Thelma Schoonmaker Reflects on powell, Scorsese, and a Legacy in Film Editing
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- Thelma Schoonmaker Reflects on powell, Scorsese, and a Legacy in Film Editing
Edinburgh, Scotland – Celebrated film editor Thelma Schoonmaker captivated audiences at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Sunday with a poignant discussion of her life, work, and enduring relationships with cinematic giants Michael Powell and Martin Scorsese. Schoonmaker, a three-time Academy Award winner, offered rare insights into her collaborations and personal life, revealing a deep connection to both filmmakers.
A Collaborative Journey with Martin Scorsese
Schoonmaker’s partnership with Scorsese spans 22 films,earning her Oscars for Raging Bull (1981),the Aviator (2005),and The Departed (2007). Her introduction to powell came through scorsese, whose admiration for the Powell and Emeric Pressburger partnership fostered a lasting friendship between the three. Scorsese actively championed the restoration of Powell’s films, recognizing his significant contributions to cinema.
“When I first started working with Scorsese, he immediately started giving me Powell and Pressburger films to take home and look at at night,” Schoonmaker recounted to producer Emma Boa at Tollcross Central Hall. “Scorsese had been bringing Michael to America… He said, ‘You love his films. Would you like to meet him?’ And I said, ‘Oh, yes, I would.’ So I had dinner with Marty and Michael, and it was astounding, because michael, even his face was so engaging. He didn’t say much, but when he said something, it was very powerful. Nobody ever expected us to get married.”
A Marriage Forged in Film
Schoonmaker and Powell married in 1984 and remained together until his death in 1990.Their collaborative spirit extended beyond their personal lives, influencing their respective careers. Powell and Pressburger are renowned for films like The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943), I No Where I’m Going! (1945), and The Red Shoes (1948).
Did You Know? The partnership between Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger was groundbreaking,often blurring the lines between director and writer roles,and creating a unique cinematic voice.
Scorsese’s Support During Tough Times
Schoonmaker shared a moving story about Scorsese’s unwavering support during a challenging period for Powell. She revealed that Scorsese intervened to help secure the release of Goodfellas, a film initially met with resistance from studios. “Can you imagine – he can’t sell Goodfellas?” she recalled. “And the studios were saying to him: ‘You have to take the drugs out.’ And [Scorsese] said, ‘The story of Goodfellas is the drugs. I can’t take it out.’ So Michael said to me, ‘Read me the script.’ I read the script to him on Sunday… And he said, ‘Get Marty on phone.’ And I did. He said, ‘Marty, you have to make this movie. It’s the best script I’ve read in 20 years. You have to make it.’ So Marty went in and somehow convinced Warner Bros. to make it.”
Preserving a Legacy with AI
Schoonmaker is currently working on publishing Powell’s diaries, a project she’s tackling with the assistance of artificial intelligence. ”We’re using AI with the diaries… We have people read the diary from Michael’s handwriting, as publishers want to see it in print, not handwriting,” she explained. She intends to selectively publish excerpts relevant to film history, respecting Powell’s privacy regarding personal matters.
Pro Tip: AI tools are increasingly being used in archival research and preservation, offering new ways to access and interpret historical materials.
Schoonmaker also discussed the complexities of Powell and Pressburger’s creative partnership, noting that Pressburger was more pragmatic about the challenges facing the British film industry, while Powell remained steadfast in his artistic vision. This difference in approach led to a period of professional and personal strain. She poignantly recalled the lack of industry support following Powell’s death, noting that only Bernardo Bertolucci and Scorsese attended his funeral.
What do you think about the role of film preservation in honoring cinematic legacies? And how might AI impact the future of archival work?
Key Moments in Schoonmaker, Powell, and Scorsese’s Careers
| Year | Event | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Schoonmaker wins Oscar for Raging Bull | First Academy Award for Schoonmaker, solidifying her reputation as a leading film editor. |
| 1984 | Schoonmaker and Powell marry | A personal and creative union between two influential figures in cinema. |
| 1990 | Michael Powell dies | A significant loss for the film community, prompting Scorsese’s continued advocacy for Powell’s work. |
| 2005 | Schoonmaker wins Oscar for The Aviator | Second Academy Award for Schoonmaker, recognizing her continued excellence. |
| 2007 | Schoonmaker wins Oscar for The Departed | Third Academy Award for Schoonmaker, cementing her status as a cinematic icon. |
Schoonmaker’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the collaborative spirit and enduring friendships that shape the world of cinema. Her dedication to preserving Powell’s legacy, coupled with her continued work with Scorsese, underscores her profound impact on the art form.
The influence of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger on filmmaking continues to resonate today. Their innovative use of color, camera movement, and narrative structure paved the way for many contemporary directors. The ongoing debate surrounding film preservation highlights the importance of safeguarding cinematic history for future generations. The integration of AI into archival work represents a significant shift, offering new possibilities for research and restoration, but also raising questions about authenticity and interpretation.The enduring partnership between Scorsese and Schoonmaker serves as a model for creative collaboration and mutual respect within the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thelma Schoonmaker and Michael Powell
- Who is Thelma Schoonmaker? Thelma Schoonmaker is a highly acclaimed film editor known for her long-standing collaboration with Martin Scorsese and her marriage to director Michael Powell.
- What films are michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger known for? They are celebrated for classics like The Life and death of Colonel Blimp, I Know Where I’m Going!, and The Red Shoes.
- How did Martin Scorsese influence Michael Powell’s legacy? Scorsese actively championed the restoration of Powell’s films and advocated for his recognition within the film industry.
- What is Thelma Schoonmaker currently working on? She is currently working on publishing Michael Powell’s diaries, utilizing AI to transcribe his handwriting.
- What was the nature of the relationship between Powell and Pressburger? Their partnership was creatively fruitful but also experienced periods of tension due to differing approaches to the film industry.