Remembering Siskel and Ebert: A Tribute to 50 Years of Film Criticism in Chicago
A live stage performance celebrating the 50-year legacy of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert took place in their hometown of Chicago. The show featured actors Zack Mast and Stephen Winchell portraying the iconic film critics and looking back on their early years on TV. The performance highlighted how Siskel and Ebert evolved from stiff TV performers to the faces of film criticism in the United States. The show is part of a month-long celebration that includes screenings of films they championed, such as Eve’s Bayou, Breaking Away, Drugstore Cowboy, and Lone Star.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs’ Chicago Film Office organized the celebration to honor Siskel and Ebert's cultural impact. Their authentic conversations about films transformed how people engage with cinema and elevated Chicago as a hub for film discussion. The actors who portrayed Siskel and Ebert spent time studying their mannerisms and interactions to bring authenticity to their performances. The show received praise from Marlene Iglitzen and Chaz Ebert, the widows of Siskel and Ebert, for its uncanny resemblance to the iconic critics.
Despite a shaky start, Siskel and Ebert's TV show gained popularity and became a weekly production by 1980. The panelists at the celebration discussed the lasting legacy of Siskel and Ebert in the film industry. Their work continues to be part of the film conversation, with Ebert's reviews on RogerEbert.com and Siskel's name on the film center at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The panelists also mentioned the possibility of a Broadway play and a movie about Siskel and Ebert's partnership in the works.
The influence of Siskel and Ebert can still be seen today, as people engage in discussions about movies and share their opinions, reminiscent of the iconic critics. The celebration of their 50-year legacy serves as a tribute to their impact on film criticism and their contribution to the cultural landscape of Chicago.