Paul Krugman
American economist (born 1953)
Gene Siskel was a renowned American film critic who co-hosted a popular movie review TV series with Roger Ebert. Known for their witty banter and “Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down” ratings system, Siskel and Ebert became icons of American pop culture and influenced the way people consumed and discussed films.
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About the Gene Siskel
Eugene Kal Siskelwas an American film critic and journalist for the Chicago Tribune who co-hosted movie review television series alongside colleague Roger Ebert.
Siskel started writing for the Chicago Tribune in 1969, becoming its film critic soon after. In 1975, he was paired with Roger Ebert to co-host a monthly show called Opening Soon at a Theater Near You airing locally on PBS member station WTTW. In 1978, the show, renamed Sneak Previews, was expanded to weekly episodes and aired on PBS affiliates across the United States. In 1982, Siskel and Ebert left Sneak Previews to create the syndicated show At the Movies. Following a contract dispute with Tribune Entertainment in 1986, Siskel and Ebert signed with Buena Vista Television, creating Siskel & Ebert & the Movies (renamed Siskel & Ebert in 1987, and renamed again several times after Siskel’s death).
Known for their biting wit, intense professional rivalry, heated arguments, and trademark “Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down” movie ratings system, Siskel and Ebert became celebrated in American pop culture. Siskel was diagnosed with brain cancer in May 1998 but remained in the public eye as Ebert’s professional partner until his death the following year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gene Siskel was an American film critic and journalist for the Chicago Tribune who co-hosted a popular movie review TV series with Roger Ebert.
Gene Siskel was born on January 26, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois.
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert co-hosted the movie review TV series ,Sneak Previews, on PBS, which was later renamed ,At the Movies, and ,Siskel & Ebert & the Movies/Siskel & Ebert,.
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert were known for their biting wit, intense professional rivalry, and heated arguments, which made their movie review show engaging and entertaining for viewers.
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert’s ,Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down, movie rating system became a trademark of their show, with viewers eagerly anticipating their final verdict on each film.
Gene Siskel started writing for the Chicago Tribune in 1969 and became the publication’s film critic shortly after. In 1975, he was paired with Roger Ebert to co-host a monthly movie review show, which eventually expanded to a weekly national program.
In May 1998, Gene Siskel was diagnosed with brain cancer, but he remained in the public eye as Roger Ebert’s professional partner until his death the following year in 1999.
12 Quotes by Gene Siskel
- 1.
The result is a picture that represents so much of what I want and rarely get from a movie – a couple of hours filled with characters who are as exciting as the people I know in real life.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 2.
We’d rather see a picture that we liked then dump on one we didn’t.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 3.
Is this film more interesting than a documentary of the same actors having lunch?
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 4.
That’s probably when I get the most angry at American movies, when they just so cynically manipulate the audience without even trying to give a good story.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 5.
We don’t pretend to disagree.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 6.
John Goodman is more that just a big guy, he’s a wonderful actor.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 7.
After 27 years, I walked out of my first one a few months ago. Black Sheep with Chris Farley.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 8.
The only actor who I think probably might have possibly taken a swing at me if he could have would be Burt Reynolds. He used to call Roger and me the Bruise Brothers, out of Chicago.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 9.
But you know, really, if you think about it Roger and I and all critics really have one absolute essential part of our credentials and that is that you believe that that is actually what we think.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 10.
I’m not surprised that Spielberg was able to capture the heroism of Schindler; so many of his movies are about the better part of mankind.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 11.
In fact, Cannonball Run II. I used to pick that as the worst movie ever made.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)
- 12.
They know they got the TV ad, they know they got the name recognition, they know that they can do a tie in with McDonald’s or some fast food outlet and the money is just gonna flow in.
Gene SiskelAmerican film critic (1946-1999)