GARY KURTZ PASSED AWAY

GARY KURTZ sadly passed away yesterday.,at the age of 78. If you're not terribly familiar with him, know that Kurtz was fucking awesome. Not only did he produce my 2nd and 5th favorite movies of all-time ("The Empire Strikes Back" and "The Dark Crystal"), I also attribute much of the success of 'Empire' to him. His vision, passion and driving creative force was instrumental in transforming 'Star Wars' from 'A New Hope' to 'Empire', and his plans for wrapping up the trilogy sounded compelling. (Unfortunately, it sounds like those plans conflicted with Lucas' zanny serials-of-old vision, budget and merchandising concerns). Kurtz was one of the influential storytellers that helped shaped me into the dork you see before you, and for that I will always be thankful.

Recommended Reading #1

Recommended Reading #2


via Variety:
In addition to helping bring the Skywalker stories to the big screen, Kurtz produced “American Graffiti” and “The Dark Crystal.” His career was closely aligned with that of George Lucas, but the two parted ways after the troubled production of “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Kurtz had championed “Star Wars” through multiple drafts and helped Lucas navigate 20th Century Fox’s lack of enthusiasm for a movie they dismissed as a B-picture. After “Star Wars” stunned everyone by turning into a massive hit, Lucas and Kurtz sat about crafting a sequel. Lucas handed the reins over to director Irvin Kershner, but production went over schedule and Lucas was forced to dip into his own pocket to complete the movie. Kurtz stepped in to direct second-unit work on the film. When it came time to make “Return of the Jedi,” Kurtz was replaced by Howard Kazanjian as producer. Mark Hamill likened the split to “Mom and Dad getting a divorce.”

In a 2010 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kurtz said the movies became too motivated by merchandising.

“The toy business began to drive the [Lucasfilm] empire,” he said. “It’s a shame. They make three times as much on toys as they do on films. It’s natural to make decisions that protect the toy business, but that’s not the best thing for making quality films.”

Kurtz got his start as an assistant director on Monte Hellman’s “Ride in the Whirlwind,” a low-budget 1966 Western that starred a then-unknown Jack Nicholson. During the decade, he served as a production manager and assistant director on a number of genre pictures, including “Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet” and “Beach Ball.” He also left Hollywood from 1966 to 1969 to serve in the Marines during the Vietnam War.

“Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned filmmaking, photography, music, and cinema history,” his family’s statement reads. “He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman, and a kind, compassionate human being. … Gary was a magnificent man, who will be hugely missed. His whole family thanks you for your loving thoughts.”

GARY KURTZ

1940 - 2018