Roger Ebert – RIP The Original HO

Roger Ebert 1943 – 2013

Here at The Hollywood Outsider, where our main purpose is the weekly internet and radio show, we don’t do too many written reviews or commentary.  Not because we do not like to, but simply because with prepping the weekly show, the radio slot and other areas – we just don’t have as much time to also turn in the written word.  It takes a lot of time and effort from prep to air, and we do it not because we want to bathe in solid gold hot tubs filled with champagne and Jennifer Lawrence impersonators, but we because we love doing it.  Roger Ebert understood all of this, because the man has been reviewing films in various media outlets since 1967

As film lovers, reviewing a film is one of those things only fellow reviewers and the diehard film fans can truly appreciate.  To be able to share our intense pleasures, as well as our tumultuous pain, about the latest in that medium we all love is something that is hard to explain as well as something that deep in our being almost seems like a necessity.

We realize those listening or reading our reviews have come to identify with whatever our respective tastes are and we know that, because of the mutual respect between us, our thoughts may impact your choices.  Whether it be to lead you to a rarely heard of treasure, steer you away from some abysmal disaster, or even just to let you know that THIS film is exactly what you want it to be – Good reviewers take their job very seriously, because they know it affects YOU.

Roger Ebert was more than just a good reviewer.  He elevated the field to a level of respectability others can only hope to aspire to.  He championed filmmakers, he won a Pulitzer Prize for film criticism, hell he even wrote a film himself – the 1970 ‘classic’ Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.  Primarily though, he and Gene Siskel did more for film critics in a few short years with their ‘At the Movies’ TV series, than any single critic either before or after them.  They elevated the medium and became celebrities themselves in the process.  How many other film critics could you identify on a random street besides these two?

Even after Siskel’s untimely passing, Roger Ebert continued to showcase the influence a film critic could have.  Filmmakers would routinely seek his ‘Thumbs Up’ for their film to succeed, as his trademark Thumb did more for advertising their film than 20 other critics combined.  He continued the television show with other hosts, but none held a candle to Ebert.  He was one of a kind.  Now don’t mistake me, I didn’t particularly always agree with Mr. Ebert.  Especially in the last few years after he beat cancer the first time, where his critical eyes were getting a little too confusing for my personal interest – but I never ceased respecting his opinion.

The reason, in my humble estimation, of why Ebert remained so popular with the film community when so many other critics are routinely despised and lambasted for their obvious bias – was that he always came across like us.  Just one of us.  He never seemed to be wiser than the rest of us, nor did he talk down to those who appreciated less artistic endeavors such as genre films or anything Michael Bay helms.  Ebert seemed to respect his minions and film fans alike, allowing each to have their own individual tastes, while still maintaining his personal standards and credibility.

There are thousands of film ‘critics’ now.  Many should never write a word as they only wish to shove their opinion down your throat or tear apart another’s work; they come from a place of contempt.  There are also many that follow Mr. Ebert’s lead, that of a filmgoer who absolutely loves the medium, and is just looking out for his fellow filmgoers.  Nothing more, nothing less.  His is the lead I and the rest of us at The HO try to follow.  That is always our intent and we are proud to have been able to share our cinematic love and hate with all of the other Ebert’s out there.

The truth still remains though that today we have lost the only true Roger Ebert.  A man all of us in this environment should respect, not for his opinions, but for what he has done for all of us that love film.  Opening the doors and giving legitimacy to what we do, listen to, read or watch.  Roger Ebert has made critics relatable and in turn empowered everyone who loves film to venture out and share their love of film with the world, as well as make no apologies for whatever it is that you love.

Whether you agree or disagree with his opinions, we at The Hollywood Outsider respect his legacy and appreciate all he has done for film lovers across the country.  RIP Roger Ebert.  We thank you for all you have done for obsessive film loving nerds like us.  Someday when Hollywood finally takes on the tale of your life story, we’ll finally be able to see you…At the Movies.

Aaron Peterson

The Hollywood Outsider Podcast