The documentary every writer needs to watch - Life Itself

Title: Life Itself
Director: Steve James
United States, 2014
http://lifeitself.vhx.tv/

This from the man that brought us 'Hoop Dreams.'  Martin Scorsese is one of the executive producers on this and it shows.  A wonderful insight into the life and times of the famous film critic Roger Ebert.  A wonderful look into his life as a editor, writer and even a blogger.  You get to find out all about the great show 'Siskel & Ebert' and how it started.

Steve James gives us a inside view of Ebert how and he lived the final part of his life.  We find Ebert at a time where he has lost his voice and he now uses a computer to digitally speak.  He uses a blog to write now.  As Ebert says, 'My blog became my voice.'

At his side is his loving wife Chaz.  They form a powerful unit and she supports him all the way.  This documentary is a fascinating glimpse of what it takes to be a writer and especially a film critic.

In some parts funny, some parts serious, others difficult to watch and at times emotional.  A wonderful tribute to one of the greatest writers of our time.

His website http://www.rogerebert.com/ is what he has left us.  He has evolved film criticism with it Contributors write reviews on his behalf as they continue the reviews on his behalf.

As I left the cinema one lady who watched the movie whispered to me 'How was that movie?'

Rating: A Must See!

Next Showing at DIFF: Thursday 24 July, Ster-Kinekor, Musgrave Centre, 10pm


Review by +Fred Felton