‘Empire’ Director Irvin Kershner, 1923-2010
Irvin Kershner, the director of Bond-romp Never Say Never Again, the redonkulous Robocop 2, and, as some would argue, the greatest Star Wars film of them all, The Empire Strikes Back, passed away on November 29th, 2010, at his Paris home. Kershner was 87.
Kershner and Lucas on the ESB set
Kershner was handpicked by George Lucas to direct Empire, as he was one of Lucas’ college instructors. Kershner originally turned down the offer to direct the film, which would end up as his biggest commercial success.
“The thing what you learn in directing is that no matter how complex the shooting, you have to remain sensitive to the people around you or the machine will ultimately take over. If you don’t keep in mind the essential humanity of it all, technique will dominate.” –Irvin Kershner
Check out PoP!’s coverage of the Film Giant: Warwick Davis spotlight from Star Wars Celebration V, featuring a special message from Irvin Kershner regarding the 30th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back.
–Knize
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