Roger Ebert: "As I look at the date, I realize I was named film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times 40 years ago Sunday. I had no idea I was embarking on a lifelong career, but I was, and I can't think of a better one.
"Now here I am with another milestone. Nine months ago I was leaving Northwestern Memorial Hospital after surgery for salivary-gland cancer. I was planning to be back in action in a few weeks, but unfortunately, there were complications, and more medical procedures resulted. I was in bed so long that I experienced serious deconditioning that led to a stint at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
"I began my rehabilitation there, and I am continuing it, along with an overhaul of my general health, at the Pritikin Center in Florida. Also, because of a tracheostomy, my speaking voice is on hold until my upcoming completion surgery. I am feeling better every day and my wife, Chaz, says we can see the light at the end of the tunnel...
"I plan to gradually increase my duties in the months to come. I still love writing about the movies. Forty years is not enough."
Damn right it's not. Not for you, not for us. So keep the recovery going, Roger. I'm still lighting the candles for you.
2 comments:
Ebert is THE standard in American film criticism. We can't lose him now. He's not done yet with everything he NEEDS to do for the profession of criticism and the industry of film.
It's good to know that he has no intentions of being out of the game. Sometimes I have vehemently disagreed with him, but he's the one reviewer who I will almost always read, without fail. He has taught me a lot about film. Hell, it was him and Siskel that stoked the fires when I was a teenager. I really couldn't watch the show after Siskel passed away, but I'll read Ebert until he stops writing them. Which I hope isn't for a while.
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