In Contention

Bye Sally

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This is just the most awful news to wake up to.  Truly tragic, a blow right from left field.

Film editor Sally Menke, long-time friend and collaborator with Quentin Tarantino who helped craft his films into some of the most memorable pieces of cinema ever, has passed away today at the far-too-young age of 56.  Menke was hiking yesterday in Griffith Park.  Her body was found around 2:15 am this morning and though a cause of death has not been confirmed, it appears yesterday’s record-breaking heat wave (temperatures got up to 113 degrees in downtown) could be the culprit.

This is just terrible, but (and again, the heat isn’t a confirmed factor yet), it raises a truly serious issue.  Take care of yourself in this kind of weather.  A talented contributor to the art form that makes everyone reading these words tick is gone and for what?

The “hi Sallys” from Tarantino’s latest, “Inglourious Basterds”:

And from “Death Proof”:

Tarantino talks Menke’s importance in his work:

[Photo: Editor Under Construction]

Comments

15 responses to “Bye Sally”

  1. Edmond Dantes Avatar
    Edmond Dantes

    damn, this is some sad news. Sally’s work in Tarantino’s films always really added something to the experience. she will be missed.

  2. Patriotsfan Avatar
    Patriotsfan

    Thanks for your superb work in Taratino’s movies Sally. You will be missed.

  3. Tye-Grr Avatar
    Tye-Grr

    This is truly upsetting. She and Tarantino were such an inspired team, and it’s so terrible to learn of her sudden death. My condolences to her friends and family.

  4. Mike_M Avatar

    upsetting news for sure

  5. americanrequiem Avatar
    americanrequiem

    epicly depressing, RIP

  6. […] In Contention has posted a video of Quentin Tarantino talking about his work with Sally Menke throughout his career and specifically on the movie Death Proof. It moved me when he spoke of their relationship as “the epitome of collaboration.” Check out that video below. […]

  7. Squirrelman Avatar
    Squirrelman

    R.I.P.

  8. Robert Hamer Avatar
    Robert Hamer

    Future Tarantino movies will never be the same.

  9. James Avatar
    James

    Will miss ya everyday Sally. You made Inglourious Basterds fly by. At least for me, you did.

  10. Edward L. Avatar
    Edward L.

    That’s very sad news. A young age to go. She was a terrific editor.

  11. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    This is a shock. There are no words for this loss. An amazing editor and a great human being. Bless you, Sally.

    And condolences to her family and her “working” family of crew & cast.

  12. Andrew F Avatar
    Andrew F

    Goodbye, Sally. You’ll still be editing my dreams.

  13. Silencio Avatar

    I’ve come to appreciate the bond a director and editor share after working together for so long. When a director loses his/her editor, something very real is lost. Possibly more than the other way around. I’m sad for Tarantino.

  14. Glenn Avatar

    You know you’ve made an impression when people are getting misty-eyed over a film editor. She was so talented and gifted in her work with Tarantino. Where would he be without her?

    The next QT film will be interesting then, will he be able to find someone who knows him so well? RIP Sally.

  15. Dooby Avatar
    Dooby

    Wow. This is awful.
    At least she has left some amazing films behind in which she’ll be remembered by.
    RIP