I was completely captured by Jones’ profile of Roger
Ebert. While the events of Mr. Ebert’s life are jolting and capturing in
themselves, I can’t say that that was the sole reason I was so entranced by
this piece. Jones did a wonderful job of relaying Ebert’s story in a way that
was anything but intrusive; it was clear that he took the back seat for this
ride and really gave an honest account that allowed Ebert’s entire person to
speak for himself through Jones’ writing. I personally think that this detail
says more about Jones’ voice in this piece than what would have been said if he
had done it any other way. As for Ebert’s voice, I think Jones did a fantastic
job of capturing it. Not once did this feel like I was reading a summary or a
recount of something Mr. Ebert had said – it truly felt like I was tagging
along, experiencing these encounters first hand beside him. It was constantly
refreshing to be able to get this impenetrable sense of Robert Ebert – whether he
was jotting in his notebook, telling his wife good night, opening a copy of his
new book, or even demonstrating his new, creative ways such as laughing, I
quickly felt my initial pity dissolving and a whole new respect forming for
this man. Jones did a fantastic job of using not only his voice, but the
important voice of Robert Ebert, which is anything but lost, to give an
incredible profile.
I compeletely agree on you about the fact that I felt like "tagging along" and experiencing Ebert's life first hand. You certainly have a point in saying that Ebert must have given honest account on Jones and he also did a great job telling Ebert's voice. I, too, grew respect on this man who fought numerous times in his life against terrible sickness but do not feel pity becaue I know he appreciates himself and has proud in it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you pointed out about Jones using his own voice to convey Ebert's voice. Even though Jones used his own experiences with Ebert to write the piece, he did not involve himself in the story too much. He stayed true to the profile's subject, Robert Ebert, throughout the entire work.
ReplyDeleteI thought there was an incredible sincerity to this piece. Both because of Jones' writing as well as the fact that words are so important to Ebert and he carries his life as an open book. I loved this piece really. I thought Jones showed the wisdom and the passion in Ebert not through his survival of his misfortune but through the power of his words.
ReplyDeleteI thought there was an incredible sincerity to this piece. Both because of Jones' writing as well as the fact that words are so important to Ebert and he carries his life as an open book. I loved this piece really. I thought Jones showed the wisdom and the passion in Ebert not through his survival of his misfortune but through the power of his words.
ReplyDelete