Traditionally, critics don’t get much love, but since the passing of Roger Ebert yesterday afternoon, there’s been little else.
Ebert was a film criticism institution, and a social media master in recent years. If you haven’t seen his Twitter feed, I’d highly recommend it.
I didn’t always agree with him, but I always read his reviews…I still don’t get “The Tree of Life” sir.
Ebert’s writing was, and will continue to be, a major influence for me. He had a way of spinning opinion and storytelling in such a way that was just as, if not more (in some cases), entertaining than the films themselves.
As a critic, Ebert wasn’t infallible and didn’t pretend to be. The recent renaissance (to put a positive spin on it) of 3-D had the critic up in arms over the over-use of the effect simply as a gimmick to get butts in the seats.
But even he had to admit the brilliant use of the technology in 2011′s “Hugo.”
Although perhaps my favorite second thought was his re-visitation of “Thor,” a movie which received a scathing review from this icon.
When the review resulted in a full on assault from the Comic-Con crowd (card-carrying member, please don’t attack). Ebert responded with a few choice words. As he put it: When I described it as “a desolate vastation,” I went perhaps one hyperbole too far…but he didn’t stop there, read more here: My Mighty Hammering Over Thor
He may not have actually changed his opinion…at all, seriously the reply is almost crueller than the original review…but he let the offended know he’d heard them.
I think that may be the best example of the role of a movie critic. They’re not the be all end all of opinion on movies. Their word isn’t gospel. They’re conversation starters…with a great deal of knowledge about their subject matter.
And really, at the end of the day, they’re movie lovers just like the rest of us.
We all have that friend whose opinion we value. They’re not always right, we don’t always agree with them, but we always want to know what they think. That’s the movie critic, that’s Ebert, and he and his opinion will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace Mr. Ebert…see you at the movies.
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Washington Post: Roger Ebert’s Twitter brilliance helped him find a new generation of fans
Associated Press: 10 Things To Remember About Roger Ebert
Slate: Filmmakers Remember Roger Ebert
…bi-daily smile…
