Life Itself
“The only thing Roger loved more than movies.”
Synopsis
The surprising and entertaining life of renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert (1942-2013): his early days as a freewheeling bachelor and Pulitzer Prize winner, his famously contentious partnership with Gene Siskel, his life-altering marriage, and his brave and transcendent battle with cancer.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
UK Re-Release TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-11-12
Top Cast
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Stephen Stanton
Roger Ebert (voice)
Roger Ebert
Self - Film Critic
Chaz Ebert
Self - Ebert's Wife
Ramin Bahrani
Self - Filmmaker
Richard Corliss
Self - Film Critic
Nancy De Los Santos
Self - TV Producer
Ava DuVernay
Self - Filmmaker
Bruce Elliot
Self - Ebert's Friend
Laura Emerick
Self - Journalist
Emil Evans
Self - Ebert's Step-Grandson
Raven Evans
Self - Ebert's Step-Granddaughter
Sonia Evans
Self - Ebert's Step-Daughter
Thea Flaum
Self - TV Producer
Josh Golden
Self - Ebert Website Designer
Werner Herzog
Self - Filmmaker
Marlene Iglitzen Siskel
Self - Siskel's Wife
Carol Iwata
Self - Ebert's Personal Assistant
Steve James
Self - Filmmaker / Narrator (voice)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Streaming Window: 0 DaysBeijing International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
July 4, 2014
Wide Cinema Exhibition
July 4, 2014
VOD & Digital Platforms
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Steve James
- Original Score
- Joshua Abrams
- Original Title
- Life Itself
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 1m
- Production Studios
- Kartemquin Films, CNN Films, Film Rites, KatLei Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Steve James
Joshua Abrams
Dana Kupper
Steve James, David E. Simpson
Martin Scorsese, Steven Zaillian, Michael W. Ferro Jr., Justine Nagan, Gordon Quinn
Department Leadership Roster
Paula DuPré Pesmen
Producer
Steve James
Director
Dana Kupper
Director of Photography
Garrett Basch
Producer
Steve James
Producer
Steve James
Editor
Zak Piper
Producer
Joshua Abrams
Original Music Composer
David E. Simpson
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Life Itself.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Watchlist
Biographies
(Movies) Documentaries
MY DOCUMENTARIES
THE MARVELOUSLY-MANIACAL HEART-STOPPING FLICKERS PROJECT 2015 💔
Once again, a new year starts and this list will be a record of the films I watch in 2015. The title for this year's list is by Beck77 letterboxd.com/beck77/
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Frequently Asked Questions About Life Itself
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Life Itself about?
The surprising and entertaining life of renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert (1942-2013): his early days as a freewheeling bachelor and Pulitzer Prize winner, his famously contentious partnership with Gene Siskel, his life-altering marriage, and his brave and transcendent battle with cancer.
Who directed Life Itself?
Life Itself was directed by Steve James.
Who stars in Life Itself?
The principal cast of Life Itself includes Stephen Stanton, Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, Ramin Bahrani, Richard Corliss.
When was Life Itself released and how long is it?
Life Itself was released in 2014 with a total runtime of 2h 1m.
Who composed the musical score for Life Itself?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Life Itself was composed by Joshua Abrams.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Life Itself?
Life Itself holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).