This Cultural Life - Thelma Schoonmaker (BBC)

Thelma Schoonmaker: A Journey Through Film Editing

Introduction to Thelma Schoonmaker

• Thelma Schoonmaker is an award-winning film editor known for her long-standing collaboration with Martin Scorsese, starting from his first feature film in 1967.

• She has edited iconic films such as Goodfellas, Casino, Wolf of Wall Street, The Irishman, and Killers of the Flower Moon.

• Schoonmaker has been nominated for an Oscar nine times and won three, making her the first woman to win multiple awards in the editing category.

Early Life and Cultural Influences

• Born in Algeria in 1940, she was evacuated to Aruba during World War II, which shaped her early cultural experiences.

• Her parents' American background and love for Europe exposed her to diverse cultures from a young age, fostering a global perspective.

• Upon returning to the U.S. at age 15, she felt disconnected from American culture and initially aspired to become a diplomat.

Education and Political Activism

• Studied Russian language and political science at Cornell University; however, her liberal views led to doubts about her suitability for diplomacy.

• A pivotal moment occurred when she realized that diplomatic constraints would limit her ability to express personal beliefs on issues like apartheid.

Transition into Film Editing

• Although she did not pursue diplomacy, skills learned during that time helped navigate complex dynamics in the cutting room while working with Scorsese.

• Her introduction to cinema began with seeing Red Shoes at age 12, which left a lasting emotional impact on her understanding of art's power.

Discovering Film Editing

• At 15, she discovered classic films through television programs like Million-Dollar Movie; this deepened her appreciation for cinematic storytelling.

• An ad in the New York Times led her to train as an assistant film editor; however, she quickly became disillusioned by poor editing practices at that job.

The Accidental Meeting with Martin Scorsese

Formative Influences and Early Experiences

• The speaker discusses their formative influences, particularly focusing on their relationship with Martin Scorsese, whom they have edited 22 feature films for.

• They recount how a course at New York University led to an unexpected opportunity to help Scorsese fix a miscut negative of his film.

• During this encounter, the speaker learned that Scorsese was also a student in the same course, studying film as part of his degree.

Building Trust and Collaboration

• After working together for 36 hours to restore the film, Scorsese began to trust the speaker with future projects, including documentaries.

• The speaker reflects on their initial lack of editing knowledge but acknowledges that working on Scorsese's first feature film "Who's That Knocking?" was a significant learning experience.

Editing Woodstock: A Transformative Experience

Working on the Documentary

• In 1969, both individuals worked as part of the editing team for the documentary "Woodstock," which captured the iconic music festival earlier that year.

• The director Michael Wadley financed their trip to Woodstock himself, leading to an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and challenges.

Challenges Faced During Filming

• The chaotic environment at Woodstock included traffic jams and limited supplies; they often had no place to sleep or food during their stay.

• Despite these hardships, there were moments of camaraderie among young people attending the festival who were supportive throughout.

Behind-the-Scenes Madness

Filming Under Pressure

• The crew faced numerous obstacles while filming; they often had to reload cameras under difficult conditions due to rain and equipment malfunctions.

• An anecdote is shared about being kicked off stage by "The Who" but sneaking back on due to their captivating performance.

Memorable Moments from Woodstock

• A vivid description is given about being underneath the stage during performances while trying to manage camera equipment amidst chaos.

• One standout moment was witnessing Jimi Hendrix perform his iconic rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," which left a lasting impression.

Reflecting on Impactful Footage

Editing Insights Post-Festival

• Upon returning to New York after filming, they realized they had captured something special through extensive footage collected during Woodstock.

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Discussion on Film Editing and Personal Experiences

Reflections on Happiness and Responsibility

• The speaker reflects on the paradox of happiness derived from substances like pot, questioning societal norms regarding youth and safety.

• A strong emotional response is noted regarding the tragic events in Vietnam, suggesting a deeper connection to societal issues.

Career Journey in Film Editing

• The speaker discusses their Oscar nomination for editing in 1970 but notes a decade-long gap before working with Martin Scorsese on "Raging Bull" in 1980.

• Union restrictions prevented collaboration with Scorsese initially; the speaker highlights the outdated rules that hindered their career progression.

Challenges Faced During "Raging Bull"

• Winning an Academy Award for "Raging Bull" was seen as personal vindication after overcoming union challenges.

• The experience of working on a major Hollywood film was new for the speaker, emphasizing the scale of production compared to previous work.

Insights into Film Structure and Editing Process

• The fight sequences were shot over six weeks, showcasing the intense preparation involved in creating impactful scenes.

• Key decisions included removing flashbacks to enhance narrative focus, demonstrating the importance of structural choices in storytelling.

Collaboration with Directors

• Emphasis is placed on character complexity; Scorsese's ability to portray flawed characters adds depth to performances.

• The editing process begins during filming; maintaining emotional impact from dailies is crucial for effective storytelling.

Unique Perspectives as a Female Editor

• The speaker suggests that their female perspective contributes uniquely to identifying emotional nuances within takes, enhancing overall film aesthetics.

The Role of Music in Film Editing

Influence of Music on Editing Process

• The speaker reflects on the historical presence of women in film editing, noting that they were not the first but acknowledges famous female editors from the beginning.

• Discusses Peter Gabriel's score for The Last Temptation of Christ, highlighting its deep impact during the editing process and Scorsese's surprising choice to involve Gabriel.

• Describes how Gabriel began recording music while editing was still ongoing, emphasizing his eagerness to align music with visual footage despite multiple edits being anticipated.

• Shares a memorable moment when Gabriel featured renowned Pakistani singer Nuzat Fata Ali Khan, enhancing the emotional weight during Jesus' journey to Calvary.

• Emphasizes the importance of musical training for editors, asserting that understanding music is crucial for effective film editing.

Michael Powell's Impact on Filmmaking

Characteristics of Powell and Pressburger’s Style

• The speaker characterizes Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger as brave filmmakers who created original stories rather than adaptations, aiming to challenge audiences.

• Mentions a key lesson learned from Powell: never explain your work; instead, evoke feelings without dictating thoughts to viewers.

• Reflects on Powell's struggles with being ahead of his time, particularly regarding Peeping Tom, which faced backlash due to its psychological themes.

• Notes that despite a 20-year period of obscurity, Powell continued writing movie ideas without bitterness or giving up hope.

Personal Connection with Michael Powell

Meeting and Marriage

• The speaker recounts meeting Michael Powell through Martin Scorsese, who encouraged them to appreciate Powell’s films as part of their education in filmmaking.

• Describes an intimate dinner where relationships developed between them after initially meeting at a retrospective event organized by Scorsese.

• Highlights how marrying Michael enriched both personal life and professional experiences within filmmaking circles.

Collaboration Between Scorsese and Powell

Influence on Raging Bull

• Discusses how marriage affected the relationship with Scorsese; he missed having Michael around but valued his contributions on set.

• Shares an anecdote about how Michael suggested changing gloves from red to black-and-white for Raging Bull, significantly impacting its aesthetic direction.

• Points out the irony that while Michael’s films were known for vibrant colors like red, he critiqued excessive use in others’ works.

Legacy and Friendship

Reflection on Their Relationship

• Concludes by reflecting on the powerful friendship between Marty and Michael, acknowledging their mutual influence in each other's careers.

The Creative Journey of a Film Editor

Reflections on Legacy and Passion for Film

• The speaker reflects on their father's pride in their achievements, highlighting his joy in being part of the film world, even bringing cakes to sessions with actors like Ray Liotta.

• Despite being in their 80s, the speaker continues to work actively in film editing, expressing anticipation for future collaborations with renowned director Martin Scorsese.

• The speaker emphasizes that being an editor is one of the most creative jobs available, involving numerous daily decisions that shape a work of art.

• Each film presents new challenges for the editor, requiring them to learn and adapt continuously, which they find immensely satisfying and fulfilling.