Arthur Schmidt, the renowned film editor who collaborated with director Robert Zemeckis on numerous acclaimed films, passed away at the age of 86. Schmidt’s impressive career spanned over four decades and included work on iconic films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump, and the Back to the Future trilogy. Throughout his career, Schmidt also edited films for esteemed directors Mike Nichols and Michael Apted.
Schmidt’s collaborations with Zemeckis proved to be particularly fruitful, with the duo working together on 10 films. In a 2014 interview, Schmidt spoke highly of Zemeckis, describing him as a brilliant writer and director who was always involved in the script and had a talent for working with actors. The two seemed to have a natural and effortless collaboration, always in sync.
Perhaps one of Schmidt’s most impressive achievements was his work on Who Framed Roger Rabbit, a groundbreaking film that seamlessly merged live-action with hand-drawn animation. The film, with a reported budget of $30 million, was the most expensive animated movie ever made at the time. Schmidt’s ability to merge the chaos of animation with live-action footage was a testament to his skill and expertise. He recalled during an Art of the Cut podcast that the film was cut entirely on film and without any animation. Instead, there was only space left for the animated characters, with crew members using rubber dolls to help visualize the final product. Each frame that Schmidt cut was then photocopied as an 8×10 blow-up, allowing animators to hand-draw the characters accurately. The end result was a groundbreaking film that wowed audiences and cemented Schmidt’s reputation as a master film editor.
Born in Los Angeles on June 17, 1937, Schmidt was inspired to become a film editor by his father, Arthur P. Schmidt, a two-time Oscar nominee and esteemed editor known for his work on classic films such as Sunset Blvd. and Some Like It Hot. Despite his initial hesitations, Schmidt found himself drawn to the magic of filmmaking after witnessing the sets his father worked on. After his father’s untimely death, Schmidt was offered an apprenticeship by assistants from Paramount. This marked the beginning of his career as a film editor.
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Throughout his career, Schmidt worked on a wide range of films spanning various genres. From thrilling classics like Marathon Man and Jaws 2 to heartwarming dramas like Coal Miner’s Daughter and Beaches, Schmidt’s versatility as an editor knew no bounds. His ability to adapt to different styles and tell stories effectively made him a sought-after editor in the industry.
Schmidt received critical acclaim for his work on multiple films, earning two Academy Awards for Editing. He won his first Oscar in 1989 for Who Framed Roger Rabbit and received his second in 1995 for Forrest Gump. His collaborations with Zemeckis proved to be particularly fruitful, with the two earning accolades for their work on films like Death Becomes Her, Contact, and What Lies Beneath.
Despite his numerous achievements, Schmidt remained humble and admitted to feeling insecure at the start of each new project. However, there was a turning point in his career while working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit when he finally felt confident in his abilities as an editor. The film’s energy and specialness resonated with him, and he eagerly looked forward to going to work every day.
Schmidt’s outstanding contributions to the world of film editing will undoubtedly be remembered. His ability to seamlessly merge different elements, tell compelling stories, and capture the essence of each film he worked on made him a legend in the industry. His collaborations with Zemeckis and other celebrated directors have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Arthur Schmidt’s legacy as one of the greatest film editors of his time will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers.
