Director David O. Russell with actor Mark Wahlberg on the set of “The Fighter” edited by Oscar nominee Pamela Martin.
The Road to Cinema Podcast is proud to welcome another accomplished editor to the series on our latest episode with Oscar nominated editor Pamela Martin. Our interview with Martin emphasizes the importance of the collaboration process between the director and editor. Pamela Martin started her career as an assistant to Oscar winning editor Tim Squayres on many of director Ang Lee’s early films including “The Wedding Banquet”.
At the 2011 Academy Awards ceremony, Martin received an Oscar nomination for “Best Editing” for director David O. Russell’s film “The Fighter”. The film stars Mark Wahlberg in the true story of Micky Ward, a down-on-his-luck boxer who pushes his way to a comeback while combating the domestic drama which plagues his life. This includes an overbearing mother played by Oscar winner Melissa Leo, a drug addicted half-brother and champion boxer in his own regard played by Oscar winner Christian Bale, a group of combative sisters, and a headstrong girlfriend played by Oscar nominee Amy Adams. We’ll discuss Martin’s collaboration with director David O. Russell which began on his debut feature film “Spanking the Monkey”. Martin also delves into “The Fighter” exploring the film’s incredible pace and rhythm, and how director David O. Russell’s use of improvisation with his actors influenced the final narrative shaping of the film. “The Fighter” has become a contemporary boxing classic making the rounds near “Rocky” and “Raging Bull”. The film won 2 Academy Awards for actors Christian Bale and Melissa Leo and also received Oscar nominations for “Best Picture”, “Best Director” David O. Russell, “Best Supporting Actress” Amy Adams, and “Best Editing” for our Road to Cinema guest Pamela Martin.
The opening scene of “The Fighter” launches the audience into the world of Micky Ward and his goodhearted but troubled half-brother Dicky Eklund. On the podcast, Martin discusses the importance of this opening sequence and establishing Lowell, Massachusetts as the backdrop of the film.
Martin also discusses how this opening scene influenced the ending of “The Fighter”. Christian Bale in astounding in “The Fighter”, a well deserved Oscar win.
Martin discusses the importance of script and especially music which plays a vital chord on her collaboration with directors Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris on both “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Ruby Sparks”.
The opening scene of “Little Miss Sunshine”. Martin discusses the importance of the music score when designing this sequence which features the music of composers Mychael Danna and DeVotchKa
The trailer for “Ruby Sparks” directed by Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris of “Little Miss Sunshine” and edited by Pamela Martin. A film that deserves to be rediscovered.
Listen to Oscar nominated editor Pamela Martin on The Road to Cinema Podcast. Subscribe and rate The Road to Cinema Podcast on iTunes. Follow us on Twitter @JogRoad for the latest updates.