks about movies and Hollywood. this book is more about him writing about his life and experiences. Letting us in as he has rarely done nor do I think man really asked either. More interested in what he thought about a film either then get to know the man himself. In the book we are privy to more insight and deeper stories of people and experiences that japes his life and outlook. Here he shared his beliefs and philosophy.
Over the years and as opinionated as he was. Here you more get to know the person. Not even really about film or any reviews. He was first and foremost a journalist and winter here he gets to showcase his finesse and style. He didn't even start public in movies and wanting to be a film critic. He was assigned the job and more or less stuck with it. An early self promoter he was editor of his own paper and college newspaper before the age of 20. And before 25 found himself an actual working reporter for the Chicago sun times. We are with him on his travels overseas, on sets, in trailers and At home as he makes Chicago of the past truly come alive.
It's not all him. We have beautiful testimonies of his family, his adapted family, friends, partners and colleagues. They are all glowing and praise worthy. Of course he touches on his relationships with his wife Chaz, his early romantic and not so romantic relationships, his partner Gene Siskel. Who is never forgotten by him though in life he seems to be more of a footnote. As he died more suddenly and whole roger was left to carry in the legacy. We watched him slowly deteriorate and slip away, but here he leaves is with an account so that we always know his early, middle and last days It's a brave book as he has the positive outlook about his condition throughout, but the realization he was near the end. So it was now or never an shows a certain bravery to be open and honest an even when a bit raunchy. His skill of language shows that it can still be taken as endearing and charming.
Much respect to Gene Siskel who sometimes get the short shrift in life now as not only was he the first to go, but not a prolific as far as writing books and never really getting a chance to say goodbye as his death was so sudden and not really having a chance to say goodbye and get used to the ideas as Roger Ebert was allowed to do.
The book isn't necessarily linear it jumps around. Though these are mainly essays. They never feel like them. They feel like listening to a great raconteur. Who is summing up his experiences over a shared dinner. I respect that he presents the ugly truth but chooses to celebrate life, people and experiences.
There are cameos here and there by some celebrities and even screen legends, but this is all about him.
Through these books as him and the show out together. It was like he was one of the major professors of my home schooled film school. As far as film appreciation and in general film education.
One miraculous thing and the closest I ever came to contacting him was. One day on a movie reviewing website. It let’s you know who is following your reviews and apparently towards the end I was one of the people he was following. There were many more, but I was just honored that i was even being looked at maybe by him for my opinion on certain films. It was an honor even if not real or just a made up account. it was just a minor acknowledgement that made me float and feel proud. One of the few achievements that I have known or at least remember in full. Making me feel like I am doing the right thing and on the right path. Haven't revealed that to too many people.
Now some might not like or find interest in this book as much as I did. One of the reasons might be as I followed his career and writing i found then to be intellectual and kind of like a certain type of philosophy or spiritual. Reviewing bit also saying how the film felt and how I affected him. Instead of keeping the film at an arms distance. Maybe as a film fan and practicing critic. That really affected me as he always seemed I he a constant in my life and in my movie interests. He introduced me to film criticism. He remained a constant inspiration to those who loved movies to a degree. Even of it was just I disagree with him.
Which reminded me of recently when a friend Adam, brought up a habit I have when going to the movies and making sounds, laughs and snickers for no reason. He’s not the only one to bring this up actually. I don’t do it loudly, but audible to whomever I am watching a film with. It takes them by surprise. Recently I have caught myself doing it. Not necessarily as like a facial tic. I believe that when I watch a film good or bad I get enraptured in the film and he so into it that I have my own reactions some late and remote. To an inside joke or something I am only paying particular notice to, which is a good thing. If I had no reaction at all that probably means I have no interest In it at all in ago is or bad way. In my own way I am going on the adventure and journey the films asks me to. The only question in the end is it a good trip or a bad one.
To tell you the truth, I never in the long run thought he would have so much meaning in my life and would mean so much to me. He was just a constant standard, who I took for granted and thought would always be around now once he is gone. There seems to be a void. As he really was one of the last popular and known film reviewers, who was a star in his own right. Though more for skills and talent then looks. Definitely one of the last universally respected critics.
Though opinionated here he passes no judgement. Opening himself up to share he gets into who inspired him, his great passions. Sort of his origin story. (He is a hero to me and I am sure many others) told by himself before anyone else can an offer theories of whatever was thinking or why he behaved the way he does. He was there and tries to explain his mindset and that it might have taught him or why he still remembers it so vividly.
It's a great loss for us all and the world of film. Of course we all have out own reasons for why we love film. He at least exposed us to why we should and why it wasn't just disposable art, but art in hitch we follow and means so much to is so that it can't be disposable. It means something. --It's just a beautiful book that is worth reading as the title says It is life affirming and you don't even have to necessarily be a film fan to enjoy. I am sure I am giving it such high marks out of nostalgia and as the last testament of a man I admire. Though I truly do believe it is a noteworthy book.
It's just a beautiful book that is worth reading as the title says It is life affirming and you don't even have to necessarily be a film fan to enjoy. I am sure I am giving it such high marks out of nostalgia and as the last testament of a man I admire. Though I truly do believe it is a noteworthy book.
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