Tragic Passing – Sally Menke Was 56
Sometimes, a death in this business is really quite shocking.
Sally Menke was in the prime of her life. Last year, she was nominated for her second Oscar. Last time I saw her was a few months ago, at Sony, where she was “fixing” The Green Hornet, successfully, it seems.
Obviously, she was a major talent. And personally, having spent a little time with her in this last year, I really liked the woman.
Here are the first few minutes of our Super Movie Friends sit down last Oscar season. She is with her close friend, Joan Sobel (who had worked with Menke over the years and last year cut A Single Man), and Christian Berger (Haneke’s brilliant DP). The rest of the conversation doesn’t seem to have been transferred to the new site, but I will correct that today. Even in these few minutes, you get a sense of Sally Menke.
Tragic.
Man, Menke’s passing really is tragic. She will very much be missed. Thanks for posting the video.
I woke up this morning with my wife telling me the news. Definitely one of the more shocking — and tragic — deaths in the industry. I had the opportunity to hear her talk at an event with the other Oscar-nominated editors last February.
Who on earth goes hiking in 113-degree weather?
I suppose Telemachos, that the answer to your question only adds to the tragedy. A fine, fine editor and one whom many, many people will miss (and in cinematic terms, obviously, Tarantino more than we can know).
Just to clear — it wasn’t 113 degrees at 9am when she went hiking AND it wasn’t predicted to be THAT hot. The temp just climbed steadily… caught a lot of people off guard.
I feel selfish, how bummed I am about this (a testament to her good work, I suppose). Her work on those Tarantino movies is exceptional and while I’m in full belief of Tarantino’s talent, I can’t help but wonder if something will feel off or missing from his next picture without her cutting it together. She will be missed.
Has there been such a long, and almost exclusive partnership between director and editor? I think of Marty and Thelma, Spielberg and Michael Kahn, Clint and Joel Cox.
It will be interesting how Quentin fares henceforth. Obviously his dialogue is brilliant, but i think we’ll agree it’s not only cutting for rhythm but having a friend to hang with. Tarantino said he needed a woman to edit DOGS because … well, there was enough testosterone already.
I know that Spielberg referred to Vera Fields as Mothercutter.
This is such a shame. It was clear to anyone who saw them together that Ms. Menke brought a huge amount of balance and restraint to her collaborations with Tarantino. Hopefully he can find someone who can complement him as well.
And of course, condolences to her family and loved ones.
what an horrible thing, my heart goes out to all sally’s family and friends and colleagues at this sad time. obviously, she will be sorely missed by many and the world of cinema will be poorer for her passing. lucky for us her work will live on as testament to her gift for shaping great stories.