Meaning: This quote by renowned film critic Roger Ebert provides insight into his approach to providing quotes to studios for their promotional materials. Ebert's statement reflects his commitment to maintaining independence and integrity in his role as a critic. In order to fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into Ebert's career, his views on film criticism, and the relationship between critics and the film industry.

Roger Ebert was a highly influential film critic who gained widespread recognition for his work with the Chicago Sun-Times and his long-running television show with Gene Siskel, "Siskel & Ebert At the Movies." Ebert's reviews were known for their depth, eloquence, and accessibility, making him a trusted voice in the world of film criticism. Throughout his career, Ebert was dedicated to championing diverse voices in cinema and advocating for the power of film as an art form.

In the quote, Ebert asserts that he does not provide quotes directly to studios for their promotional materials. Instead, he suggests that studios should rely on quotes from published reviews or television appearances. This stance aligns with Ebert's commitment to impartiality and ethical conduct in his role as a critic. By refraining from directly supplying quotes to studios, Ebert aimed to maintain a clear boundary between his critical evaluations and the marketing efforts of the film industry.

Ebert's refusal to provide quotes to studios can be seen as a strategic decision to uphold the integrity of his reviews and avoid potential conflicts of interest. By relying on quotes from published sources, studios are compelled to engage with a broader spectrum of critical voices, promoting transparency and diversity in the promotion of their films. Ebert's insistence on this practice reflects his dedication to the principles of journalistic ethics and the importance of maintaining an independent critical perspective.

Furthermore, Ebert's emphasis on the use of quotes from the media and television highlights the evolving landscape of film criticism and the dissemination of reviews. In an era before the widespread proliferation of online content, quotes from established critics in print publications and television appearances held significant weight in shaping public perception of films. Ebert's refusal to provide direct quotes to studios underscores the value he placed on the broader critical discourse surrounding cinema.

Ebert's quote also sheds light on the complex relationship between film critics and the industry they critique. While critics play a crucial role in evaluating and contextualizing films for audiences, they must navigate the potential influence of the film industry on their work. By maintaining a degree of separation from the promotional activities of studios, Ebert sought to reinforce the autonomy and credibility of film criticism as a distinct and essential component of the cinematic landscape.

In conclusion, Roger Ebert's quote encapsulates his unwavering dedication to the principles of independence, integrity, and ethical conduct in film criticism. By refusing to provide quotes directly to studios, Ebert aimed to uphold the integrity of his reviews and maintain a clear boundary between his critical evaluations and the promotional efforts of the film industry. His stance reflects a broader commitment to journalistic ethics, the evolving landscape of film criticism, and the complex relationship between critics and the film industry. Ebert's enduring impact as a critic continues to resonate, underscoring the enduring relevance of his perspective on the intersection of cinema, criticism, and industry practices.