Defending Roger Ebert

Highly controversial or perhaps deliberate modus operandi film critic, Armond White, recently made an ominous statement about Roger Ebert. In an interview with David Chen on /Film, White said, "I do think it is fair to say that Roger Ebert destroyed film criticism." Hold it right there, Mr. Contrarian! I am here to defend the venerable movie sage, Roger Ebert. Despite my own love/hate relationship with Ebert, I believe he has made an incontestable mark on film criticism.

Armond White Strokes His Ego

I actually cringed when I read White's comment that Roger Ebert "destroyed" film criticism. That quickly morphed into irritation. White went on to say that what Ebert did in the television arena of movie critique, was not criticism -- "it was simply blather."

Is it necessary that Armond White's supreme calling in life -- to assess the creative work of the movie industry -- include a scathing evaluation of Roger Ebert as well? An evaluation I might add, that painfully points out White's omnipotent judgment of himself.

Entertainingly, by the end of the interview, though, Armond White keys in on hailing his own virtues as a film critic. When asked to name other film critics he might favorite to read -- White cleverly sidestepped naming even one person.

Well, except him, of course. He did it in a way that launches his arrogant view of himself to a new dimension of shall we say, "blather." OK -- we get it -- you have "the training." You are a "pedigreed film critic." Enough -- just stop already!

Considering many feel Armond White's reviews are ruthless, Ebert himself calling White a "troll" on his personal blog in 2009, which was catty on his part; White sounds very much like his own best critic in a narcissistic sort of way.

In Defense of Roger Ebert

I will not take up space here tolling the scores of achievements Roger Ebert has garnered throughout his life. Everyone knows he is the first person awarded a Pulitzer Prize for film criticism.

To his credit, which barely skims the surface of Ebert's remarkable career -- he authored 15 books, wrote an astounding 247 reviews and 26 essays in 2004 while undergoing cancer treatment; landed a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 and his reviews are syndicated to over 200 newspapers.

That aside, but including the 23 years I could not stop myself from watching his often-antagonizing movie critiques with his partner Gene Siskel -- Roger Ebert's movie reviews somehow left me with much to ponder, all-be-it begrudgingly at times. Did his reviews have an impact on whether or not I took the time to see a particular movie? Honestly, they did not!

However, I have always had the opinion that Roger Ebert's reviews, even if he was nit picking, somehow came off with more of a genuine as well as challenging perspective. I admire Ebert's admission on the July 1, 2010 "Roger Ebert's Journal." He openly admits that although he made a prior comment that video games can never be an Art, he followed up with an honest statement that said, "Some opinions are best kept to yourself."

In comparison, a critical review by Armond White, almost gives me the chills. That feeling I experience may be the fallout of White's habitual opposition to what many believe are some of the best movies going, not to mention his unfitting remark about Roger Ebert.

Although it really symbolizes the same thing, I view Roger Ebert as a film critic maverick in a positive light. Film critic Armond White on the other hand, comes off as an intentional nonconformist in the utmost negative way. That's just the way I see them.

Should an Opinion Influence Us So?

Of course, someone's opinion of a film should not manipulate our thoughts -- we should see a movie firsthand and pass our own judgment. Film critics will come and go. There will always exist, those film critics we love to hate. Roger Ebert labeled Armond White a troll, but casually tossing out the brazen statement that Roger Ebert destroyed film criticism goes far beyond the troll factor. That's just my opinion!

Sources:

Armond White: "I Do Think It Is Fair To Say That Roger Ebert Destroyed Film Criticism" | /Filmhttp://www.slashfilm.com/2010/07/20/armond-white-i-do-think-it-is-fair-to-say-that-roger-ebert-destroyed-film-criticism/#ixzz0up4CBZbE

http://www.basicfamouspeople.com/index.php?aid=801

http://www.newsinfilm.com/2009/08/14/ebert-calls-new-york-press-critic-armond-white-a-troll/

http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/07/okay_kids_play_on_my_lawn.html