As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds of films, I can wholeheartedly say that Adam Somner was a true game-changer. His collaborations with legends like Spielberg, Scorsese, and Anderson were not just professional partnerships; they were epic quests where he proved time and again that he was an indispensable ally in the battlefield of filmmaking.
Sadly, acclaimed collaborator of directors such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson, Adam Somner, passed away at the age of 57 – having left behind a wealth of award-winning work in film production and assistant directing.
Somner died on Wednesday from anaplastic thyroid cancer, The Hollywood Reporter learned.
Originating from the U.K., Somner climbed the Hollywood ladder to establish a thriving career, collaborating with renowned directors such as Spielberg, Scorsese, Anderson, Alejandro Iñárritu, and Ridley Scott. His latest endeavor involves working on Anderson’s unnamed Warner Bros. production featuring Leonardo Di Caprio in the lead role.
Over the course of my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some incredible films alongside legendary directors like Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, Ridley Scott, and Alejandro González Iñárritu. Some of the masterpieces we created together include West Side Story, Lincoln, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Ready Player One, Bridge of Spies, Munich for Spielberg; Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wolf of Wall Street with Scorsese; Licorice Pizza, Phantom Thread, Inherent Vice, The Master, and There Will Be Blood with Anderson; All the Money in the World, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Gladiator, Hannibal, and G.I. Jane with Scott; and The Revenant and Birdman with Iñárritu. It’s been an unforgettable experience collaborating with these visionaries and bringing their stories to life on the big screen.
In 2021, Somner received an Oscar nomination for his contribution to “Licorice Pizza”, and he was previously honored with the DGA Award for exceptional directing in a movie feature for his work on “The Revenant” in 2015.
In a tribute, Spielberg wrote that Adam Somner’s role as ‘assistant director’ didn’t do justice to who he was for him and the impact he had on his films. Just like my left arm is more than just an assistant to my right, Somner did much more than simply fulfilling his job title. He took on the roles of both AD and producer, and he carried out these responsibilities with equal dedication. Somner was passionate about filmmaking; he lived for being on set. The movie set was his playground. He was a team player who cheered others on while also carrying the ball himself. Sometimes, it was hard to tell if he was following my lead or I was following his.
The director went on to say, “Adam welcomed everyone on set as if they were part of his family. He was a unifier, and when things didn’t go as planned, his unique blend of working-class British wit, humor, quiet cursing, laughter, and backup plans could quickly resolve issues. An industry legend and an inspiration for those pursuing a career in production, Adam understood that success in this field requires equal parts creativity and organization. It will never be the same without him returning to work.
As a gamer, I’d rephrase Scorsese’s statement like this: “Adam Somner was more than just an assistant director and producer on three of my movies. He was an integral part of each film, bringing organizational skills reminiscent of a battlefield general, a unique ability to collaborate seamlessly with directors, and an exceptional talent for managing movement within the frame. Adam lived and breathed the art of filmmaking. I couldn’t have made ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ or ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ without him, and we were planning another project together. His sudden passing is a great loss, and I will deeply miss his presence. He loved ‘making pictures,’ as he used to say. He was one of the best collaborators I’ve ever worked with, and I know other directors would agree.
Anderson penned down his thoughts about Somner, stating, “Adam had an unmatched passion for filmmaking that no one else in the movie industry has ever possessed. It was as if he lived and breathed movies. He created a secure environment for everyone he collaborated with. His ability to see multiple angles simultaneously and always have contingency plans was remarkable. He could effortlessly maneuver mountains, trucks, and people, making it seem as simple as moving a salt shaker across a table. It was awe-inspiring to witness him at work. There was no one who could surpass his skill in filmmaking, not just because of his intuition and talent, but also due to his immense humor and kindness. Above all, he was incredibly generous. For those fortunate enough to work with him, the experience will never be forgotten or as enjoyable. In my opinion, he belongs in the league of Kobe Bryant, Mick Jagger, Winston Churchill – legends. This comparison falls short of truly capturing his greatness.
Somner is mourned by his spouse, Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro; his daughter, Olivia, and son, Bosco; as well as his sibling, Mark Somner.
A DGA scholarship in Somner’s name will be established, with donation details forthcoming.
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2024-11-30 02:24