Above is the face of Roger Ebert as he is now. An ongoing battle with throat cancer has cost him much of his lower jaw, and the ability to speak, eat, or drink. Chris Jones has written a moving piece in Esquire describing Ebert's living situation. The man is perhaps America's greatest living film critic, and as an admirer of Ebert's work it's both heartbreaking to read about his struggles, but also inspiring to then consider his output.
On his blog, Ebert is prolific with his prose. Without being able to say a word he continues to be one of the greatest critical voices in contemporary western cinema. He has taken the time to respond to the piece in Esquire, and his words only add to the poignancy of the already powerful article. It is his hope and optimism, however, that shine through most strongly. Whatever he is faced with, Ebert continues to live and write and love it all the more. As a note on page four shows, he does not despair his condition because it has facilitated his explosion of writing. More than ever he is a force to be reckoned with, proving that the pen is at the very least as powerful as the sword.
Rarely is the more and better proof of a person's true potential than in what Ebert has accomplished. Despite everything he continues to face in his personal life, the man is unrivalled in sheer influential power throughout North America. Everyone should take the time to read the piece in Esquire as it is a powerful and inspiring human story. Anyone interested in film and writing should both take note of his life and his work: he continues to set the bar high for those who dare to follow in his footsteps.
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