Cool News
Goodbye, Mr. Siskel...
Glen here...
...with some horribly, terribly sad news.
Film critic Gene Siskel - half of television's perpetually quarreling Ebert & Siskel film review
duo - has passed away at the age of 53.
Mr. Siskel had recently undergone brain surgery, then returned to the show - only to announce
he was taking more time off to facilitate his recovery.
He never returned to the show.
No news on what will become of the review show now that Siskel is gone - it has pretty much
been a one man monologue by Ebert since Siskel took his most recent leave of absence.
While Siskel and Ebert's affectionate bickering and stand-offishness has become something of a charicature,
their contribution to the field of film criticism is invaluable: they brought film criticism fully into the
spotlight of the public mainstream, and frequently promoted thoughtful water cooler discourse about
the reviews voiced on their weekly show.
To read to Yahoo / Variety's announcement of Siskel's death, HREF="http://dailynews.yahoo.com/headlines/re/story.html?s=v/nm/19990220/re/siskel_2.html">CLICK
HERE.
Thanks, Gene...
Glen
Or call:
(512) 347-1992
Mail can be sent to:
Glen Oliver
P.O. BOX 160812
Austin, TX 78716-0812
USA
P.O. BOX 160812
Austin, TX 78716-0812
USA
Austin, TX 78716-0812
USA
USA
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Wow. I'm utterly floored. I've always enjoyed Siskel and Ebert because it was fun. Watching their review show felt like watching movie fans, which is always the true thrill. Too often, critics seem to be detatched from what they review for a living. I never got that from them. I visit this site for fun, and don't expect to get bad news, but I'm happy that you guys chose to honor a kindred spirit. Gene Siskel will be missed.
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After nearly falling out of my seat after accessing Yahoo, my thoughts turn to how much Gene Siskel will be missed. I always agreed with him more than Roger Ebert. However, it was more interesting when I disagreed with him. I thought Fargo was a big waste of time while Gene thought it was one of the best movies of all time. His reasons for loving that and many other movies I've hated and hating movies I've loved were always fascinating and insightful to me. What I would have given to have been in Roger Ebert's shoes for one show. Bickering with Gene about opposing movie views would have been an adventure of a lifetime. No matter who steps in to replace him, his shoes can never be filled. After watching Siskel and Ebert for 20 years, an era has come to an end with his passing. There will be none other like Gene. To Gene, I say two thumbs way up for your invaluable contribution to the world of film critism. You will be sorely missed.
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They some other guy on instead of Siskel and made no mention of his death. Must've been taped before his death. Whoa. Sad stuff.
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I grew up in a small town in the middle of nowwhere. Watching Gene and Roger in the early eighties on PBS was my first exposure to viewing film as an art form-- worthy of being critiqued and examined. They inspired me to want to go into the film industry and write good movies with substance. They were a great pair. I'm sorry that Gene won't be around to slam the dogs and praise the good ones.
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While most film critics are self-righteous and arrogant about their reviews, and about what makes a "good" film, I never once got that feeling from either Gene or Roger. Their show has always been fun to watch, not only for the reviews, but to watch these two men, who are obviously extremely good friends, bicker about their views. Gene's (and Roger's) reviews were told from the point of view of someone who not only loves movies, but also the entire movie-going experience, which placed them above the rest. Their appearances on other shows, most notibly their many appearances on David Letterman, have always made things more entertaining. One half of a truly great duo has been lost.
"Thumbs Up," Gene. We miss you already. -
I knew Gene Siskel was sick and, last week, Roger Ebert said that he was taking an extended leave of absence. Sadly, we can assume why now. I can't say I was always fond of his reviews, finding that he favored foreign and overly pretentious movies. Still, unlike a lot of movie critics, you could tell Siskel and Ebert still actually loved movies. Yeah, it was still a job and, yeah, they did have to sit through Booty Call, but when a movie was good and worth praise, they gave it. I don't know who could fill the man's shoes if, in fact, they have decided to fill them at all. I cannot imagine the opening credits to the show featuring the movie marquee shouting EBERT! like some bizarre vaudeville act. Besides, Roger is at his best when he has someone to bounce off of. Too bad his adversarial wall is no longer here.
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That show he did taught me that I never wanted to be just a critic. I always respected Roger more because he at least tried to make movies at one point, where as Gene had been a critic all his life. Not a bad life really, and I will definitely miss him. I guess what makes me the most sad is that he won't be around to see the film renaissance that will occur soon when the American public will finally rebel permanently against Hollywood's continual stream of dreck. I'm sure it will happen soon, I just hope for Gene's sake, they have really kick ass theaters in heaven.
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You will be sorely missed. You're reviews prompted discussion between my parents and I and because of you, we ended up going to many films we might otherwise have avoided. Things will never be the same. So long, and enjoy the screenings for the citizens of the afterlife.
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My sister and I always thought Siskel and Ebert were the top reviewers in the movie critic field. We greatly enjoyed their show and the genuine warmth and friendship they seemed to have in how they worked with each other. Not to mention their always entertaining commentary on the films of the moment. His presence will be sorely missed by his many friends, family, and fans across the country.
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Wow, whis is a bit of a shocker... I had just watched the EBERT! show a couple of hours ago and when I saw the COAX headline I thought that maybe Siskel had been canned in favor of the new guy... I heard he was sick, but the way Ebert spoke about a "leave of absence" I ASSUMED he would recover... Just goes to show, death can take ANYONE at ANYTIME...
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Two sincere thumbs up to Gene Siskel. Somehow, movie reviews seem stale without the comparison between Gene and Roger. Siskel led a great career. Movie fans everywhere will mourn the empty balcony...
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even though he was not an actor i hope they at least show a clip of him in the part of the show were they honor those who have pasted away,for more than 20 years he helped us decide between the good and the bad films,that is the Least they could do.
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I set up a small web page for Gene. Theres a message board for anyone who wants to chat about Gene. http://members.tripod.com/~Shadowhawk27/index.html
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Well, what can I say? Though I didn't always agree with Mr. Siskel, I always respected the thoughtfulness of his reviews (he was, frankly, the *only* honest writer one could find in the otherwise putrid TV GUIDE) and the provocative, essay-like quality of the show. He was a proud member of the ever-fewer group of media personalities who weren't afraid to appear intellectual. Now that he's gone, I think that people will realize just to what extent that he and Ebert were a two-man film institution; now that Gene's gone, who in America can seriously fill his shoes--Janet Maslin? Peter Travers? I think not.
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I didn't always think he was right... but the man was always honest. You've got to respect that. Rest In Peace, Gene. I'm going to miss disagreeing with you.
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Man, this is really sad.I havent watched Siskel and Ebert in a while but I always read their reviews. That isnt quite the same as watching them feud and bicker good naturedly about films. Im definitley gona miss Gene and his fat jokes aobut Ebert. Roger isnt half as fun when he isnt being harrased. I didnt always agree with Gene in his reviews, but the guy definitley had balls. I mean he gave thumbs up to Mortal Kombat Practical Magic and Starship Troopers..,films that I enjoyed but wouldnt readily admit to, I also think its great that he picked Babe as movie of the year....it was a good and wonderful film.He wasnt always right but how many other film critics opinions were as well respected by the viewing audience .So long Gene....miss you already
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This is truly a sad
day for the filmgoing
world. Whether you
agreed with his
opinions or not, you
cannot deny Gene
Siskel's influence or
his love for movies. I
have read his reviews
and loyally watched
all incarnations of
his tv shows for over
15 years. Siskel and
Ebert are as iconic to
filmdom as The Academy
Award. Ridiculous you
say? Hardly. These two
Chicago critics
reinvented the way
critics presented
their reviews and
changed the way we as
an audience look at
movies. Their opinions
could make or break a
movie. Even if EVERY
other critic in the
country slammed a
movie, if Siskel &
Ebert gave "2 Thumbs
Up", the movie was as
good as gold. Like I
said, you can disagree
with it, but you
cannot deny it. The
man is a legend. If
the tv show goes on
with a replacement, I
will continue to watch
because I still value
Roger Ebert's opinion.
But it will never be
the same. The show has
lasted because, like
so many Hollywood
duos, they had
chemistry. They were
fun to watch. They
were the most fun when
they disagreed. Who
didn't enjoy watching
these two go at each
other? The world of
film criticism has
lost an irreplaceable
voice, and the world
of film has lost one
of it's best friends.
Rest in peace Mr.
Siskel. You will be
sorely missed. -
Even though I feel that his and Roger Eberts reviews are 90% of the time, biast towards artsy, classic, or foriegn films; he loved what he did. He and Roger had been doing it for a long time, and are the premiere names among critics.
He loved what he did, and it showed! You can't help but respect that.
So, despite our differences, I will mourn the loss of one of Entertainments best known critics. -
I watched their show every weekend not only for information but entertainment as well. As a pair, they were a powerhouse of sway over the American public. What are they going to do now to advertise a movie? They can never say again, "Siskel and Ebert give it two thumbs up" They have a website www.siskel-ebert.com that hasn't changed to reflected the days events, but you can send a message there, as well. I wrote that whatever happens to the show, PLEASE don't call it "???? and Ebert". I don't want to see anyone's name where Siskel's should be.
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It's too bad he's dead and everything, but the thumbs have had a stranglehold on Movie Reviews long enough. Their reviews were nothing if not stale, pale and utterly bogus. They represent everything that is wrong with Movie Reviews today. They influence people in ways that lead to the downfall a films that were actually very decent. They plug real crap like BABE 2 and THE NEGOTIATOR while other more deserving films go unnoticed. I'm glad he's dead, I'm glad there's an end in sight and I hope Ebert's jelly rollin' butt joins him real soon.
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To Gods Speed Bump: Some things are just inappropriate and callous. You don't need to agree with people to respect them, and as human beings, everyone is entitled to at least a modicum of respect. This isn't the forum for "I'm glad he's gone" type discussions because that's just mean and small-hearted. A man has died after a long bout with brain cancer (a terrible disease you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy). Grow up. Joking about people's deaths is not funny in the least. I know you probably did it to get attention or to try to be funny, but it's just boring, inappropriate and cruel, and I think you need to think about what you do before doing it. Other people have mangaged to post about how they disagreed with Gene Siskel without disrespecting him personally. They managed to maintain a separation between the man as a professional and the man as a person who has died. You could take a lesson from this. I respect both Siskel & Ebert for making film criticism something the everyday person thinks about. I don't have to agree--that's the fun part of being a thinker--but I can have fun listening to and respecting another's opinion without making it personal. Again, rest in peace, Gene, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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Often imitated...Never duplicated. That's o.k. though, they say that imitation is the sincerest for of flattery. Thanks Gene for the many, many years of thoughtful movie reviews. I had two guilty pleasures as a small child on late nite t.v. One was Siskel&Ebert, the other was Benny Hill. I'm not sure what that says about me, but in my memories that is an exclusive club that can never be touched. Goodbye Gene!!!
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I must have agreed 90% of the time with Gene, i found him to be funny, witty, and a lot more. I'll never forget when he and Ebert were reviewing STAR KID. And Ebert gave it a thumbs up.
Siskel just looked at him and said "You really liked this movie? I mean, more than a kid film, you really liked it?" And when Ebert replied yes, Siskel subtley put his face into his hand and shook his head, I laughed so hard, I (almost) soiled myself :)
Thank you Gene, for all the years of laughter, poignance, and all them thumbs.
Your loyal viewer,
EAG. -
My dad has been watching Siskel and Ebert as long as it has been syndicated, and I started watching it with him, even though I was really little. I still watch the show today, so it will be hard getting used to the idea that he is gone. He will be sorely missed.
BTW, to DwDunphy's post earlier about S&E sitting through Booty Call. They gave that film 2 thumbs up. I remebered watching that episode, and that was the only film they liked at all that week.
I thought it was hilarious. -
Gene Siskel is now in that great balcony in the sky, looking down on one of the greatest stories. He was not only a critic, but also a teacher. I would see a film on Saturday and then watch Siskel and Ebert discuss it. I learned a great deal about film from Mr. Siskel. All my prayers and thoughts go out to Gene's family and friends.
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I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, so of course I've been reading Gene Siskel's reviews for years and have enjoyed his television program with Roger immensely. I found out about his death at 4 AM this morning, flipping through the cable channels while trying to go to sleep. I didn't get very much sleep. I, myself, am an aspiring film critic, and it is sad to see one of the two titans go. Sure, he wasn't the greatest writer in the world, but he sure could be a match for Ebert on that show. His opinions were always well founded, even when they seemed far-fetched. At least he was able to end his career with a movie that seemingly touched him so deeply, "Babe: Pig in the City." He spoke about that film with so much passion; that's what movies are all about. It's a shame that he'll never get to see "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," and it's a shame that Roger Ebert won't have anyone to argue with anymore. Gene Siskel, an intriguing personality, an ardent Chicago Bulls fan, and a movie lover, will be missed by this particular person.
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Hey this is just like that The Critic episode where S&E get in a fight and have to find replacements ("Youre Satan, arent you?"). As for the whole death thing - guess that's a big thumbs down, huh? :)
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Let me ask a question of you people and you too Harry and Glen.
While I could've been I suppose a little less callous. It seems that everyone who had a negative opinion of Gene Siskel has been banned. WHY? Isn't it a little hypocritical of you guys to establish a forum like this, tell us to express ourselves in the manner we see fit and then turn around and ban most of us because we don't agree that a dead guy was the greastest thing since sliced bread. I did not like Gene Siskel, I did not respect him. He wasn't funny, witty or any of the things that endear a celebrity to me. I don't really like Ebert either and it makes me sick that you guys can't stand a couple of negative opinions. All I'm saying is this: If you're gonna set up a Talk Back to express how we really feel, then say that. Don't cop out and say it's free reign and then edit out the opinions you don't like. That's censorship, man. You guys of all people should understand that. But, in case it comes up again, here's some other people I will celebrate their departure from Earth: Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Robin Williams, Peter Travers, Pauline Kael, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Sylvester Stallone, Spike Lee, any and all rappers and hip hop artists, Ben Affelck and Matt Damon, Gus Van Sant and the entire cast of the new PSYCHO, Kevin Williamson, Jon Peters, Akiva Goldsman, Joel Shumacher, Quentin Tarantino, Ben Stiller, Jim Carrey, Richard Donnor, Michael J Fox, Bruce Willis, Michael Bay, Jerry Bruckheimer, Kevin Costner, Cher, Anyone who has ever been involved with Star Trek, The entire cast of Party of Five, The entire cast of Melrose Place, 90210, Hyperion Bay, 7th Heaven, Dawson's Creek and Millenium. That's a whole lot of people, you might say. Well, all I see is a whole bunch of morons that led the film industry to the depths of shit that it has become. Who are you to call me a bastard for celebrating their demise? Feel free to ban me, delete my post, but remember as you do that you lie every time you say it's an open forum and you welcome all opinions on film and the people who make it and unmake it. Gods Speed Bump, over and out. -
First my condolences to mr Siskel's family.I just have to respond to Mr "GODS SPEED BUMP" I agree with you that everyone is entitled to speak their mind, however since the point of this forum is to show respect for someone who has lost a long fight will a devistating illness, and not in my opinion to highlight your personal distain for the show.I am sure there are many places on the net where hatemongers gather to talk about how much they hate all life and stuff. Obviously this is not the place for abrasive and clearly sociopathic thoughts, or of a laundry list of people who you hope will die.Perhaps you are a bitter videostore clerk/failed screenwriter living at home with your blinds closed. Surely you can find a more productive use of your time.By the way hows your health?
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Gene Siskel was one of my all-time favorite movie critics. Right up there with Roger Ebert, and Leonard Maltin. I loved watching the show even if I didn't always agree with him. Even when I thought he was stupid for giving a thumbs up or down for something, I still respected him, and I'll miss his weekly banter with Ebert.
(And Gene Siskel is probably the only person I've ever seen who agrees with me that Mars Attacks was still pretty good. Good enough for thumbs up anyway.) -
Nuff said.
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I never knew you, and I never shall. But I did know you, I knew you through your opinions,your voice,and your words. Even though I didn't always share your opinion, I always respected it.
Goodbye Gene, you will be missed. -
I never knew you, and I never shall. But I did know you, I knew you through your opinions,your voice,and your words. Even though I didn't always share your opinion, I always respected it.
Goodbye Gene, you will be missed. -
I remember watching Siskel and Ebert at 12:30 Saturday afternoons for several years. A lot of the movies they reviewed were boring, but their comments were still worthwile and entertaining. I learned of Siskel's death when I had finished watching SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, a movie I am sure the critic loved. Shocked at the news, I was depressed to hear of his passing. He was possibly once of the most famous names in American history, and so I bid him farewell.
Two thumbs up, way up, for you Gene.
Steve -
We don't get the show over herein England. But i do know who Gene was and i always liked what i saw. As for the people who are making comments about others hopefully joining him in death, you are a disgrace. They are JUST movies and television. They form huge parts of our lives and we love them dearly. But to be waiting to cheer the death of people is sad and disgusting and i hope others will post voicing their disgust as well. It's not censorship either! It's called respect for other people and their families you jerkoffs!
Enjoy Star Wars Gene. Bet the big G's got theaters that even George Lucas would be astounded at..... -
Twenty years ago I was nine years old, scanning the airwaves and I came across this quirky show on PBS where these two men were arguing about movies. I learned to think of movies in a way I hadn't before, as works of art that could be analyzed and discussed. I saw how people could have a heated, intellectual debate without losing the underlying friendship that existed between them. As time passed, I found that I didn't always agree with Gene Siskel's tastes, but he was the kind of reviewer that gave the viewer/reader concrete reasons for why he arrived at his opinion. Often I could determine whether I would like a movie or not by watching the WAY Siskel and Ebert argued about that film, what kind of points they made as to why they liked or disliked it. It wasn't just the "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" as much as the why and wherefore of their combined reviews. The chemistry between Gene and Roger was just one of those things that was unique to its time. Also, I liked the way they didn't use the star-type rating system that so many reviewers use. The movie was either good enough to go see or it wasn't worth the trouble.
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Glen here. I honestly don't know what you're talking about, and don't remeber banning you. But after reading your posts, I find your allegedly genuine thoughts and discourse to be perilously close to trolling, and just short of having no other value than to be inflamitory. IF I did ban you (which I genuinely don't remember doing), it's probably *not* because you are voicing your thoughts, but are doing so in a way which I...and other people...find offensive. Not what you're saying, but how you're saying it. This *is* supposed to be a forum for free discussion, but it isn't meant to be a stomping ground for people who can't articulate their thoughts in an inoffensive way.
It's always easy for the angry people like you to to cry "abridgement of first amendment rights!" - too bad people like you don't direct all that energy into presenting your thoughts in a less abbrasive manner which other people can better appreciate...**Glen**
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