Noted film critic Roger Ebert died this week. More information here, including his list of picks for the best picture of the year for every year between 1967 and 2012. Here are a few quotes attributed to him:
It is human nature to look away from illness. We don't enjoy a reminder of our own fragile mortality.
There are no guarantees. But there is also nothing to fear. We come from oblivion when we are born. We return to oblivion when we die. The astonishing thing is this period of in-between.
Of what use is freedom of speech to those who fear to offend?
I believe empathy is the most essential quality of civilization.
Doing research on the Web is like using a library assembled piecemeal by pack rats and vandalized nightly.
“What I believe is that all clear-minded people should remain two things throughout their lifetimes: Curious and teachable.”
I was instructed long ago by a wise editor, "If you understand something you can explain it so that almost anyone can understand it. If you don't, you won't be able to understand your own explanation." That is why 90% of academic film theory is bullshit. Jargon is the last refuge of the scoundrel.
Some of these reviews were written in joyous zeal. Others with glee. Some in sorrow, some in anger, and a precious few with venom, of which I have a closely guarded supply. When I am asked, all too frequently, if I really sit all the way through these movies, my answer is inevitably: Yes, because I want to write the review.
Life always has an unhappy ending, but you can have a lot of fun along the way, and everything doesn't have to be dripping in deep significance.
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