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In various professions, staying put during work hours is standard protocol, no matter how tedious the task may be. Soldiers remain on the front lines until the conflict subsides, and office workers typically stick to their schedules without early exits. However, for a Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic like Roger Ebert, the rules to clock in and out can be a bit more flexible, provided the work doesn’t meet his standards. Ebert’s reputation for delivering honest and sometimes brutal assessments allowed him the liberty to leave films he deemed unworthy of his time.
There have been instances where Ebert abandoned the viewing of certain films—not due to emergencies or fatigue, but because he found them so unwatchable that they simply didn’t deserve his attention. He effectively used his platform to emphasize the value of time and the expectations of filmmakers. So, how do these films hold up to Ebert’s scrutiny? Let’s take a closer look.
6 ‘Caligula’ (1979)
Release Date: August 14, 1979
Runtime: 156 Minutes
Director: Tinto Brass
Writers: Masolino D’Amico
The film Caligula portrays the infamous Roman Emperor Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, showcasing his morally depraved reign. From his disturbing obsession with his sister to his notorious relationships, this provocative film explores themes of power and debauchery.
Disgust and Disdain
Roger Ebert found Caligula to be particularly distasteful, highlighting its explicit content as abominable. Even with performances by acclaimed actors like Peter O’Toole and Helen Mirren, he rated the film zero stars, labeling it “sickening, utterly worthless, shameful trash.” Ebert walked out after about two hours, feeling profoundly nauseated and depressed. Interestingly, the film did garner a cult following over time, with some contemporary figures, including Leonardo DiCaprio, referencing it as an inspiration for their own work.
5 ‘Tru Loved’ (2008)
Release Date: February 27, 2008
Runtime: 99 Minutes
Director: Stewart Wade
Writers: Stewart Wade
Tru Loved tells the story of a teenage girl named Tru, growing up with two lesbian mothers in San Francisco who relocate her family to a suburban community with more conservative values. The film tackles themes of identity and acceptance as Tru navigates friendship with a closeted athlete who asks her to help conceal his sexual orientation.
Ebert’s Controversial Walkout
Admitting to walking out of a film with LGBT themes can be a complicated stance, and Ebert faced significant backlash for leaving Tru Loved just eight minutes in. To address the criticism, Ebert rewatched the film but still found it lacking, awarding it only one star. He pointed out the issues with character development, arguing they felt like mere stereotypes.
4 ‘The Statue’ (1971)
Release Date: January 27, 1971
Runtime: 84 minutes
Director: Rod Amateau
Writers: Denis Norden
Producers: Anis Nohra
The Statue features David Niven as Alex Bolt, a linguistics professor gifted with a statue of himself that bears an uncanny resemblance, raising questions about infidelity with his wife. This comedic premise leads to a series of misunderstandings fueled by insecurities.
Who Knew Statues Could Cause So Many Problems?
Ebert found the premise of The Statue to be absurd and unconvincing, remarking that Niven appeared uncomfortable and that a better comedy might have existed beneath the surface. His critique suggested that there was wasted potential, indicating a longing for a more well-crafted comedy to arise from the material presented.
3 ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ (1973)
Release Date: October 23, 1973
Runtime: 99 minutes
Director: Hall Bartlett
The film adapts Richard Bach’s novella, focusing on a seagull who is ostracized for his desire to fly at exceptional speeds, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. This live-action depiction uses footage of real seagulls with human voiceovers to narrate the story.
No Fun in Watching Birds Fly
Despite the potential for charm, Ebert felt there was little enjoyment to be found in Jonathan Livingston Seagull, awarding it a low rating of one star. He described the film as a profound disappointment, suggesting it lacked substance and originality. Critics largely corroborated his disappointment, as evidenced by a low Rotten Tomatoes score of only 8%. However, the film did earn critical nods, with nominations for two Academy Awards and a Grammy for its soundtrack.
2 ‘The Brown Bunny’ (2003)
Release Date: 2003
Director: Vincent Gallo
The Brown Bunny follows a motorcycle racer, played by Gallo, on a journey from New Hampshire to California as he seeks closure with a past love. Throughout the film, his encounters with various women unfold amidst a troubling narrative about longing and loss.
Beef Season
Ebert harshly criticized Gallo’s work, asserting that it amounted to little more than pornography masquerading as film. He provocatively stated that watching The Brown Bunny was as unenjoyable as enduring a medical procedure. The response sparked a fierce reaction from Gallo, who lashed out at Ebert in return, leading to an unusual and public exchange of critiques that showcased both men’s passionate investment in their perspectives.
1 ‘Mediterraneo’ (1991)
Release Date: 1991
Director: Gabriele Salvatores
Mediterraneo, set during World War II, follows a misfit group of Italian soldiers stranded on a Greek island. As they adapt to their surroundings, the film explores themes of camaraderie and the human experience amid conflict.
Propaganda Movie?
Although this film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was praised for its visual storytelling, Ebert maintained a firm stance that it was devoid of redeeming qualities. He critiqued its narrative as steeped in propaganda, challenging the romanticized portrayal of Italian soldiers during the war. This perspective, while controversial, added to the rich discourse surrounding the film’s legacy.
Source
movieweb.com