As most of you know, Roger Ebert has been undergoing physical therapy in a rehabilitation facility in Chicago, and -- great news! -- is recovering well and has filed his first review since June (of Stephen Frears' "The Queen") for Friday. We'll also have Roger's interview with Michael Apted about "49 Up," which is going into limited release around the country in October and November. Meanwhile, read Roger's latest letter from rehab here. An excerpt:
During all of this, I didn't lose any marbles. My thinking is intact and my mental process doesn't require rehabilitation.... -- although, curiously, I found myself more interested in plunging into the depths of classic novels ("Persuasion," "Great Expectations," "The Ambassadors") than watching a lot of DVDs. I prefer to see the new Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood films on a big screen, for example. But our "Ebert & Roeper" producer Don DuPree brought around a DVD of "The Queen," and when I viewed it, I knew I wanted to review it.A few more recent movies also will be reviewed, but I won't be back to full production until sometime early next year. The good news is that my rehabilitation is a profound education in the realities of the daily lives we lead, and my mind is still capable of being delighted by cinematic greatness.
I plan to have my Overlooked Film Festival again in April, and cover the Academy Awards and Cannes. I can't wait to be back in the Sun-Times on a full-time basis, and to rejoin Richard Roeper in the "Ebert & Roeper" balcony.
Great news! I'm really happy he's on the road to recovery, and it's great to know that even if his body isn't fairing so great, that's as happy and sharp as ever. I look forward to reading his reviews once again, and happy that he's well enough to let everyone know how he is. I was getting worried I'd have to rely on Kevin Smith's insights for a while.
God bless.
Can't wait to have him back completely. I don't miss much, but for some reason I miss Mr. Ebert.
Great news about Roger's recovery.
I doubt the webmaster will see it, but in Ebert's latest letter The Queen is linked... to a review of a movie about transvestites from the 1970s. A bit careless there.
Godspeed.
A trivial question, Jim: Roger plans to cover the Oscars; what about his own Best of 2006 list? Do you happen to know if it'll be scrapped, postponed, or maybe split into a mid-term report?
JE: Not sure, Dan. I don't think Roger's quite sure, either. It'll just depend on how much he's able to see by the end of the year.
It's true that you realize how important something is when it's gone: Roger's reviews have always been a source of inspiration and entertainment for a long time. His scathing reviews make the experience of watching a bad movie not quite as bad, and he has led me to many great films. Mostly though, his writing is sharp, crisp, and wonderfully human. I can't wait to read his review of "The Queen" and hope to see him up to full speed soon.
Please tell me why Mr. Ebert is in a rehabilitation facility?
I must be the only one who doesn't know what is wrong with Roger Ebert?
I do know I certainly do miss him on the Ebert & Roeper show. He is such a fine gentleman and my thoughts are with his wife, which must be beside herself.
Sincere wishes of good will and speedy recovery.
Why is he there??
Cheryl Miller
JE: Dear Cheryl: Roger Ebert's been in the hospital since June -- originally for an operation to remove tumors on his salivary gland. But then a blood vessel in his neck ruptured on July 1 and he's been treated for, and recovering from, that ever since. He explains it all in his most recent letter on RogerEbert.com.