A Passion for Roger Ebert
Posted by Carolan Gladden at 2/21/2010 11:10 AM 
Categories: People, Passions, Media, Writing, Amazements, thoughts
Categories: People, Passions, Media, Writing, Amazements, thoughts
I have always loved Roger Ebert -- his movie reviews on Siskel and Ebert and the Movies always reflected expansive and positive views of the world and our humanity. Siskel not so much ... And even after Siskel died from a brain tumor, Ebert outdid every replacement in matching my own film sensibilities.
In recent years, since Ebert has been off the tube (due to extreme complications that began with thyroid cancer) I've not only read his movie reviews on his website http://rogerebert.suntimes.com but have also been enthralled by his experiences and thoughts presented in frequent journal entries.
Now Chris Jones has masterfully cchronicled Roger Ebert: The Essential Man in the current Esquire magazine. A long, factual article that captures the complex story and amazing essence of both the non-religious Ebert and Chaz, his fantastic African-American wife.
Most important is the fact that he did not see it before publication -- says he never does that to any writer -- and, although he found parts of it painful, he praises the author and says it is all indeed true. He says he doesn't mind the m
ug shot exposing his changed face but would rather the article hadn't said he's dying in increments. His retort: We are ALL dying in increments!
And then these profound thoughts: I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and am happy I lived long enough to find it out.
Read the entire article: http://www.esquire.com/features/roger-ebert-0310
Positively,
Carolan
In recent years, since Ebert has been off the tube (due to extreme complications that began with thyroid cancer) I've not only read his movie reviews on his website http://rogerebert.suntimes.com but have also been enthralled by his experiences and thoughts presented in frequent journal entries.
Now Chris Jones has masterfully cchronicled Roger Ebert: The Essential Man in the current Esquire magazine. A long, factual article that captures the complex story and amazing essence of both the non-religious Ebert and Chaz, his fantastic African-American wife.
Most important is the fact that he did not see it before publication -- says he never does that to any writer -- and, although he found parts of it painful, he praises the author and says it is all indeed true. He says he doesn't mind the m
ug shot exposing his changed face but would rather the article hadn't said he's dying in increments. His retort: We are ALL dying in increments!Read the entire article: http://www.esquire.com/features/roger-ebert-0310
Positively,
Carolan
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