Life Itself
First screened in July 2014
Director: Steve James. Documentary about the life, career, and death of film critic Roger Ebert. Interview subjects include Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, John McHugh, William Nack, Marlene Iglitzen, Richard Corliss, A.O. Scott, Ramin Bahrani, Ava DuVernay, Werner Herzog, Errol Morris, Gregory Nava, Martin Scorsese.

Twitter Capsule: Couldn't call it daring in form, but very satisfying portrait. Like Ebert, plainspoken, not simple. Generous, not soft.

VOR:   Modest but stirring model of an affectionate tribute that retains its own POV. Welcome complement to the memoir, since tones and emphases differ. Multiple entrypoints.



Photo © 2014 Kartemquin Films

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B


Awards:
Chicago Film Critics Association: Best Documentary Feature
National Board of Review: Best Documentary Feature

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