Ebert’s Last Words — And the Words After That
Posted on February 28, 2010 at 8:00 am
Be sure to read the stunning profile of Roger Ebert by Chris Jones in Esquire. Ebert, the country’s foremost movie critic, has been one of my great influences and inspirations since he first began reviewing movies for the Chicago Sun-Times and I first began reading him as a movie-mad teenager. I am honored to be returning to his annual film festival in April. This article describes Ebert’s life following a series of surgeries for cancer that have left him unable to eat, drink, or speak. I love the way the article conveys Ebert’s capacity for joy and connection, undiminished by his illness.
And I love even more Ebert’s gracious response, demonstrating that his compassionate engagement with life and art and his fierce dedication to truth are intact and that he is still one of the finest journalists writing today.
Roger, thumbs up!
I love that line from Ebert’s response: “‘Resentment is allowing someone to live rent free in a room in your head’.”
What a great pair of stories. I didn’t really have time to read the whole article, yet I sat transfixed on it. Thanks for pointing to it.
Thank you, Wendy! I am so glad you let me know that you appreciated the stories.
Wow. Beautiful, touching, intimate article. Thank you for pointing it out.
Thank you, Leigh! What touched me most was the love and devotion of Roger and Chaz. I’m so glad you read it.