From Deadline By Bruce Haring
The film editor behind one of the most iconic car chases in cinematic history has passed away. Jerry Greenberg, whose masterful editing on The French Connection earned him an Academy Award, died Friday following a long illness. He was 81.
The French Connection is perhaps best remembered for its gripping car chase sequence, in which Detective Jimmy Doyle, played by Gene Hackman, pursues a criminal who has commandeered an elevated subway train. The chase was filmed on the bustling streets of New York City, with little traffic control and limited permits. While the NYPD assisted by closing some intersections, many remained open, adding a heightened sense of risk and realism to the scene.
The near-collisions that have since become legendary were often unplanned. Director William Friedkin personally operated a car-mounted camera during the shoot to protect his regular camera operators from the dangerous task. Greenberg’s editing played a pivotal role in transforming these raw, chaotic moments into a seamless and electrifying cinematic experience. The intensity, pacing, and rhythm of the chase were as much a product of his vision as of Friedkin’s daring direction. In his acceptance speech at the Oscars, Greenberg famously concluded by thanking “the New York City subway system,” a nod to the city itself, which had so vividly become part of the film’s fabric.
Greenberg’s talent extended far beyond The French Connection. He earned two Academy Award nominations in 1980 for his work on Kramer vs. Kramer and Apocalypse Now, demonstrating remarkable versatility across genres. In 2015, the American Cinema Editors honored him with a Career Achievement Award, recognizing his lasting impact on the craft of film editing. Over decades, Greenberg’s work influenced countless editors, filmmakers, and audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the art of storytelling through film.
As the film world mourns his loss, Jerry Greenberg’s legacy endures through his unforgettable contributions to cinema, his precision in the editing room, and his fearless approach to bringing stories to life.
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Photo credits: The Hollywood Reporter