Roger Ebert, one of the most influential film critics of all time, had a unique taste in movies that often went against the grain. He championed films that others overlooked, providing insightful critiques that revealed hidden depths and nuances. This list explores 20 films that Ebert loved, even if they weren’t universally acclaimed.
1. The Brown Bunny
The Brown Bunny, directed by Vincent Gallo, is a film that divided audiences but captivated Roger Ebert. Known for its minimalist narrative and controversial scenes, it tells the story of a motorcycle racer on a cross-country journey reflecting on a lost love. Ebert initially criticized the film but later reconsidered, appreciating its raw emotional depth and avant-garde approach. The film’s slow pace and sparse dialogue create a meditative experience that challenges conventional storytelling. Gallo’s performance, both as an actor and director, offers an introspective look at isolation and longing. Despite mixed reviews, Ebert’s revised opinion highlighted the film’s artistic bravery and unique vision, emphasizing its ability to evoke profound introspection in viewers. The Brown Bunny remains a testament to Ebert’s capacity to see beyond initial impressions, recognizing the value in unconventional cinema.
2. Crash (1996)
David Cronenberg’s Crash, a film that explores the eroticism of car accidents, was polarizing yet highly regarded by Ebert. The film delves into the lives of individuals who find sexual arousal in car crashes, pushing the boundaries of societal norms. Ebert praised its audacity to confront taboo subjects, describing it as a daring exploration of the human psyche. Cronenberg’s meticulous direction and the film’s stark visual style create an unsettling yet fascinating narrative that challenges viewers’ perceptions of pleasure and pain. Ebert’s admiration for Crash was rooted in its ability to provoke thought and conversation, demonstrating his penchant for films that defy conventional morality. The film stands as a bold testament to Ebert’s appreciation for cinema that ventures into the darker recesses of human desire.
3. Synecdoche, New York
Directed by Charlie Kaufman, is a complex narrative that captivated Ebert with its existential themes. The film follows a theater director attempting to create a life-size replica of New York City within a warehouse, blurring the lines between art and life. Ebert lauded its ambition and depth, recognizing it as a profound meditation on mortality, identity, and artistic creation. The film’s intricate storytelling and philosophical undertones resonated with Ebert, who appreciated its willingness to tackle life’s most profound questions. Despite its complexity, Ebert’s insightful analysis highlighted the film’s ability to evoke deep emotional and intellectual responses, showcasing his appreciation for innovative cinema that challenges audiences to reflect on their own lives.
4. The Fall
Tarsem Singh’s The Fall, a visual masterpiece, was celebrated by Ebert for its stunning cinematography and imaginative storytelling. Set in the 1920s, the film follows a stuntman who, while recovering from an injury, weaves an epic tale for a young girl in a Los Angeles hospital. Ebert admired the film’s lush visuals and inventive narrative structure, which seamlessly blend reality and fantasy. The Fall’s captivating imagery and heartfelt performances create an enchanting experience that transports viewers to a world of wonder and creativity. Ebert’s endorsement of the film underscored his appreciation for cinema that prioritizes visual storytelling and emotional resonance, highlighting his keen eye for films that offer both aesthetic beauty and profound narrative depth.
5. Dark City
Directed by Alex Proyas, is a film that intrigued Ebert with its blend of science fiction and noir elements. The story revolves around a man who awakens in a mysterious city with no memory of his past, uncovering a hidden world controlled by enigmatic beings. Ebert praised the film’s innovative visual style and intricate plot, which explore themes of memory, identity, and control. The film’s dark atmosphere and thought-provoking narrative captivated Ebert, who appreciated its ability to engage viewers intellectually and emotionally. Dark City stands as a testament to Ebert’s fascination with films that challenge the conventions of genre cinema, highlighting his appreciation for visionary storytelling that defies easy categorization.
6. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, co-written by Roger Ebert himself and directed by Russ Meyer, is a cult classic that epitomizes Ebert’s love for bold, unconventional cinema. The film, a satirical take on Hollywood’s music scene, features an ensemble cast navigating fame, fortune, and the darker sides of celebrity life. Ebert’s involvement in the film’s creation reflects his appreciation for camp and satire, infusing the narrative with humor and biting social commentary. Despite its initial mixed reception, Ebert stood by the film’s artistic merits, celebrating its vibrant style and unapologetic embrace of excess. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls serves as a testament to Ebert’s willingness to explore the fringes of cinema, recognizing the value in films that push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
7. Joe Versus the Volcano
Joe Versus the Volcano, directed by John Patrick Shanley, is a whimsical romantic comedy that charmed Ebert with its quirky charm and underlying depth. The film follows Joe, an office worker who embarks on a journey to a tropical island to sacrifice himself to a volcano. Ebert appreciated the film’s blend of humor, fantasy, and existential themes, praising its ability to weave a delightful narrative that balances whimsy with introspection. The film’s unique tone and imaginative storytelling captivated Ebert, who recognized its ability to offer both entertainment and philosophical contemplation. Joe Versus the Volcano stands as a testament to Ebert’s appreciation for films that embrace creativity and wonder, highlighting his love for cinema that dares to be different.
8. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Directed by Wes Anderson, is a film that delighted Ebert with its whimsical storytelling and distinctive visual style. The film follows a renowned oceanographer and his quirky crew as they embark on a quest to hunt a mythical shark. Ebert praised the film’s unique blend of humor, adventure, and emotional depth, recognizing Anderson’s ability to create a world that is both fantastical and grounded in human experience. The film’s eccentric characters and imaginative narrative structure resonated with Ebert, who admired its ability to entertain while exploring themes of loss, redemption, and friendship. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou exemplifies Ebert’s appreciation for films that combine visual flair with heartfelt storytelling, highlighting his love for cinema that defies convention.
9. Fearless
Film that captured Ebert’s admiration with its profound exploration of survival and human resilience. The story follows a man who survives a plane crash and emerges with a new perspective on life, grappling with the psychological aftermath of the experience. Ebert lauded the film’s powerful narrative and emotional depth, highlighting its ability to delve into the complexities of trauma and healing. The film’s nuanced portrayal of human emotions and the transformative journey of its protagonist resonated with Ebert, who appreciated its willingness to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and insight. Fearless stands as a testament to Ebert’s appreciation for films that offer both emotional resonance and intellectual engagement, showcasing his love for cinema that explores the human condition.
10. Ghost World
Ghost World, directed by Terry Zwigoff, is a coming-of-age film that resonated with Ebert for its insightful portrayal of adolescence and alienation. The story follows two teenage girls navigating the complexities of growing up in a suburban landscape, struggling to find their place in the world. Ebert praised the film’s authentic depiction of youthful disillusionment and its ability to capture the nuances of friendship and identity. The film’s sharp wit and poignant storytelling captivated Ebert, who appreciated its ability to offer both humor and introspection. Ghost World stands as a testament to Ebert’s appreciation for films that provide an honest reflection of the human experience, highlighting his love for cinema that delves into the intricacies of life and relationships.
11. A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Directed by Steven Spielberg, is a film that intrigued Ebert with its ambitious exploration of humanity and technology. The story follows a robotic boy designed to love, navigating a world where machines and humans coexist. Ebert appreciated the film’s blend of science fiction and emotional depth, praising its ability to pose profound questions about existence and love. The film’s visionary storytelling and philosophical undertones resonated with Ebert, who admired its courage to tackle complex themes with sensitivity and insight. A.I. Artificial Intelligence exemplifies Ebert’s appreciation for films that push the boundaries of genre and imagination, highlighting his love for cinema that challenges audiences to reflect on the future of human and technological relationships.
12. The Hudsucker Proxy
Film that delighted Ebert with its whimsical storytelling and satirical take on corporate America. The story follows a naive business graduate who becomes the president of a large corporation, navigating the absurdities of the business world. Ebert praised the film’s unique blend of humor, style, and social commentary, recognizing the Coen Brothers’ ability to create a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality. The film’s eccentric characters and imaginative narrative structure resonated with Ebert, who admired its ability to entertain while critiquing societal norms. The Hudsucker Proxy exemplifies Ebert’s appreciation for films that combine visual flair with insightful storytelling, highlighting his love for cinema that defies convention.
13. The Cell
Visually stunning film that captivated Ebert with its exploration of the human mind. The story follows a psychologist who enters the subconscious of a comatose serial killer to save his last victim. Ebert admired the film’s innovative blend of horror and science fiction, praising its ability to create a visually immersive experience that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. The film’s striking imagery and thought-provoking narrative resonated with Ebert, who appreciated its courage to explore the darker aspects of human consciousness. The Cell stands as a testament to Ebert’s appreciation for films that offer both visual spectacle and intellectual depth, highlighting his love for cinema that challenges audiences to reflect on the mysteries of the mind.
14. Existenz
Directed by David Cronenberg, is a film that intrigued Ebert with its exploration of virtual reality and identity. The story follows a game designer who becomes trapped in a virtual world, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Ebert praised the film’s innovative storytelling and philosophical themes, recognizing its ability to pose thought-provoking questions about technology and existence. The film’s intricate narrative and bold visual style captivated Ebert, who admired its willingness to challenge conventional perceptions of reality. Existenz exemplifies Ebert’s appreciation for films that push the boundaries of genre and imagination, highlighting his love for cinema that invites audiences to question the nature of reality and human identity.
15. Quintet
Film that intrigued Ebert with its unique blend of science fiction and existential themes. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans play a deadly game to survive. Ebert appreciated the film’s atmospheric storytelling and philosophical undertones, recognizing its ability to create a haunting narrative that explores themes of survival and humanity. The film’s stark visuals and thought-provoking plot resonated with Ebert, who admired its ability to evoke reflection on the nature of existence and the human condition. Quintet stands as a testament to Ebert’s appreciation for films that challenge audiences with unconventional narratives, highlighting his love for cinema that invites exploration of deeper existential questions.
16. Death to Smoochy
Dark comedy that amused Ebert with its satirical take on children’s television. The story follows a disgraced TV host who plots against his squeaky-clean replacement, Smoochy the Rhino. Ebert praised the film’s biting humor and bold narrative, recognizing its ability to critique the entertainment industry with wit and creativity. The film’s eccentric characters and over-the-top storyline captivated Ebert, who appreciated its willingness to challenge societal norms with irreverence and style. Death to Smoochy exemplifies Ebert’s appreciation for films that combine humor and social commentary, highlighting his love for cinema that dares to provoke thought and conversation.
17. The Frighteners
The Frighteners, directed by Peter Jackson, is a film that entertained Ebert with its blend of horror and comedy. The story follows a psychic detective who battles supernatural forces in a small town, unraveling a dark conspiracy. Ebert praised the film’s inventive storytelling and visual effects, recognizing its ability to balance humor and suspense. The film’s quirky characters and engaging narrative captivated Ebert, who admired its ability to entertain while exploring themes of life and death. The Frighteners stands as a testament to Ebert’s appreciation for films that offer both thrills and laughter, highlighting his love for cinema that combines genre elements with creativity and imagination.
18. Under the Skin
Directed by Jonathan Glazer, is a film that fascinated Ebert with its haunting exploration of alienation and identity. The story follows an extraterrestrial being who assumes human form, navigating the complexities of life on Earth. Ebert admired the film’s atmospheric storytelling and abstract visuals, recognizing its ability to evoke reflection on the nature of humanity and existence. The film’s minimalist narrative and evocative imagery captivated Ebert, who appreciated its courage to explore profound themes with subtlety and depth. Under the Skin stands as a testament to Ebert’s appreciation for films that challenge conventional storytelling, highlighting his love for cinema that invites audiences to ponder the mysteries of life.
19. The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, directed by Terry Gilliam, is a film that enchanted Ebert with its whimsical storytelling and imaginative visuals. The story follows the legendary Baron Munchausen on a fantastical journey to save a city from invaders. Ebert praised the film’s blend of humor, adventure, and visual spectacle, recognizing Gilliam’s ability to create a world that is both magical and grounded in human experience. The film’s eccentric characters and inventive narrative captivated Ebert, who admired its ability to entertain while exploring themes of imagination and reality. The Adventures of Baron Munchausen exemplifies Ebert’s appreciation for films that combine creativity with heartfelt storytelling, highlighting his love for cinema that defies convention and celebrates the power of imagination.
20. The Straight Story
The Straight Story, directed by David Lynch, is a film that moved Ebert with its simple yet profound storytelling. The story follows an elderly man who embarks on a cross-country journey on a lawn mower to reconcile with his estranged brother. Ebert appreciated the film’s gentle narrative and emotional depth, praising its ability to explore themes of family, forgiveness, and redemption. The film’s understated performances and heartfelt storytelling resonated with Ebert, who admired its ability to evoke reflection on the importance of relationships and human connection. The Straight Story stands as a testament to Ebert’s appreciation for films that offer both simplicity and emotional resonance, highlighting his love for cinema that celebrates the beauty of the human journey.
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