Roger Ebert

Definition

Roger Ebert was an influential American film critic and writer, known for his profound impact on film criticism and popular culture. He gained fame for his reviews in the Chicago Sun-Times and for co-hosting the television program 'Siskel & Ebert,' where he popularized the concept of film criticism through engaging discussions. His work not only shaped how movies were perceived but also pushed the boundaries of what film criticism could encompass, influencing future generations of critics and filmmakers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roger Ebert was the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975, recognizing his excellence in reviewing films.
2. He authored several books on film, including 'The Great Movies' series, which explored significant films in cinematic history.
3. Ebert faced a battle with cancer that led to the loss of his voice, but he continued to write reviews and maintain an active presence online.
4. His influence extended beyond traditional film criticism, as he addressed social issues through his reviews and became a voice for underrepresented filmmakers.
5. Ebert's legacy includes not only his written work but also his role in shaping the public's understanding of cinema as an art form.

Review Questions

• How did Roger Ebert’s approach to film criticism change the way movies are discussed in American culture?
  • Roger Ebert revolutionized film criticism by making it more accessible and engaging to the general public. Through his television show 'Siskel & Ebert,' he brought a conversational style to critiques, allowing viewers to connect with films on a personal level. His use of the thumbs up/thumbs down rating system simplified decision-making for audiences, transforming how they engaged with cinema.
• In what ways did Roger Ebert influence emerging filmmakers and critics during his career?
  • Roger Ebert served as both a mentor and a critic for many emerging filmmakers and writers throughout his career. He was known for championing independent films and lesser-known directors, providing them with visibility through his reviews. This support helped elevate diverse voices within the industry, encouraging new narratives and styles in filmmaking that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
• Evaluate the significance of Roger Ebert’s legacy in the context of modern film criticism and its future directions.
  • Roger Ebert's legacy remains significant in modern film criticism as it sets a standard for thoughtful analysis intertwined with personal reflection. His ability to connect social issues with cinematic narratives has inspired current critics to adopt a more holistic approach when evaluating films. As film criticism evolves with digital platforms, Ebert's influence encourages critics to continue addressing broader cultural conversations while embracing new forms of media engagement.

Related terms

Film Criticism: The art of analyzing and interpreting films, often involving discussions on aspects like direction, acting, screenplay, and cinematography.

Siskel & Ebert: A television program that featured film reviews and debates between critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, which helped popularize film criticism in mainstream media.

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down: A rating system popularized by Ebert that became synonymous with quick film reviews, indicating a critic's recommendation or disapproval of a film.