• Home
  • Longform
    • Defanging the Unthinkable
      more
      View more

      Defanging the Unthinkable

      6 years ago
    • A Fitting, Impressive Goodbye
      more
      View more

      A Fitting, Impressive Goodbye

      6 years ago
    • The Ambivalent, Bittersweet "My Life as a Zucchini"
      more
      View more

      The Ambivalent, Bittersweet "My Life as a Zucchini"

      6 years ago
    • The Complex Morality of "No Country for Old Men"
      more
      View more

      The Complex Morality of "No Country for Old Men"

      6 years ago
  • Interviews
    • A New Way of Telling Love Stories
      more
      View more

      A New Way of Telling Love Stories

      6 years ago
    • Breaking Standards with Julian Rosefeldt of "Manifesto"
      more
      View more

      Breaking Standards with Julian Rosefeldt of "Manifesto"

      6 years ago
    • Indulging Mightily with Alex Ross Perry and the "Golden Exits" Cast
      more
      View more

      Indulging Mightily with Alex Ross Perry and the "Golden Exits" Cast

      6 years ago
    • The Ultimate Meta-Performance: Kate Lyn Sheil on "Kate Plays Christine"
      more
      View more

      The Ultimate Meta-Performance: Kate Lyn Sheil on "Kate Plays Christine"

      7 years ago
  • Critic-At-Large
    • Now Playing: "From Nowhere"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "From Nowhere"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "Fifty Shades Darker"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "Fifty Shades Darker"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "War on Everyone"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "War on Everyone"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "The Salesman"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "The Salesman"

      6 years ago
  • Podcast
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 287: "Kundun"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 287: "Kundun"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 286: "Pinocchio"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 286: "Pinocchio"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 285: "That Darn Cat"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 285: "That Darn Cat"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 284: "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 284: "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement"

      6 years ago
Movie Mezzanine
  • Home
  • Longform
    • Defanging the Unthinkable
      more
      View more

      Defanging the Unthinkable

      6 years ago
    • A Fitting, Impressive Goodbye
      more
      View more

      A Fitting, Impressive Goodbye

      6 years ago
    • The Ambivalent, Bittersweet "My Life as a Zucchini"
      more
      View more

      The Ambivalent, Bittersweet "My Life as a Zucchini"

      6 years ago
    • The Complex Morality of "No Country for Old Men"
      more
      View more

      The Complex Morality of "No Country for Old Men"

      6 years ago
  • Interviews
    • A New Way of Telling Love Stories
      more
      View more

      A New Way of Telling Love Stories

      6 years ago
    • Breaking Standards with Julian Rosefeldt of "Manifesto"
      more
      View more

      Breaking Standards with Julian Rosefeldt of "Manifesto"

      6 years ago
    • Indulging Mightily with Alex Ross Perry and the "Golden Exits" Cast
      more
      View more

      Indulging Mightily with Alex Ross Perry and the "Golden Exits" Cast

      6 years ago
    • The Ultimate Meta-Performance: Kate Lyn Sheil on "Kate Plays Christine"
      more
      View more

      The Ultimate Meta-Performance: Kate Lyn Sheil on "Kate Plays Christine"

      7 years ago
  • Critic-At-Large
    • Now Playing: "From Nowhere"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "From Nowhere"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "Fifty Shades Darker"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "Fifty Shades Darker"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "War on Everyone"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "War on Everyone"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "The Salesman"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "The Salesman"

      6 years ago
  • Podcast
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 287: "Kundun"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 287: "Kundun"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 286: "Pinocchio"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 286: "Pinocchio"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 285: "That Darn Cat"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 285: "That Darn Cat"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 284: "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 284: "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement"

      6 years ago
  • Home
  • Longform
    • Defanging the Unthinkable
      more
      View more

      Defanging the Unthinkable

      6 years ago
    • A Fitting, Impressive Goodbye
      more
      View more

      A Fitting, Impressive Goodbye

      6 years ago
    • The Ambivalent, Bittersweet "My Life as a Zucchini"
      more
      View more

      The Ambivalent, Bittersweet "My Life as a Zucchini"

      6 years ago
    • The Complex Morality of "No Country for Old Men"
      more
      View more

      The Complex Morality of "No Country for Old Men"

      6 years ago
  • Interviews
    • A New Way of Telling Love Stories
      more
      View more

      A New Way of Telling Love Stories

      6 years ago
    • Breaking Standards with Julian Rosefeldt of "Manifesto"
      more
      View more

      Breaking Standards with Julian Rosefeldt of "Manifesto"

      6 years ago
    • Indulging Mightily with Alex Ross Perry and the "Golden Exits" Cast
      more
      View more

      Indulging Mightily with Alex Ross Perry and the "Golden Exits" Cast

      6 years ago
    • The Ultimate Meta-Performance: Kate Lyn Sheil on "Kate Plays Christine"
      more
      View more

      The Ultimate Meta-Performance: Kate Lyn Sheil on "Kate Plays Christine"

      7 years ago
  • Critic-At-Large
    • Now Playing: "From Nowhere"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "From Nowhere"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "Fifty Shades Darker"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "Fifty Shades Darker"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "War on Everyone"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "War on Everyone"

      6 years ago
    • Now Playing: "The Salesman"
      more
      View more

      Now Playing: "The Salesman"

      6 years ago
  • Podcast
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 287: "Kundun"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 287: "Kundun"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 286: "Pinocchio"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 286: "Pinocchio"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 285: "That Darn Cat"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 285: "That Darn Cat"

      6 years ago
    • Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 284: "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement"
      more
      View more

      Mousterpiece Cinema, Episode 284: "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement"

      6 years ago
<b>In Memoriam:</b> Legendary Film Critic <b>Roger Ebert</b> Passes Away, But His Writing and Spirit Lives On Forever
  • In Memoriam

In Memoriam: Legendary Film Critic Roger Ebert Passes Away, But His Writing and Spirit Lives On Forever

  • by Sam Fragoso
  • April 4, 2013
  • 0
  • 2168

I don’t know when the pain and tears will begin to subside. What I do know is that today the world lost not only a great writer, but a great human being in Roger Ebert.

Film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times since 1967, author of more than 20 books, and co-host of the beloved television program At the Movies, Roger was a beacon of pure inspiration.

He inspired us film critics to be more reflective and poignant writers, and he inspired filmmakers, actors, and actresses, big and small, to pursue their creative dreams. But most importantly Roger inspired all of us to be better human beings.

Since 2002, Roger had been battling myriad forms of cancer. Yet no disease – even when it led to the loss of his ability speak and eat – impeded Roger’s passion for movies and writing. In fact, just last year Roger managed to write more than any other year in his immeasurable, brilliant career.

Perhaps the reason why Roger has left such an indelible impression on so many was because of how unabashedly sincere, honest, and generous he was. Whether he’d be discussing movies or religion, illness or traveling, La Dolce Vita or North, he’d do so with a warmth often absent in the world we inhabit.

About a year ago I had the great pleasure and fortune to meet my hero at Ebertfest, Roger’s annual film festival held in Urbana, Illinois (his hometown). Nervous and anxious, it took 20-minutes of me convincing myself that I needed to go up and speak to him.

Hands shaking, knees trembling, I handed him my copy of his beautiful memoir, Life Itself, along with my business card. I still remember the exact words I wrote on the back of that Duke & the Movies gold and navy card: “Roger, while your voice may be gone, your words will live forever. Thank you for everything.” He read it, handed it to Chaz, looked at me, and then smiled. I will never forget that smile.

Months after the festival ended I received a supportive email from Roger saying he read my reviews and that I have a future as a writer, film critic or not. Without any hyperbole intended, that was, unequivocally, one of the best days of my life. He didn’t have to reach out to me, but that’s just the kind of person he was.

To anyone who has experienced or interacted with Roger, in one way or another, knows that today is not an easy day. I’d like to think this pain will soon end, but I can’t be sure. If only we could all be Roger … a man who, even in the face terrible illness, remained astute and optimistic.

For now, lets continue to reflect on the writer, the mentor, and the human being that was Roger Ebert.

I miss him already. Thank you for everything, Roger.

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related posts

0
Personal Writing as Professional Empathy: On David Carr

Personal Writing as Professional Empathy: On David Carr

8 years ago
0
Five Ways Robin Williams Changed My Life

Five Ways Robin Williams Changed My Life

9 years ago
0
In Memoriam: Lauren Bacall, 1924-2014

In Memoriam: Lauren Bacall, 1924-2014

9 years ago

5 thoughts on “In Memoriam: Legendary Film Critic Roger Ebert Passes Away, But His Writing and Spirit Lives On Forever”

  1. Pingback: Remembering Roger Ebert - Film.com

  2. Anna on April 5, 2013 at 4:44 PM said:

    This is a very lovely piece, Sam. Well done.

  3. Dad on April 5, 2013 at 9:34 PM said:

    Great job Sam. This year’s fest will be very memorable. Remember, heroes never die they will always be in your heart when you need them the most.

  4. Pingback: Everybody’s Talkin’ 4 – 6 (Ebert Chatter from Other Bloggers) | The Matinee | Cinematic Passion & Perspective

  5. The Warning Sign on April 6, 2013 at 9:14 PM said:

    Beautiful tribute, Sam. I’m still in shock.

About Us

Movie Mezzanine is an online publication dedicated to covering the medium that connects us all, one film at a time. With writers stationed around the globe, we offer a uniquely diverse perspective on cinema, both old and new. To learn more about us, go here.

Spotlight

Putting the Geek to the Plow

Cleantalk Pixel