rating units for siskel and ebert nyt

asalmes

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03-12-2024

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For decades, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert reigned supreme as the most influential film critics in America. Their "At the Movies" show, syndicated across the country, became a cultural touchstone. But how exactly did their unique rating system work? Understanding their methods reveals a fascinating glimpse into their critical approach and the evolution of film criticism itself.

The Evolution of the Siskel & Ebert Rating System

While most people associate Siskel & Ebert with their iconic thumbs-up/thumbs-down system, their rating methods evolved over time. Initially, they used a simple star rating system similar to many publications. This numerical system, however, didn't quite capture the nuances of their differing opinions.

The shift to the thumbs-up/thumbs-down system, which became their signature, was a brilliant stroke of simplicity. It was visually memorable and easily understood by a broad audience.

Beyond the Thumbs: The Nuances of Their Ratings

The thumbs-up/thumbs-down wasn't just a binary "good/bad" indicator. Subtleties existed within their reviews:

• Thumbs Up: Indicated a film they recommended. This didn't automatically mean the film was perfect, just that they believed it was worth seeing.
• Thumbs Down: Signified a film they believed was not worth the viewer's time. Again, this wasn't necessarily an indication of complete cinematic failure, but rather a lack of recommendation.
• Mixed Reviews: When opinions differed significantly, they would each give their individual thumbs up or down, resulting in a split verdict. This highlighted contrasting perspectives and engaged viewers in critical discussions.
• Star Ratings (Early Years): Though later overshadowed by the thumbs, their earlier star ratings provided a more granular assessment of a film’s quality. While the exact scale varied slightly over the years, it typically ranged from one to four stars.

Why the Thumbs System Worked

The success of Siskel & Ebert's iconic thumbs system wasn't accidental. Its effectiveness stemmed from several factors:

• Simplicity: The visual nature of the thumbs made the verdict instantly clear. This was crucial in the context of television, where brevity was key.
• Memorability: The simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down became deeply ingrained in popular culture. It's still widely recognized and referenced even today.
• Engagement: The system encouraged discussion and debate. Audiences eagerly awaited their opinions and often disagreed, creating lively conversations about the films reviewed.

The Legacy of Siskel & Ebert's Rating System

While the thumbs system is no longer actively used by any prominent film critics, its legacy is undeniable. It influenced how film criticism was presented to a mass audience, making it more accessible and engaging. The simplicity and memorability of the thumbs-up/thumbs-down remain a testament to the power of effective communication in the world of film reviewing. The impact of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert extends beyond their individual opinions; their rating system itself became a cultural phenomenon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Siskel and Ebert always use the thumbs-up/thumbs-down system?

A: No, they initially used a star rating system before transitioning to the more iconic thumbs.

Q: What did a thumbs-down mean?

A: A thumbs-down indicated that they did not recommend the film, though not necessarily that it was a complete failure.

Q: Did they ever disagree?

A: Yes! Their differing opinions, often expressed through a split verdict, were a hallmark of the show and often led to compelling discussions. Their contrasting viewpoints enriched the show, making it more engaging for the audience.

Q: What is the legacy of their rating system?

A: Their visually striking and easily understood system significantly impacted how film criticism was presented and remains a widely recognized cultural icon even today.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the rating systems employed by Siskel and Ebert, highlighting the evolution of their methods, the reasons behind their success, and their lasting impact on the landscape of film criticism.