The DCEU has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but it wouldn't have been possible without the launch of Zack Snyder's movies. The veteran filmmaker introduced a brand new era of DC films by launching 2013's Man of Steel with Henry Cavill as the titular superhero. After the success of the Superman-led movie, more DCEU entries made their way onto the big screen, thus introducing other heroes into the mix.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice introduced Ben Affleck's Batman and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman to complete DC's Holy Trinity. Ultimately, the DCEU formed its version of the Justice League, showcasing an incredible team-up of heroes that added Ezra Miller's Flash, Ray Fisher's Cyborg, and Jason Momoa's Aquaman into the fold.
Despite the mixed reception surrounding Snyder's set of DC films, the director's hardwork and creative collaboration with the cast and crew had a massive impact, as evidenced by the comments from his peers. Unfortunately, one of Snyder's hardworking crew members that helped bring that to life has reportedly passed away.
Veteran DCEU Editor Dies at Age 59
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar-winning film editor David Brenner has passed away at age 59.
Brenner, who won an Oscar for his work for Oliver Stone's Born on the Fourth of July, died Thursday morning at his home in West Hollywood. Brenner's wife, Amber, confirmed the news to THR:
"We were spending a lot of time together.”
Brenner had been working in Hollywood on James Cameron's Avatar sequels for the past year.
Brenner is known for his work alongside Zack Snyder in the original cut of Justice League and 2021's 4-hour version of the movie that was released on HBO Max. The veteran editor also collaborated with Snyder on 2013's Man of Steel and 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Aside from DC, Brenner is also known for his work in Independence Day, The Patriot, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, Identity, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Avatar producer Jon Landau and Lightstorm Entertainment have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help Brenner's family during their time of mourning.
A Historic Career for David Brenner
Over the course of his career, Brenner has given a slew of advice to film editors worldwide, but perhaps the most notable was the one that he gave during a 2021 interview that was published on ProVideoCoalition.
While mentioning the challenges of editing movies that include elaborate action scenes, a lot of footage, and a lot of CG, Brenner pointed out that "no matter what the budget or scale, as the editor, you’re just trying to get the story and characters to work:"
“The gigantic features may have elaborate action scenes involving a lot of footage and a lot of CG, which brings a host of editorial challenges. They frequently also have complex storylines with many interweaving characters, which the editor has to track, massage, make flow and climax. But this is exactly what the editor must do with many smaller films. … So, no matter what the budget or scale, as the editor, you’re just trying to get the story and characters to work. Whether it’s a $200 million action film or a $20 million art house film, you’re still trying to get the movie to play.”
The veteran film editor will surely be missed and his contributions to the film industry will forever cement his legacy. The Direct sends our condolences to Brenner's wife, his family, and the entire DCEU community.
