Remembering Roger Ebert
Putting into words what Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert meant to me is impossible. They are the reason I love film. They are the reason I love writing.
I grew up in Pisgah, Alabama. A pretty small town by any standards. The closest movie theatre was thirty minutes away, and the closest art house theatre was a couple of hours away, minimum. I had an advanced movie watching mind from a young age. I was the seven-year-old kid watching Ordinary People and Withnail and I and loving every second of them. I lived at my local video store and took home stacks of movies, every genre imaginable.
I watched Siskel & Ebert every single week, without fail. They were television friends who introduced me to new films, engaged in lively discussions about films I wanted to see and always stood out because of their immense love and appreciation and respect for the cinematic medium. They took film personally because, in so many ways, it is a very personal thing. Critics today seem to lack that.
When Gene Siskel died, a part of me died. I was wrecked. I loved them both so close to equally, but I think I most identified with Siskel. I don’t know what to even say now that Roger Ebert has joined his friend in the balcony in the sky. Film criticism has died along with him. There are no giants left in that industry. Ebert was the last…the original. I honestly don’t know that I care to read another review again. What’s the point? They won’t be nearly as eloquent, honest or insightful.
I am sad that Roger Ebert spent the last years of his life unable to speak, but so thankful that this disability allowed him to do some of his most insightful and prolific writing. I think it made him a better writer, if that was even possible. I am sad that his attempt to re-kindle an honest and intelligent televised criticism program was met not with enthusiasm but with bewilderment – there’s just no room for intelligent and honest criticism anymore. I am sad that he had so much in the works and will not get to see it into fruition. I’m hopeful that his amazing wife will see it through. But most of all I am sad that I won’t have a reason to visit RogerEbert.com on Wednesday evenings at 11 p.m. to check his newest reviews for the week. I have done this, without fail, since his reviews started publishing online all those years ago.
Director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) has been working on a documentary about Roger Ebert with Martin Scorsese. I was so excited to hear Ebert’s review on the documentary about his life. Unfortunately for Mr. James and Mr. Scorsese, their footnote on the film will now be a sad one. Rest in peace, Roger – for me, forever, the balcony is most definitely closed.
~ Billy Ray Brewton
Billy Ray Brewton is founder and former artistic director of Birmingham’s Theatre Downtown, a non-profit performing arts company dedicated to exposing Birmingham audiences to cutting-edge contemporary works, established classics with a twist and original works from aspiring playwrights. In 2013 he also launched Glass Half Pictures, a company specializing in works for stage and screen.
How Alabama Power kept bills up and opposition out to become one of the most powerful utilities in the country
In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators.
No more Elmo? APT could cut ties with PBS
The board that oversees Alabama Public Television is considering disaffiliating from PBS, ending a 55-year relationship.
Nonprofit erases millions in medical debt across Gulf South, says it’s ‘Band-Aid’ for real issue
Undue Medical Debt has paid off more than $299 million in medical debts in Alabama. Now, the nonprofit warns that the issue could soon get worse.
Roy Wood Jr. on his father, his son and his new book
Actor, comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr. is out with a new book -- "The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir." He writes about his experience growing up in Birmingham, losing his dad as a teenager and all the lessons he learned from various father figures throughout his career.
Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games
The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.
In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out
Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.
