Roger Ebert, perhaps the world's most famous film critic, has died at 70 years old. This will come as a relative shock for fans and followers of the prolific, influential writer, who announced just 2 days ago that he planned to take a leave of absence having been diagnosed with a second wave of cancer. It means I am not going away, Ebert said on the subject. My intent is to continue to write selected reviews but to leave the rest to a talented team of writers handpicked and greatly admired by me. What's more, I'll be able at last to do what I've always fantasized about doing: reviewing only the movies I want to review. Ebert began work as a film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times 46 years ago, and was the first in his profession to win a Pulitzer Prize for film writing. He was legendary for his encompassing style, one that often utilized the criticism platform to muse about more than just movies. He knew how they shaped our lives, and the impact that cinema had on the world in general. He is perhaps most associated with his "thumbs up, thumbs down" ratings system. Personally speaking, the news of Ebert's death is particularly affecting, as his great words were what inspired me to become a writer of the filmic kind when I was growing up. I took pleasure in reading his blog on a daily basis, and in his incomparable movie reviews - each one, no matter the movie, proved an utter gem to read. In my humble opinion, there will be no replacing him, and I'm greatly saddened to see my favourite film critic go so suddenly. Ebert's last written words, quite aptly, were "I'll see you at the movies." Rest in peace, Roger. We certainly will.
Look out later in the week for our Roger Ebert tributes and testimonials.