Roger Ebert could bring new life to films just based upon the words he put to paper. To this day, the thumbs up/thumbs down remains one of the most iconic symbols of a film’s performance, thanks to the team of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert.
Director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese and Steven Zallian put together Life Itself, a documentary that tells the inspiring and entertaining life of Ebert. The film, based on the bestselling memoir of the same name, explores the impact and legacy of Ebert’s life: a man who had been writing for almost half the history of film. From his Pulitzer Prize-winning criticism and television show with Gene Siskel, to becoming one of the most influential voices of film world, and his final battle with cancer, Ebert persevered and remained a cultural force.
Life Itself made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, U.S. rollout of the film will begin July 4, with CNN airing it later this year.