Paul Hirsch

Born:November 14, 1945

Place of Birth:New York City, New York, USA

Known For:Editing

Biography

Paul Frederick Hirsch, a prominent figure in the world of film editing, has left an indelible mark on the industry with his unparalleled talent and creative vision. With a career spanning over five decades, Hirsch has solidified his reputation as one of the foremost editors in Hollywood. His extensive body of work boasts more than 40 film credits, showcasing his versatility and skill in collaborating with some of the most acclaimed directors in the business.

Hirsch's contributions to the New Hollywood movement have been nothing short of exceptional, as he has worked alongside iconic filmmakers such as Brian De Palma, George Lucas, George A. Romero, and Herbert Ross. His keen eye for detail and storytelling prowess have played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of numerous cinematic masterpieces. Through his innovative approach to editing, Hirsch has helped bring to life some of the most memorable moments in film history.

Known for his ability to seamlessly blend visual and narrative elements, Hirsch has a unique talent for enhancing the emotional impact of a story through his editing techniques. His collaborations with directors have resulted in films that have captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim worldwide. From suspenseful thrillers to epic space operas, Hirsch's diverse portfolio reflects his versatility and adaptability as an editor.

Throughout his illustrious career, Hirsch has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional editing, experimenting with new styles and techniques to deliver groundbreaking cinematic experiences. His meticulous attention to detail and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades and awards, cementing his status as a true master of his art. Hirsch's work continues to inspire aspiring editors and filmmakers alike, setting a standard of excellence that few can match.

Beyond his technical expertise, Hirsch is renowned for his collaborative spirit and ability to forge strong partnerships with directors, producers, and fellow crew members. His commitment to realizing the director's vision while infusing his own creative input has resulted in seamless and compelling storytelling that resonates with audiences on a profound level. Hirsch's humility and passion for his craft have endeared him to colleagues and industry professionals alike, earning him respect and admiration throughout the film community.

As a trailblazer in the world of film editing, Hirsch's legacy is etched in the annals of cinematic history, with his contributions continuing to shape the landscape of modern filmmaking. His work serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of editing on the overall cinematic experience. With each project he undertakes, Hirsch brings a level of artistry and innovation that sets him apart as a true visionary in the realm of film post-production.

From the iconic opening crawl of "Star Wars" to the heart-pounding suspense of "Carrie," Hirsch's editing has played a pivotal role in defining the visual language of some of the most beloved films in Hollywood history. His ability to craft narrative tension, evoke emotion, and create seamless transitions has earned him a reputation as a master storyteller in his own right. Hirsch's work continues to stand the test of time, captivating audiences and critics alike with its timeless appeal and enduring impact.

In an industry that thrives on innovation and creativity, Hirsch remains a beacon of excellence, inspiring generations of filmmakers to push the boundaries of their craft and strive for greatness. His dedication to his art, coupled with his unwavering commitment to storytelling, has set him apart as a true pioneer in the field of film editing. As he continues to lend his expertise to new projects and collaborations, Hirsch's influence on the world of cinema shows no signs of waning, solidifying his status as a true legend in the realm of film post-production.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Music by John Williams

Self - Editor

2024

His unforgettable scores are an essential part of some of the most beloved movies of our time, over a career that spans decades. See and hear maestro John Williams' own story, with insights from filmmakers, musicians, and others he has inspired, complete with rare behind-the-scenes looks at the making of movie history.

Phantom of the Paradise

Paradise Audience Member (uncredited)

1974

Singer-songwriter Winslow Leach seeks revenge on the nefarious music producer Swan, who steals both Winslow's music and his favorite singer for the grand opening of his new rock palace, the Paradise.

Production

Mission: Impossible

Editor

1996

When Ethan Hunt, the leader of a crack espionage team whose perilous operation has gone awry with no explanation, discovers that a mole has penetrated the CIA, he's surprised to learn that he's the prime suspect. To clear his name, Hunt now must ferret out the real double agent and, in the process, even the score.

Star Wars

Editor

1977

Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful princess and restore peace and justice in the Empire.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Editor

2011

Ethan Hunt and his team are racing against time to track down a dangerous terrorist named Hendricks, who has gained access to Russian nuclear launch codes and is planning a strike on the United States. An attempt to stop him ends in an explosion causing severe destruction to the Kremlin and the IMF to be implicated in the bombing, forcing the President to disavow them. No longer being aided by the government, Ethan and his team chase Hendricks around the globe, although they might still be too late to stop a disaster.

The Empire Strikes Back

Editor

1980

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.

Warcraft

Editor

2016

The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their family, their people, and their home.

Source Code

Editor

2011

When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

The Mummy

Editor

2017

Though safely entombed in a crypt deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient queen whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Editor

1986

After high school slacker Ferris Bueller successfully fakes an illness in order to skip school for the day, he goes on a series of adventures throughout Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron, all the while trying to outwit his wily school principal and fed-up sister.

Carrie

Editor

1976

Withdrawn and sensitive teen Carrie White faces taunting from classmates at school and abuse from her fanatically pious mother. When strange occurrences start happening around Carrie, she begins to suspect that she has supernatural powers.

Falling Down

Editor

1993

An ordinary man frustrated with the various flaws he sees in society begins to psychotically and violently lash out against them.

Ray

Editor

2004

Born on a sharecropping plantation in Northern Florida, Ray Charles went blind at seven. Inspired by a fiercely independent mom who insisted he make his own way, He found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. Touring across the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer gained a reputation and then exploded with worldwide fame when he pioneered coupling gospel and country together.

Footloose

Editor

1984

When teenager Ren and his family move from big-city Chicago to a small town in the West, he's in for a real case of culture shock after discovering he's living in a place where music and dancing are illegal.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Additional Editor

2018

When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms—where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world.

Steel Magnolias

Editor

1989

A young beautician, newly arrived in a small Louisiana town, finds work at the local salon, where a small group of women share a close bond of friendship and welcome her into the fold.

Mission to Mars

Editor

2000

When contact is lost with the crew of the first Mars expedition, a rescue mission is launched to discover their fate.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Editor

1987

An irritable marketing executive, Neal Page, is heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving when a number of delays force him to travel with a well meaning but overbearing shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith.

Lake Placid

Editor

1999

When a man is eaten alive by an unknown creature, the local Game Warden teams up with a paleontologist from New York to find the beast. Add to the mix an eccentric philanthropist with a penchant for "Crocs", and here we go! This quiet, remote lake is suddenly the focus of an intense search for a crocodile with a taste for live animals...and people!

Deck the Halls

Editor

2006

Determined to unseat Steve Finch's reign as the town's holiday season king, Buddy Hall plasters his house with so many decorative lights that it'll be visible from space! When their wives bond, and their kids follow suit, the two men only escalate their rivalry - and their decorating.

Blow Out

Editor

1981

While recording sound effects for a slasher flick, Jack Terry stumbles upon a real-life horror: a car careening off a bridge and into a river. Jack jumps into the water and fishes out Sally from the car, but the other passenger is already dead — a governor intending to run for president. As Jack does some investigating of his tapes, and starts a perilous romance with Sally, he enters a tangled web of conspiracy that might leave him dead.

Mighty Joe Young

Editor

1998

As a child living in Africa, Jill Young saw her mother killed while protecting wild gorillas from poachers led by Andrei Strasser. Now an adult, Jill cares for an orphaned gorilla named Joe -- who, due to a genetic anomaly, is 15 feet tall. When Gregg O'Hara arrives from California and sees the animal, he convinces Jill that Joe would be safest at his wildlife refuge. But Strasser follows them to the U.S., intent on capturing Joe for himself.

Hard Rain

Editor

1998

An armored car driver tries to elude a gang of thieves while a flood ravages the countryside.

Creepshow

Editor

1982

Five tales in the style of classic '50s horror comics, involving a murdered man emerging from the grave, a meteor's ooze that makes everything grow, a snack for a crated creature, a scheming husband, and a malevolent millionaire with an insect phobia.

Phantom of the Paradise

Editor

1974

Singer-songwriter Winslow Leach seeks revenge on the nefarious music producer Swan, who steals both Winslow's music and his favorite singer for the grand opening of his new rock palace, the Paradise.

Righteous Kill

Editor

2008

Two veteran New York City detectives work to identify the possible connection between a recent murder and a case they believe they solved years ago; is there a serial killer on the loose, and did they perhaps put the wrong person behind bars?

Dutch

Editor

1991

To get to know his girlfriend's son, a man volunteers to pick him up from a prep school... only to learn that her son's not the nicest kid.

Raising Cain

Editor

1992

Child psychologist Carter Nix is a loving and caring family man, but under this appearance lies a dark and troubled past. Grappling with the consequences of this past on his own psyche and the influence of his returning father and violent brother Cain, Carter becomes involved in a series of murders and kidnappings. Meanwhile, his wife Jenny rekindles an old love affair, placing herself in the crosshairs of her increasingly unstable husband.