LIFE ITSELF

Honoring a legend, LIFE ITSELF celebrates the life and work of the late Roger Ebert. As a young boy growing up in Urbana, Illinois, Ebert fell in love with newspapers. His talented writing and arrogant demeanor would eventually earn him the role of film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, launching a lifelong career that fueled his passion for motion pictures. With detailed excerpts from Ebert’s memoir, the film depicts his rise to fame from one of Chicago’s good-ol’-boys, to one-half of the “Two Thumbs Up” duo of Siskel & Ebert, and recognition as one of the world’s most acclaimed film critics of all time. Colleagues and directors, who were often at the mercy of Ebert’s brutally honest reviews, candidly contribute their heartfelt memories of Ebert and his unforgettable impact on their lives, personally and professionally. The film incorporates footage of a resilient Ebert in his final months of life with his beloved wife Chaz by his side. A moving, well-deserved dedication, LIFE ITSELF pays tribute to Ebert’s lasting legacy on the world of cinema. —A.B.