For three decades, Gene Siskel, an esteemed film critic and journalist with the Chicago Tribune, was instrumental in identifying cinematic excellence. Many of his top choices are still worthy of a watch today. Starting his career at the Chicago Tribune in 1969, Siskel collaborated extensively with Robert Ebert. Together, they hosted a review series, which they presented from 1975 to 1999 under various titles but is most famously recognized as “At the Movies.
Siskel and Ebert were renowned figures in the movie world due to their distinctive approach to criticism. Instead of just using “Thumbs-Up, Thumbs-Down” to indicate a film’s quality, they had unique methods. Siskel, for instance, could be quite critical with his ratings. He assessed films based on numerous aspects and was not swayed by a movie’s popularity in forming his opinion. However, there were many movies that both of them agreed were the best of the year from 1969 to 1998.
Released in 1996
In a humorous, crime-laden style, the movie “Fargo” unfolds the story of an investigation into a triple murder in Minnesota led by Marge Gunderson, played by Frances McDormand. Marge, who’s expecting her third child, journeys across Minnesota to unravel the murder mystery of a state trooper and two witnesses. The tragic events unfold as Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stormare) and Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) kidnap Jean Lundegaard, wife of car dealer Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy). Similar to films such as “Burn After Reading” (2008), the kidnapping plan backfires, leading to a series of comedic incidents.
According to both Siskel and Ebert, the movie “Fargo” was outstanding and deserving of recognition, with the Coen Brothers being particularly praised for their exceptional direction, dialogue, and storytelling. Siskel even went as far as suggesting that the Coen Brothers should be compared to other prominent directors of their era. He also appreciated the diverse cast of characters in “Fargo”. The film was later adapted into a television series in 2014, 15 years after Siskel’s death and one year after Ebert passed away.
Released in 1979
Hair, classified as an anti-war comedy drama, is derived from the Broadway musical titled “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical“. The story revolves around Claude Hooper Bukowski (John Savage), a character who journeys from Oklahoma to New York City before his military training. In the city, he encounters a group of counterculture enthusiasts who introduce him to drugs, anti-war sentiments, and significant racial issues.
The movie adaptation of Hair deviates noticeably from its musical counterpart, especially regarding Claude’s ending. Critic Roger Ebert, in particular, commended director Michael Weller’s take on Hair over the Broadway original, applauding his direction, cinematography, and the arrangement of every musical number. In the March 23, 1979, edition of his review, Ebert wrote, “[Hair is] MUCH superior to the original play, and when was the last time you heard that about a film?
Released in 1969
The movie Z is derived from a novel of the same title by Vassilis Vassilikos, published in 1967. It loosely follows the events surrounding the assassination of Grigoris Lambrakis, a Greek physician and politician who was an anti-war activist. Tragically, Lambrakis was killed in 1963. His murder played a significant role in the rise to power of the Greek military junta, which governed from 1967 to 1973. Upon its release, Z garnered five Academy Award nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Siskel and Ebert highly commended Z as the top film of 1969, expressing similar admiration for it. For Siskel, the movie offered a profound emotional ride and a powerful political message. He stated that the movie was not only enthralling to watch but also stimulating intellectually. Interestingly, the movie was screened during the rule of Greece’s military government, which lends even more significance to it.
Released in 1993
The movie “Schindler’s List,” released in 1993, is still widely regarded as a masterpiece today. This historical drama film is adapted from Thomas Keneally’s novel “Schindler’s Ark” published in 1982. The story of the film follows Oskar Schindler, who was initially a member of the Nazi Party but later became a business manager. During the Holocaust, he employed more than 1000 Jewish workers under his care, thereby rescuing their lives. At first, Schindler’s actions were motivated by self-interest; however, after witnessing the brutal treatment of Jews directly, he experienced a profound transformation in character.
| Schindler’s List Character | Portrayed By |
|---|---|
| Oskar Schindler | Liam Neeson |
| Amon Goeth | Ralph Fiennes |
| Itzhak Stern | Ben Kingsley |
| Emilie Schindler | Caroline Goodall |
| Poldek Pfefferberg | Jonathan Sagall |
| Helen Hirsch | Embeth Davidtz |
Growing up as a Jew who experienced anti-Semitism, Siskel found immense appreciation for the film “Schindler’s List”. He believed the movie could have been extended beyond its three hours and 15 minutes, highlighting his admiration for its powerful storytelling and black-and-white cinematography. Furthermore, he commended the filmmaker for their unflinching portrayal of genuine Holocaust atrocities such as death, violence, and destruction.
Released in 1972
For more than three decades, “The Godfather,” the initial installment in Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic trilogy, has been hailed as one of the finest films ever created. This epic masterpiece is adapted from Mario Puzo’s novel, sharing the same title. The story centers around the powerful Corleone crime family, with Don Vito Corleone (played by Marlon Brando) at its helm. After his return from World War II, Vito’s son, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), steps into the Corleone family business, causing a significant shift in their dynamics. As he bears witness to violence and loss within his own family for the first time, Michael undergoes an extraordinary transformation – morphing from a disciplined Marine into a merciless Mafia enforcer.
Siskel and Ebert reevaluated Coppola’s movie The Godfather when it returned to cinemas. They both thought it was an exceptional masterpiece with brilliant dialogue, an engaging plot, and outstanding performances by Brando and Pacino. Siskel pointed out that the film surpassed its source material in a rare instance, but Siskel and Ebert still concurred that…
Released in 1981
The movie titled “Ragtime” was directed by Miloš Forman, adapted from E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel of the same name. This drama film takes place in early 20th-century New York and intertwines various stories involving different groups in the city. Real events are blended with fiction in “Ragtime”, as it presents characters inspired by real individuals, such as Booker T. Washington (portrayed by Moses Gunn), Harry Houdini (Jeffrey DeMunn), Harry Kendall Thaw (played by Robert Joy), Stanford White (Norman Mailer), and Evelyn Nesbit (Elizabeth McGovern).
As a devoted cinephile, I can attest that Ragtime was showered with eight Academy Award nominations, yet none were taken home. Despite its box office struggle, this cinematic masterpiece was hailed by Siskel as something extraordinary. At the time of its release, he admired how Forman captured America during the early 1900s and appreciated the seamless blending of distinct narratives into a single, powerful film. Additionally, Siskel lauded the exceptional ensemble performances within Ragtime, deeming Forman’s creation as undervalued by many.
Released in 1980
In one of Martin Scorsese’s most impactful movies, titled “Raging Bull,” we delve into the tumultuous personal and career journey of Jake LaMotta, a former boxer brilliantly played by Robert De Niro. Interestingly, Jake LaMotta himself, who authored the memoir “Raging Bull: My Story” in 1970, trained De Niro for the film. His brother, Joey LaMotta, was also depicted on screen.
Despite losing the Academy Award for Best Picture to Ordinary People in 1980, Siskel and Ebert deemed Raging Bull as the superior film of that year. Siskel was particularly struck by Scorsese’s powerful direction and compelling narrative. He also appreciated De Niro’s portrayal of LaMotta and accurately foresaw De Niro winning the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Released in 1989
Do The Right Thing is a film that combines comedy and drama, and it’s set in New York City. The story revolves around two main groups – the Italian-American community, led by shop owner Sal Frangione (played by Danny Aiello), and the African-American community, represented by characters like Mookie (portrayed by Spike Lee) and Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito). As Mookie and Buggin’ Out challenge the Italian-Americans residing in the neighborhood, racial tensions escalate, leading to violence when these tensions reach their peak.
| Release Date | Directed By | Written By | Produced By | Cinematography By | Distributed By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 1989 | Spike Lee | Spike Lee | Spike Lee | Ernest Dickerson | Universal Pictures |
Upon its release in 1989, Spike Lee’s movie “Do The Right Thing” stirred up controversy due to its thought-provoking themes. However, critics Siskel and Ebert praised the film for its innovation, captivating storyline, and intense emotional depth. In fact, Siskel singled out the portrayal of racial tensions in “Do The Right Thing” as a reflection of genuine issues in American society. He was particularly impressed by Lee’s unique cinematic style, and he critically noted that the Academy Awards overlooked the film when they failed to nominate it for Best Picture or Best Director.
Released in 1987
The Last Emperor is a historical drama biopic directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. This film, which won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, tells the story of Puyi, who was the last Emperor of China from 1908 to 1912 in real life. The movie is based on the life of Puyi, whose autobiography From Emperor to Citizen provided the foundation for Bertolucci’s film. Interestingly, four different actors portrayed Puyi at different stages of his life: Richard Vuu as the 3-year-old Puyi, Tijger Tsou as the 8-year-old Puyi, Wu Tao as the 15-year-old Puyi, and John Lone as the adult Puyi.
The Last Emperor was a movie that generated debate between Siskel and Ebert, with Ebert expressing concerns about its narrative inconsistencies, while Siskel commended the film’s stunning visuals and insightful portrayal of Puyi’s life. Nevertheless, there was consensus among critics that the character of Puyi in The Last Emperor seemed somewhat underdeveloped.
Released in 1990
Goodfellas, without a doubt, stands as one of the greatest movies ever crafted within the mob-crime genre. The film follows Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a former mobster who yearned for a life in organized crime. As Hill becomes entangled with associates like James Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), he discovers that juggling his illicit activities alongside his busy personal life is far from simple.
As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but rave about how Goodfellas was an unparalleled sensation when it hit the silver screen in 1990. Siskel and Ebert, two titans of film criticism, hailed it as the best movie of that year, showering praise on every aspect of it. The masterful direction by Scorsese, coupled with the outstanding performances by Liotta, De Niro, and Pesci, left Siskel in awe of the storytelling and rhythm of Goodfellas. Out of all the remarkable films Siskel recommended, this one stands as an absolute must-see for any film enthusiast.
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2025-05-31 00:38