I must admit, I am not sure what all the critical fuss is about – this is a standard documentary albeit of a fascinating man (film critic Roger Ebert) confronting a debilitating disease.
It can be somewhat confronting in itself and uncomfortable viewing, but the doco leaves too many questions unanswered. And that’s not wholly to do with the fact Ebert died before the film was completed. Life Itself lacked a real focus – it left me somewhere between thinking it was a film about the career of the film critic and a film critic confronting the disease. Neither was addressed to the full.
Yet Life Itself is picking up numerous American film critics awards (although it failed to get a coveted Oscar nod). A case of a vote for one of their own?
Rating: 48%
Director: Steve James (Head Games)
An Opinion or Two 