Via The Screengrab comes this lovely reminiscence by Roger Ebert of his foil, and partner of many years, Gene Siskel, who passed away, this day, 10 years ago:
Growing up I watched Sneak Previews religiously; I loved the chemistry between Gene and co-host Roger and I always wished the show was longer – 30 minutes every couple of weeks was no where near enough for me I thought, for them to really analyse a film in depth.
I find Ebert’s look back at his relationship with Siskel fascinating. It seems they didn’t talk together unless they were doing the show and had a genuine dislike, at some level, for one another, (Gene never spoke to Roger about his illness for example).
And yet it seems that both realised that their mutual antipathy really worked in the context of the show and, I would argue, led them to be better critics. Ebert has been criticised for giving too many ’4 star’ ratings, but if you look back at his earlier reviews, when he was in the thick of competition with Siskel you’ll see he’s far less forgiving. Can you imagine him giving a film as well made as ‘All the President’s Men’ only 3 1/2 stars today?
This interests me of course, because at its most basic level what is ‘The Film Talk’ but a homage, a reworking, of ‘Sneak Previews’? It seems clear I’ve created the show I always wanted to watch as a kid.
And in Professor Dr. Gareth Higgins I found that film critic that I could disagree with vehemently, and, at the start at least, disliked intensely, (from the first moment I met him I couldn’t stand him – I remember thinking ‘gee, who is this jerk?’).
But things change, I’ve grown up a bit, and now, in what surely would have shocked the Jett Loe from 3 years ago, I’m honored that Gareth is going to be Best Man at my wedding.
So, with the above in mind, that what I do is so influenced by the wonderful work of these two men, and that sometimes people can do more, achieve more, be better human beings together rather than apart, I’m printing out the photo below right now, to have sitting, framed, on my desk. Thank you for so much for helping instill the love of movies in me Gene, I’m doing my best to emulate your example.
But I’m not growing that mustache.
- – -
(Photos in this post adapted from this image found in Ebert’s article)
Agree with you – it seems Ebert is far too forgiving now.
I used feel that if Gene and/or Roger did not approve of the movie, I wasn't going to see it. Now I feel like I can't trust Roger completely (thank goodness for you guys!).
Honestly, I don't tend to agree with a lot of Ebert's reviews. I like reading them because he often has insightful commentary, but I often find myself disagreeing completely with him.
Also, you're getting married, Jett?!?
Ya, that's how I am with Ebert. I love reading his reviews, but I'll usually disagree with them. It says a lot about how great of a writer he is.
And ya, I really do miss Siskel, he really was such a great foil for Ebert. Makes one really sad to think how their show has been replaced now.
yeah – usually Ebert has something interesting to say – even if it's only tangentially about the pic.+ yeah i think siskel kept him honest! ;)
I think it's fair to say that my own Siskel and Ebert are Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode, although I do like listening to you two as well. I had only truely gotten into S&E about a year ago through the online archives (I had a gap year before starting my Film Studies course). If anyone would ask me 'Siskel or Ebert', I think I have soft spot for Siskel, though isn't Ebert the more popular one? Even Richard Roeper's grown on me a little (having not liked his giving Wallace and Gromit 'Thumbs Down').
yeah i've always enjoyed mark kermode – (seeing him on late night review, etc.) though i don't find his analysis always spot on, or penetrative enough he's always good value
I didn't like Roeper at first, but compared to Ben Lyons (who they have now), he's like the all-knowing movie god. I actually really like Michael Phelps too, and I had really hoped the show would live on as Phelps and Roeper but disney had other plans.
By the way, have you guys heard that Ebert recently mentioned on his blog that he and Roeper are going to be returning to tv soon with a new show? I can't imagine Ebert can be on the show because of his surgury's (he can't speak), so I'm not sure exactly what their planning, but its worth looking out for.
Doh, I meant Michael Phillips, gosh I feel stupid.
Don't feel silly Peter – I understand the Michael Phelps is indeed doing a film review show, but he only reviews pics that are swim related…so he's reviewed Burt Lancaster in 'The Swimmer', Kevin Spacey in 'Swimming with Sharks', 'Swimfan' etc. ;)
yeah – usually Ebert has something interesting to say – even if it's only tangentially about the pic.+ yeah i think siskel kept him honest! ;)
I think it's fair to say that my own Siskel and Ebert are Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode, although I do like listening to you two as well. I had only truely gotten into S&E about a year ago through the online archives (I had a gap year before starting my Film Studies course). If anyone would ask me 'Siskel or Ebert', I think I have soft spot for Siskel, though isn't Ebert the more popular one? Even Richard Roeper's grown on me a little (having not liked his giving Wallace and Gromit 'Thumbs Down').
yeah i've always enjoyed mark kermode – (seeing him on late night review, etc.) though i don't find his analysis always spot on, or penetrative enough he's always good value
I didn't like Roeper at first, but compared to Ben Lyons (who they have now), he's like the all-knowing movie god. I actually really like Michael Phelps too, and I had really hoped the show would live on as Phelps and Roeper but disney had other plans.
By the way, have you guys heard that Ebert recently mentioned on his blog that he and Roeper are going to be returning to tv soon with a new show? I can't imagine Ebert can be on the show because of his surgury's (he can't speak), so I'm not sure exactly what their planning, but its worth looking out for.
Doh, I meant Michael Phillips, gosh I feel stupid.
Don't feel silly Peter – I understand the Michael Phelps is indeed doing a film review show, but he only reviews pics that are swim related…so he's reviewed Burt Lancaster in 'The Swimmer', Kevin Spacey in 'Swimming with Sharks', 'Swimfan' etc. ;)