Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever

Name: Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever
Price: 26.10 USD
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$26.10

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Book Synopsis: Once upon a time, if you wanted to know if a movie was worth seeing, you didn’t check out Rotten Tomatoes or IMDB. You asked whether Siskel & Ebert had given it “two thumbs up.” On a cold Saturday afternoon in 1975, two men (who had known each other for eight years before they’d ever exchanged a word) met for lunch in a Chicago pub. Gene Siskel was the film critic for the Chicago Tribune. Roger Ebert had recently won the Pulitzer Prize—the first ever awarded to a film critic—for his work at the Chicago Sun-Times. To say they despised each other was an understatement. When they reluctantly agreed to collaborate on a new movie review show with PBS, there was at least as much sparring off-camera as on. No decision—from which films to cover to who would read the lead review to how to pronounce foreign titles—was made without conflict, but their often-antagonistic partnership (which later transformed into genuine friendship) made for great television. In the years that followed, their signature “Two thumbs up!” would become the most trusted critical brand in Hollywood. In Opposable Thumbs, award-winning editor and film critic Matt Singer eavesdrops on their iconic balcony set, detailing their rise from making a few hundred dollars a week on local Chicago PBS to securing multimillion-dollar contracts for a syndicated series (a move that convinced a young local host named Oprah Winfrey to do the same). Their partnership was cut short when Gene Siskel passed away in February of 1999 after a battle with brain cancer that he’d kept secret from everyone outside his immediate family—including Roger Ebert, who never got to say goodbye to his longtime partner. But their influence on in the way we talk about (and think about) movies continues to this day.

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Discover the untold story of the iconic duo that changed the face of movie criticism forever. Introducing "Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever" — an extraordinary journey into the lives of two men, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, who revolutionized the way we evaluate films.

Long before Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB, Siskel & Ebert were the go-to authority on whether a movie was worth watching. The power of their "two thumbs up" endorsement was unparalleled, shaping the opinions of millions of moviegoers. Now, you can dive deep into their fascinating story.

Written by award-winning editor and film critic Matt Singer, "Opposable Thumbs" offers an intimate look at the tumultuous but unforgettable partnership between Siskel and Ebert. From their initial animosity to their eventual friendship, Singer captures the essence of their pioneering work and the undeniable chemistry that made them a dynamic duo.

Explore the behind-the-scenes drama and the heated debates that unfolded on and off-camera. Gain insight into their journey from humble beginnings on local Chicago PBS to becoming household names with multimillion-dollar contracts. Find out how their influence even shaped the career paths of other iconic figures like Oprah Winfrey.

But their story doesn't end there. Their legacy lives on, shaping the way we perceive and discuss movies. With "Opposable Thumbs," you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the impact Siskel & Ebert had on the film industry, and why their legendary "Two thumbs up!" endorsement remains the gold standard.

Don't miss out on this captivating read that will transport you to the iconic balcony set where the magic happened. Immerse yourself in the world of Siskel & Ebert and order your copy of "Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever" today!

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