95. LIFE ITESELF

filmed in what came to be the last year of roger ebert's life, the film shows his evolution from young writer, to college editor to film critic for the chicago sun times and ultimately, the widely known and popular tv critic.  roger's passion for film was obvious in everything he did, maybe also in his willingness to be filmed in the final stages of his life.  his body was ravaged by cancer and much of the interview/filming was accomplished while he was hospitalized.  it's difficult to get past his ever present "smile", created when all of his neck below his jaw was removed, leaving his face to fall to gravity.  you can actually see through his mouth, to the other side and the dressing around his neck.  still he possessed humor and insight and a zest for life on whatever terms it came to him.  roger died before the film was completed. the film is a tribute to his life and his role in bringing the critic voice to the masses of movie goers.  thumbs way UP to roger ebert!