From the 1970s to the 1990s, two men by the names of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert became household names in the world of film criticism. With their trademark thumbs up or thumbs down reviews, they revolutionized the way movies were evaluated and brought a new level of scrutiny to the art form. Through their popular TV show “Siskel & Ebert,” these two critics became cultural icons and shaped the opinions of movie-goers for decades to come.
In this blog post, we will explore the biographies of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, the origin and evolution of “Siskel & Ebert,” their unique reviewing style and rating system, and the impact they had on film criticism and the movie industry. We will also look at some of their most famous debates and memorable reviews, how they influenced public opinion on films, and their enduring legacy in today’s cinematic landscape.
Biographies of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert
Before we dive into their work as film critics, it is important to understand the backgrounds of both Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Both men were born and raised in Illinois, with Siskel being from Chicago and Ebert from Urbana.
Gene Siskel
Born in 1946, Eugene Kal Siskel grew up in a Jewish family in Chicago. His passion for journalism started at a young age, writing for his high school newspaper and later becoming the editor-in-chief of the Daily Northwestern during his time at Northwestern University.
After graduating in 1967, Siskel began his career as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, covering stories such as the civil rights movement and anti-war demonstrations. In 1969, he joined the Tribune’s entertainment section, where he would eventually become the movie critic and begin his partnership with Roger Ebert.
Roger Ebert
Born in 1942, Roger Joseph Ebert was also from Illinois, growing up in Urbana. His love for movies began at a young age when he would sneak out of his bed to watch late-night double features on television. In high school, he wrote for the newspaper and became the editor-in-chief during his senior year.
After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Illinois in 1964, Ebert started his career as a reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. He became the paper’s movie critic in 1967, a position he held until his passing in 2013.
The Origin and Evolution of “Siskel & Ebert”
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert first crossed paths at a screening of “Bonnie and Clyde” in 1969. Both were reviewing the film for their respective newspapers and struck up a conversation after the screening. They quickly realized they shared the same passion for movies and began discussing the idea of collaborating.
In 1975, they made their first appearance together on PBS’ “Coming Soon to a Theater Near You,” where they reviewed various films and gave them either a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.” This format caught the attention of producers at PBS and led to their own show, “Sneak Previews,” which premiered in 1977.
The success of “Sneak Previews” led to the creation of “At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert” in 1982. This syndicated show became a hit, reaching millions of viewers every week and introducing Siskel and Ebert to a national audience.
Over the years, the show underwent several name changes, including “Siskel & Ebert & The Movies” and “Siskel & Ebert At the Movies.” However, it was their iconic “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” rating system that remained a constant and became synonymous with the duo.
Their Unique Reviewing Style and Rating System
One of the reasons Siskel and Ebert’s reviews were so popular was because of their unique reviewing style. They didn’t just critique the technical aspects of a film; they also focused on the overall entertainment value and whether or not the movie was worth the audience’s time and money.
Their reviews were also known for their honesty and fearlessness. They were not afraid to give a movie a negative review, even if it went against popular opinion. This authenticity and integrity gained them respect from both filmmakers and audiences alike.
Additionally, Siskel and Ebert’s use of the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” rating system made their reviews easily understandable for viewers. This simple but effective method allowed their opinions to be quickly and easily digested, making them accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Impact on Film Criticism and the Movie Industry
Before Siskel and Ebert, film criticism was mostly limited to newspaper reviews and academic publications. However, their television show brought film criticism into the mainstream and made it more accessible to the general public.
Their influence extended beyond just film criticism; their reviews also had a significant impact on the movie industry. A positive “thumbs up” from Siskel and Ebert could make or break a film’s success at the box office. This power and influence led to studios actively seeking their approval and sometimes even altering films based on their feedback.
Siskel and Ebert also championed lesser-known, independent films, bringing attention to movies that may not have received much recognition otherwise. Their support gave these films a wider audience and helped diversify the types of films being produced in Hollywood.
Famous Debates and Memorable Reviews
One of the things that made “Siskel & Ebert” so entertaining was the dynamic between Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Despite being close friends, they often disagreed on their opinions of films, leading to some famous debates that are still talked about today.
One of the most notable debates was over the 1986 film “Blue Velvet.” Siskel gave it a “thumbs down,” while Ebert gave it a “thumbs up.” This sparked a heated argument between the two, with Siskel stating that Ebert had given it a positive review just to be different from him. The debate became so intense that the show’s producers had to cut to commercial early.
Their reviews were not always limited to just movies; they also famously debated whether or not television was becoming more like movies. Siskel argued that TV was not on the same level as cinema, while Ebert believed that the line between the two was blurring.
How Siskel and Ebert Influenced Public Opinion on Films
With their popularity and influential platform, Siskel and Ebert had the power to shape public opinion on films. A positive review from them could encourage audiences to see a movie they may have otherwise overlooked, while a negative review could steer viewers away from a particular film.
This influence was evident in the success of certain films after receiving a positive review from Siskel and Ebert. One notable example is “Hoop Dreams,” a documentary that gained national attention and critical acclaim after the duo gave it a glowing review on their show.
On the other hand, their negative reviews could have a significant impact on a film’s box office performance. In the case of the 1995 film “Showgirls,” Siskel and Ebert’s harsh criticism led to a drop in ticket sales after its opening weekend, ultimately contributing to its box office failure.
Legacy and Influence on Modern Film Critics
The legacy of Siskel and Ebert lives on through the many film critics they inspired. Their show “Siskel & Ebert” was a launchpad for countless critics who wanted to follow in their footsteps and share their opinions on film with a larger audience.
Their reviewing style and rating system have also become a standard in the world of film criticism. Many critics still use the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” method to rate movies, and it has become a recognizable symbol of film critique.
Additionally, Siskel and Ebert’s focus on the overall entertainment value of a film rather than just technical aspects has become more prevalent in modern film criticism. This approach allows for a wider range of perspectives and opens up discussions about films beyond just their technical achievements.
Tributes and Honors After Their Passing
Sadly, both Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert passed away in 1999 and 2013, respectively. However, their legacy lives on through the numerous tributes and honors that have been given to them over the years.
In 2006, the Chicago Theatre was renamed the “Gene Siskel Film Center” as a tribute to his contributions to the world of cinema. In 2013, Roger Ebert was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Chicago Sun-Times dedicated an entire issue to him in honor of his passing.
Many filmmakers have also paid tribute to Siskel and Ebert in their work. The character of Jay Sherman in the animated series “The Critic” was based on Ebert, and the documentary “Life Itself” is a touching tribute to his life and career.
Enduring Relevance in Today’s Cinematic Landscape
Although Siskel and Ebert are no longer with us, their influence can still be felt in today’s cinematic landscape. Many film critics continue to use their reviewing style and rating system, and the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” has become a recognizable symbol in pop culture.
Their show “Siskel & Ebert” also paved the way for many other film review shows and podcasts, further solidifying their impact on how we consume and discuss movies. In today’s digital age, where everyone has a platform to share their opinions, Siskel and Ebert’s legacy continues to inspire and influence film critics around the world.
Conclusion
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert were more than just movie critics; they were cultural icons who revolutionized the way films are evaluated and discussed. Through their popular show “Siskel & Ebert,” they influenced public opinion on movies and had a significant impact on the film industry.
Their unique reviewing style and rating system, as well as their famous debates and memorable reviews, have become a part of film criticism history. Even after their passing, their legacy lives on through the many tributes and honors given to them and the enduring relevance they hold in today’s cinematic landscape.
Without a doubt, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert will always be remembered as two of America’s most iconic movie critics, whose passion for film and unwavering honesty continue to inspire and shape the world of cinema.