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.
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Remember when Rachel Sklar didn’t know who Thelma was?
https://misskarina.wordpress.com/2007/03/22/la-blogger-continues-campaign-against-ny-hollywood-press/#more-167
oh my God, Bess, I totally forgot about that. smh
Thelma’s editing is flawless. A master of the craft.
I always love how all these years later her face still lights up whenever she discusses Michael Powell.
Happy New Year.
Maddy
Happy new year to you too Maddy!
Yes, she’s still so excited about things – talking to her you could feel her enthusiasm through the phone. and I think she was in Taiwan or something. She was so generous with her time – and we went over the allotted time I was given. She is so great. And she was so excited about tales of Hoffmann (to your point about Michael Powell).
She’s such an artist. I could listen to her talk about editing and movies all day!