1945-1999
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Along with his long-time partner, Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel was able to bring film criticism to a level that mass audiences could understand. But he never did this by talking down to his viewers. He achieved this simply through his passion and love of the subject matter.
Anyone who watched "Siskel and Ebert" regularly could see how much Gene Siskel loved movies. It was evident in the excitement in his voice when he would speak about a film he deeply admired. He seemed to be willing you to go watch for yourself, then you'd see. His face would light up, he'd move forward in his seat a little, and the words would come flowing, excitedly.
And when he saw a movie that disappointed him, that was obvious, too. As if he were taking it personally. Perhaps he thought that a filmmaker has some moral obligation to live up to certain standards, and when those standards weren't met, he was hurt.
He often spoke about his feelings towards the screenplay. He believed strongly that behind every great film was a strong script, full of well-written characters and honest, believable dialogue.
Siskel and Ebert achieved more than just star status as national film critics with a syndicated show. They were legends in their own time. Frequent guests on the same talk shows with the stars of the films they reviewed. Lampooned ever so reverently in comics, television shows, and the movies themselves. Perhaps most notably on the short-lived, but artistically creative, animated sitcom "The Critic," playing themselves. In this episode, they break up and go their seperate ways, only to realize they belong together. Because they're a team, buddies in the buddy picture of their lives.
I miss Gene Siskel. I miss tuning in each week to hear what he has to say about movies. I miss the way he'd smile while talking about a scene that he really liked from a movie he'd just seen. There's nothing quite as satisfying as listening to someone who is knowledge- able about film talk about movies they feel passionate about. Gene was knowledgeable, and he was passionate. And he will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace. |