Tom Priestley, the acclaimed British film editor known for his remarkable work on movies like ‘Deliverance,’ ‘The Great Gatsby,’ and ‘The Return of the Pink Panther,’ has passed away at the age of 91. The son of the renowned British playwright J.B. Priestley, Tom Priestley made significant contributions to the world of cinema, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Priestley’s editing skills were particularly evident in his work on ‘Deliverance,’ where he meticulously assembled the iconic dueling-banjos sequence and the intense “squeal like a pig” attack, earning him an Oscar nomination. The film, directed by John Boorman, tells the story of four weekend adventurers who face a nightmare during a canoe trip down a Georgia river. Despite its controversial scenes, ‘Deliverance’ became one of the highest-grossing films of 1972 and received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and stunning visuals.
In addition to ‘Deliverance,’ Priestley collaborated with Boorman on two other films, ‘Leo the Last’ (1970) and ‘Exorcist II: The Heretic’ (1977), showcasing his versatility and skill as an editor. He also worked on a variety of other projects, including ‘The Great Gatsby’ (1974), ‘The Return of the Pink Panther’ (1975), and Roman Polanski’s ‘Tess’ (1979), leaving his mark on some of cinema’s most iconic films.
Born in London in 1932, Priestley developed an early interest in cinema, which led him to pursue a career in film editing. He studied at Cambridge University and began his career as a sound editor before transitioning to film editing. His early credits include films like ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ (1961) and ‘This Sporting Life’ (1962), where he showcased his talent for storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of a scene.
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Priestley’s work was not limited to film editing; he also had a keen interest in the art of storytelling and the power of cinema to convey complex themes and emotions. His collaboration with James Dickey, the author of the novel ‘Deliverance,’ was particularly memorable, as Dickey had a cameo in the film and was deeply moved by Priestley’s editing.
In his later years, Priestley continued to work on a variety of projects, including Michael Radford’s ‘1984,’ an adaptation of George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel. Despite his age, Priestley remained passionate about his craft and dedicated to telling compelling stories through the medium of film.
Tom Priestley’s contributions to the world of cinema are undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and editors. His unique vision and unparalleled talent have left an indelible mark on the art of film editing, and he will be remembered as one of the true masters of his craft.
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