If you only know Roger Ebert from his television show then you don’t know Ebert. The man is an incredibly prolific writer and really has earned the respect of all of us in the film critic community. Hell, for most of us he’s probably a big part of why we got into this and influences how we look at pictures.
In case you’ve been living under a rock for a while, Roger has been out of the game. Cancer has taken its toll on the legend and he’s been dealing with surgeries and recovery, not all of which have gone well. In the meantime we’ve been subjected to guest hosts on the TV show ranging from the good (Kevin Smith) to the odd (John Mellencamp?). To be honest, I’ve stopped watching, but you can bet I’ll tune back in once Ebert returns.
In the meantime, Ebert hasn’t given up on everything. He writes in a new update: “Being sick is no fun. But you can have fun while you’re sick.” This comes as part of a message from Ebert that he will be attending the opening of his annual film festival at the University of Illinois. That’s right – Roger Ebert will be in the house, although, due to the surgeries he's undergone, he won't be speaking - right now he can only communicate through written notes and hand gestures.
Ebert makes this statement to acknowledge that he’s sick but he’s still trying to live his life. “We spend too much time hiding illness. There is an assumption that I must always look the same. I hope to look better than I look now. But I’m not going to miss my Festival.” Part of the purpose of the statement is to settle concerns that media hounds will take pictures of Ebert in his weakened state and exploit them. His settling phrase: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Good for you Roger!
Don’t take these tidbits as all there is of Roger however. His words are a lot more powerful (and frankly a bit empowering) if you read everything he has to say. As is typical, he has words to make you laugh and to make you cry – seriously, I teared up a little bit reading what he had to say. As I said, you don’t know Roger Ebert if you only know him from the television show. Check out his latest online entry, “It wouldn’t be Ebertfest without Roger”.
Get better soon Roger. We miss you.
