Director Adam Somner Mourned by Spielberg, Scorsese & More

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As a film enthusiast who has had the privilege of witnessing the magic unfold on set, I cannot help but feel a profound sense of loss with the passing of Adam Somner. Known as the “left arm” of Steven Spielberg, and a legend among directors like Paul Thomas Anderson, Martin Scorsese, and Ridley Scott, Somner’s contribution to cinema was nothing short of extraordinary.

In many films, it’s the directors who receive most of the praise, but first assistant directors are equally important in bringing ideas to life – a topic excellently explored in HBO’s latest series, The Franchise. Many filmmakers and producers have started their careers as assistant directors, while others find this role particularly fitting due to its blend of creative directing with production management. Notably, the talented Adam Somner, who sadly passed away on Nov. 27, 2024, at the age of 59 from anaplastic thyroid cancer, was renowned for his work in this role. He collaborated with film giants such as Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson, Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Wes Anderson, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu, among others, and boasted an impressive body of work both as a director and producer.

Spielberg referred to Somner as his “right-hand man,” while Paul Thomas Anderson described him in a tribute as being in the league of great legends such as Kobe Bryant, Mick Jagger, and Winston Churchill, adding that this was an understatement. This speaks volumes about Somner’s illustrious career which started as a production assistant on movies like Superman IV and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He would eventually rise through the ranks to become the third assistant director on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, working on films including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, 101 Dalmatians, Event Horizon, Gladiator, The Mummy, and Hannibal.

Somner’s professional path led him to collaborate with several renowned directors on multiple Academy Award-winning movies, including “There Will Be Blood,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Rango,” “The Master,” “Lincoln,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Birdman,” “Inherent Vice,” “The Revenant,” “Phantom Thread,” “West Side Story,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.

Steven Spielberg & Rachel Zegler Pay Tribute to Adam Somner

A flood of heartfelt tributes came pouring in swiftly upon the announcement of Adam Somner’s passing. Steven Spielberg expressed, “Adam Somner’s role as an assistant director doesn’t do justice to what he meant to me and the impact he had on my films – much like my left arm is more than just a helper for my right. He served as both AD and producer, and he executed those roles with equal amounts of dedication. His passion for cinema was boundless. He cherished being on set. It was his playing field. He was the team’s cheerleader and running back, at times it seemed I was following his lead instead of the other way around. He made every new crew member feel part of our family.” Spielberg continued:

Adam was known for his ability to bring people together, and when things went awry, his quick-witted humor from a working-class English background would diffuse tension with occasional under-the-breath cursing, laughter, and a backup plan that he always seemed ready with. He was highly respected in his field and a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to work in production – understanding that it requires as much creativity as organization. Working without Adam will undoubtedly change the dynamics.

Rachel Zegler, who collaborated with Somner on “West Side Story,” paid a heartfelt tribute by posting the following message on her Instagram stories:

Martin Scorsese & P.T. Anderson Pay Tribute to Adam Somner

Martin Scorsese joined the accolades by stating, “Adam Somner served as assistant director and producer on three of my films, but his impact on both me and the productions was far greater than any title could convey. Adam possessed a unique blend of qualities – the strategic skills and determination of a military leader, an exceptional ability to collaborate closely with directors like two dancers in sync or musicians improvising together, and a remarkable talent for arranging and coordinating action within the frame. In essence, Adam Somner was not just a talented professional, but a true artist who embodied and practiced all of these skills.

His absence is deeply felt, as I wouldn’t have been able to bring ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ or ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ to life without him. We were in the midst of planning another project together when he was taken away prematurely. His passion for ‘making pictures’ was evident, and he was an exceptional collaborator. I have no doubt that other directors would echo my sentiments.

Paul Thomas Anderson, who has collaborated with Somner since 2007 on all his films and music videos, was nominated for an Oscar for producing his latest film, “Licorice Pizza”. Somner is co-producing Anderson’s upcoming film, “The Battle of Baktan Cross”. As Anderson stated, “Adam had a deep love for making films, perhaps more than anyone else in the history of cinema. It was like nourishment to him. He made everyone who worked with him feel secure. He saw things from every angle and always had contingency plans. Watching him work was a sight to behold.

He had an unmatched ability to create exceptional films, not just through his intuition and talent, but also because of his unique blend of wit and kindness. Above all else, he was incredibly generous. To those who had the privilege of working with him, every workday will forever be compared to this extraordinary experience. In my opinion, he belongs in the league of legends such as Kobe Bryant, Mick Jagger, and Winston Churchill; however, this comparison undermines his true greatness.

Adam Somner is mourned by his spouse, sibling, and offspring. A scholarship under the Directors Guild of America will be established in his honor. Here’s a snippet from a video of him speaking at the American Film Institute seminar in 2020.

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2024-11-30 22:32