How Siskel and Ebert Changed the Landscape of Film Criticism
The partnership between Chicago film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert left an indelible mark on the world of film criticism. They were not only the first pair to discuss movies on TV on a regular basis but also made the experience of listening to film critics enjoyable for the masses. Their dynamic and engaging reviews set new standards for critical analysis and helped to democratize the art of film criticism.
From Sneak Previews to At The Movies
It started with a PBS series called Sneak Previews, which aired the Thursday before a movie's release and repeated the weekend reviews. This series was revolutionary for several reasons. For the first time, viewers could get a preview of films before they hit the theaters, often through a host of 30-minute segments reviewing three to four movies each week.
As the series gained traction, they expanded their coverage to include special episodes focusing on midnight movies, foreign films, and classic film retrospectives. This expansion allowed a broader audience to engage with the series and experience a wide range of cinematic offerings.
Breakthrough with PBS and Syndication
Their impact was tangible for many viewers, including myself. By the summer of 1977, their influence was so significant that it prompted a pivotal moment in my life. I first learned about Star Wars from a local DJ's report on crowds surrounding Los Angeles theaters for the pre-release screenings. Driven by hype and curiosity, I convinced my father to take me to watch the film on its opening weekend in Milwaukee.
Following the success of Star Wars, Sneak Previews had appeared just a few months later. With their validation, it became much easier for my father to take me to see many other great films on their opening weekends, including Halloween, Alien, and The Shining. This not only provided me with countless memorable movie-going experiences but also helped to create a bond between my father and me that remained strong until his recent passing.
Talent and Legacy
What made Siskel and Ebert such indispensable figures in film criticism was their talent and dedication. Born in 1942, Ebert came of age in an era when the market wasn't saturated by every Tim Dick or blog critic. He was one of the first to break into the regular broadcast domain with his unique reviews. Additionally, their natural talent for critical analysis and their prolific writing made them stand out. Roger Ebert remains the only film critic ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for his work.
Their transition from Sneak Previews to the syndicated show At The Movies marked a significant shift in their influence. By leaving PBS and becoming a part of syndicated television, they reached an even broader audience, continuing to shape and refine the art of film criticism. Their legacy lives on today through their websites, books, and continued influence on critics and viewers alike.
Impact on Film Criticism and Beyond
The impact of Siskel and Ebert on the landscape of film criticism can't be overstated. They made listening to and participating in the film criticism community as engaging and enjoyable as watching a movie. Their interactive format, where one critic would like a film while the other didn't, allowed viewers to follow their reasoning and form their own opinions. This dynamic created a sense of community and engaged a wider audience in the critique and analysis of films.
Together, Siskel and Ebert not only changed how films were critiqued but also how we consume and discuss cinema. Their work has inspired numerous critics and filmmakers, and their methods of film analysis have set the standards for modern film reviews. Their influence extended beyond just film criticism, touching the broader world of media and entertainment criticism. The evolution of their partnership from Sneak Previews to At The Movies is a testament to their enduring legacy and the unchanging relevance of their work in the digital age.