“So when I’m given a massive amount of improvisation and it’s difficult to cut, I love it, because it’s like a puzzle you have to put together.” — Thelma Schoonmaker

It’s the birthday of Thelma Schoonmaker, the legendary editor-partner to Martin Scorsese. In 2015, I had the great honor to interview her about the restoration of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s Tales of Hoffmann, which she supervised. She was so much fun to talk to, so lively, full of interest and humor. I also love her comment on continuity.

For Film Comment, I wrote about Mary Ellen Bute’s 1966 film adaptation of James Joyce’s FINNEGANS WAKE. It is Thelma Schoonmaker’s first credit as an editor.