We here at Sound On Sight like to release our list as late as possible in the year. The way I look at it, the list is meant to represent what our writers have watched and championed throughout the year, and so we allow our writers until the 28th of December to submit votes for their …
One of the most consistently controversial categories in the Oscar race is the Best Documentary category, a branch that has snubbed Steve James, Werner Herzog and Errol Morris in past years. This year however, Steve James did make the list with his documentary Life Itself, based on the life of Roger Ebert, along with the …
Life Itself Directed by Steve James USA, 2014 In Roger Ebert’s memoir Life Itself, he dedicates an entire chapter to his love of Steak ‘n Shake. “If I were on death row, my last meal would be from Steak ‘n Shake,” he explains. “If I were to take President Obama and his family to dinner …
15. Stranger by the Lake Directed by Alain Guiraudie Written by Alain Guiraudie France Though Stranger by the Lake premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival (and appeared on Sound On Sight’s best of 2013 list), it finally reached North American audiences in January of this year. Alain Guiraudie’s stunning noir-tinged thriller is …
Picking the best movies that come out in any given year is no easy feat. For film fans, a quality feature can come out at any time, from any one, and discovering an enjoyable and well-crafted feature is truly a pleasure. As we reach the halfway point of the year, many excellent films have already …
A look at the masthead of the new RogerEbert.com is just one sign that the film world is still celebrating the life of the late film critic Roger Ebert, who died over a year ago this April. This Wednesday marks his 72nd birthday, and Chaz Ebert is commemorating the occasion with a Google+ Hangout Event …
Ebertfest had an emotional start this year, kicking off with Steve James’ documentary Life Itself. This film, more of a memorial to Roger Ebert than a biography, examines the life and work of Ebert, along with the handful of decisions and relationships that most significantly shaped his life. It was a lovely way to begin …
2014 is now in full swing, the Sundance Film Festival has closed its doors, and film festivals like South by Southwest and Tribeca are generating more buzz for the year’s noteworthy indie narratives and documentaries. In recent years, documentaries such as Restrepo, Gasland, and Searching For Sugarman went on to become heavyweights. This year’s contenders include topics …
Life Itself Directed by Steve James USA, 2014 The new documentary Life Itself, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this week in advance of its theatrical release and subsequent airing on CNN (as this is a CNN Films production), is a rare beast. It is an honest and unflinching celebration of a man’s life, …