There’s a great new book out called “Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever” by journalist Matt Singer. It’s a fascinating read (buy it here), with it the definitive account of how Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert teamed up to reinvent modern film criticism through their TV show, “Sneak Previews.”
The book is an honest account of their tenure, not glossing over the fact that Siskel and Ebert’s relationship was often frosty, arguably making them a more dynamic pair to watch on-screen. Both men are portrayed positively, with their various assistants and colleagues admitting both men could be a handful but ultimately were kind and professional.
One interesting story comes from Gene Siskel’s assistant in the nineties, Carie Lovstad. While she admits he wasn’t perfect and could often drive her crazy with his demands, she also says he was capable of astonishing acts of generosity.
The book is an honest account of their tenure, not glossing over the fact that Siskel and Ebert’s relationship was often frosty, arguably making them a more dynamic pair to watch on-screen. Both men are portrayed positively, with their various assistants and colleagues admitting both men could be a handful but ultimately were kind and professional.
One interesting story comes from Gene Siskel’s assistant in the nineties, Carie Lovstad. While she admits he wasn’t perfect and could often drive her crazy with his demands, she also says he was capable of astonishing acts of generosity.
- 1/5/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert are to be the subject of a narrative documentary podcast series.
The Spotify Original series Gene & Roger comes from Bill Simmon’s The Ringer and host Brian Raftery. The series will document their rise with a focus on the cultural footprint they left behind.
The pair, known for their Thumps Up, Thumbs Down reviews will chronicle their lives and careers and feature never-before-heard commentary and sound bites from Siskel and Ebert and those closest to them. Ebert died in 2013 and Siskel died in 1999.
Guests will include Siskel’s widow Marlene Iglitzen, Ebert’s widow Chaz Ebert, Quentin Tarantino, Tom Shales, Justin Lin, Carrie Rickey, Thea Flaum, Nancy De Los Santos, Ray Solley, Ramin Bahrani, Carie Lovstad, Jesse Beaton, Richard Roeper, Erik Rydholm and David Price.
The eight-episode series, which will launch on July 20, is produced by Noah Malale and Bobby Wagner.
Raftery has written for Wired,...
The Spotify Original series Gene & Roger comes from Bill Simmon’s The Ringer and host Brian Raftery. The series will document their rise with a focus on the cultural footprint they left behind.
The pair, known for their Thumps Up, Thumbs Down reviews will chronicle their lives and careers and feature never-before-heard commentary and sound bites from Siskel and Ebert and those closest to them. Ebert died in 2013 and Siskel died in 1999.
Guests will include Siskel’s widow Marlene Iglitzen, Ebert’s widow Chaz Ebert, Quentin Tarantino, Tom Shales, Justin Lin, Carrie Rickey, Thea Flaum, Nancy De Los Santos, Ray Solley, Ramin Bahrani, Carie Lovstad, Jesse Beaton, Richard Roeper, Erik Rydholm and David Price.
The eight-episode series, which will launch on July 20, is produced by Noah Malale and Bobby Wagner.
Raftery has written for Wired,...
- 7/14/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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