Gene Siskel
Explore the life, career, and iconic critiques of Gene Siskel (1946–1999), one half of the legendary Siskel & Ebert duo. Learn about his influence on film criticism, famous lines, and enduring legacy.
Introduction
Gene Siskel (born Eugene Kal Siskel on January 26, 1946; died February 20, 1999) was an American film critic and journalist, most famously known as one half of the television movie-reviewing duo Siskel & Ebert.
He is remembered as a critic who blended intellectual seriousness with accessible language, often championing film as art and entertainment and demanding more from cinema. His “thumbs up / thumbs down” format became part of popular culture.
Early Life and Family
Gene Siskel was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 26, 1946, to Ida (née Kalis) and Nathan William Siskel, Russian Jewish immigrants.
As a boy, Siskel attended DeWitt Clinton Elementary School in Chicago.
He also attended Culver Academies (a boarding school), where he reportedly experienced instances of anti-Semitism—for example, a classmate once spread jam on toast in the shape of a swastika.
Youth, Education & Formative Influences
After his primary schooling, Siskel pursued higher education at Yale University, graduating in 1967 with a degree in philosophy. Chicago Tribune.
Soon after college, Siskel entered the U.S. Army Reserve, serving as a public affairs officer and military journalist at the Defense Information School. His journalism experience in the military would foreshadow his later career in print media.
In 1969, Siskel joined the Chicago Tribune, initially as a general reporter.
Career & Achievements
Rise in Film Criticism & Television
Gene Siskel’s entry into mass visibility began when the Chicago Tribune paired him with fellow critic Roger Ebert (from the rival Chicago Sun-Times) for a local PBS show called Opening Soon at a Theater Near You (1975–1977).
In 1978, that show evolved into Sneak Previews, a weekly program broadcast to PBS affiliates across the U.S. At the Movies, a syndicated show produced by Tribune Broadcasting.
In 1986, after disputes over production control, they moved At the Movies under Buena Vista Television (Disney), rebranding it as Siskel & Ebert & the Movies, later shortened to Siskel & Ebert.
The show was known for its dynamic format: in each episode, Siskel and Ebert would each present opinions on new releases and engage in spirited debate, often ending with their signature “Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down” rating.
Beyond television, Siskel continued writing for the Chicago Tribune, offering film reviews, commentary, and insight into movie trends.
One book he co-authored with Ebert, The Future of the Movies (1991), collected interviews with major filmmakers (like Scorsese, Spielberg, Lucas) exploring how cinema might evolve.
Later Career, Criticism & Influence
Over the years, Siskel’s influence expanded beyond Chicago and television. He appeared frequently on national talk shows, late night programs, and in guest spots, helping bring film criticism into mainstream discourse.
His style combined deep knowledge of film theory and history with clarity for general audiences. He often criticized films that manipulated audiences superficially, and he championed films that offered emotional, intellectual, or aesthetic depth.
Illness & Death
In May 1998, Gene Siskel was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor (a glioma). Siskel & Ebert via telephone from his hospital bed.
He publicly disclosed only that a “growth” had been removed, without detailing the severity.
On February 3, 1999, Siskel announced a leave of absence from the show, stating he planned to return in the fall. He quipped, in good humor, that he was “in a hurry to get well because I don’t want Roger to get more screen time than I.”
He passed away on February 20, 1999 in Evanston, Illinois, at the age of 53.
Legacy & Influence
Gene Siskel’s mark on film criticism and popular culture is profound and long-lasting:
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Popularizing Television Film Criticism
Before Sneak Previews and Siskel & Ebert, film criticism was mostly in print and niche. He and Ebert brought it to millions of living rooms, turning criticism into a form of entertainment and public discourse on culture. -
Iconic Rating System
The “Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down” format gave viewers a simple, memorable shorthand for a critic’s verdict. Its use in pop culture references and parody underscores how deeply it penetrated the public imagination. -
Encouraging Discourse & Debate
Siskel’s willingness to disagree—openly and thoughtfully—with Ebert or with other industry voices made viewers think critically rather than passively accept reviews. The banter and harsh debates were part of the draw. -
Advocacy for Film as Art
Siskel often challenged conventions, criticized manipulative cinematic techniques, and celebrated films that took risks or engaged emotionally. Many who followed in his footsteps cite him as a standard of integrity and depth. -
Inspiring Future Critics & Filmmakers
His visibility and approach encouraged new voices in criticism and journalism. His manner—knowledgeable but not aloof—offered a model of how criticism can be rigorous yet accessible. -
Enduring Reputation
Decades after his death, Siskel is still referenced in film discourse, retrospective criticism, documentary films, and biographical works. His partnership with Ebert remains a benchmark.
Personality, Style & Critical Voice
Gene Siskel was known for being sharp, direct, and intellectually earnest. He did not shy away from calling out films he saw as manipulative or superficial. At the same time, he showed genuine enthusiasm for cinema that was bold, meaningful, or emotionally resonant.
He insisted that a critic’s credibility rests on honesty:
“But you know, really, if you think about it Roger and I … all critics really have one absolute essential part of our credentials and that is that you believe that that is actually what we think.”
He also had a playful side, often making biting quips about films he disliked or industry trends. For example:
“Going to a movie is a two-hour experience; at $7.50 for a ticket, you are valuing your time at far less than the minimum wage.”
He sometimes mocked films he found insubstantial:
“I would rather turn my head and cough than see any part of ‘Patch Adams’ again.”
He also posed incisive, provocative questions, such as:
“Is this film more interesting than a documentary of the same actors having lunch?”
Selected Quotes by Gene Siskel
Here are a few representative quotes that capture his critical sensibility:
| Quote | Commentary |
|---|---|
| “If you don’t understand the film, don’t leave. If you understand it all too well and hate it, get out of your seat and walk up the aisle. You will feel empowered.” He encourages active engagement, not passive suffering of a bad film. | |
| “But you know, really, … that is actually what we think.” On the authenticity of a critic’s voice. | |
| “Is this film more interesting than a documentary of the same actors having lunch?” Sharp, provocative critique on originality and substance. | |
| “We’d rather see a picture that we liked than dump on one we didn’t.” Reflects a benevolent side to criticism. |
Lessons & Insights from Gene Siskel’s Legacy
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Criticism is a conversation, not a verdict.
Siskel treated reviews as invitations to think, not mere gatekeeping. The debates he had with Ebert showed that disagreement can enrich understanding. -
Clarity and intellect can coexist.
He bridged scholarly insight and mass appeal; he believed that criticism should be grounded but accessible. -
Courage matters in critique.
He did not shy from unflattering judgments or challenging popular films. Respect for cinema, not fear of backlash, drove his voice. -
Critics serve both films and audiences.
Siskel often reminded his viewers that, at stake, is respect for the audience’s time, attention, and emotional investment. -
Enduring influence comes from integrity.
Decades after his death, his reputation remains strong, because his work was rooted in humility, curiosity, and accountability.
Conclusion
Gene Siskel’s life and work transformed how film criticism is perceived and practiced in America. As one half of the iconic Siskel & Ebert duo, he brought movies into living rooms while demanding intelligence, integrity, and passion. His critiques, debates, and style continue to echo in modern film discourse, reminding us that to truly engage with art is to listen, to challenge, and to value both the viewer and the creator.