William Goldenberg’s leap from editing to directing: A new chapter in cinema
A seasoned editor takes the director’s chair
Plenty of directors have amassed credits as editors, with Steven Soderbergh and Alfonso Cuaron being among the notable examples. But William Goldenberg is the rare case of an A-list editor who made the pivot to directing at the height of his prowess.
Goldenberg, who won an Oscar for “Argo,” is about to find out if his mid-career gamble pays off as his helming debut “Unstoppable” makes its world premiere on September 6 at the Toronto Film Festival.
“I’ve always been a little slow to the party,” he says. “I played ice hockey my whole life, and when I was 15 years old, people made fun of me because I was the worst player in my neighborhood. And by the time I was 20, I was playing college ice hockey, and none of them were.”
The story behind “Unstoppable”
His “Unstoppable” cast includes Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez, Don Cheadle, Bobby Cannavale, and Michael Peña. The film chronicles the true story of Anthony Robles, who was born without a right leg but never let that interfere with his dreams of becoming a pro wrestler.
After his Oscar win in 2013, Goldenberg was approached to direct, but his editing slate was packed. But then “Unstoppable” producer David Crockett brought to him Anthony’s true story, and Goldenberg was intrigued.
“But what really made me want to do this was meeting Anthony,” Goldenberg says. “He’s just one of those people. When he walks into a room, the room lights up. It was the effect he had on other people, watching the way he interacted with people, the way they left feeling better than when they started talking to him, and I thought the world could use a little bit of that.”
A collaborative effort with familiar faces
Goldenberg was busy editing Ben Affleck’s ”Air” when he showed his “Argo” teammate the script in October 2022. Affleck loved the project. Amazon, which distributed “Air,” was eager to get back into business with Affleck and the company signed on to make “Unstoppable,” with Affleck producing and Matt Damon executive producing. Affleck enlisted his wife, Lopez, to play Anthony’s mother.
Still, the real life-based film also got thrown for a real-life loop. On the eve of the “Unstoppable” debut, Affleck and Lopez announced that they are divorcing. Lopez will walk the red carpet. But Affleck is not expected to attend the premiere.
As for any awkwardness, Goldenberg says “not really.”
“Everybody’s a professional, and that’s their own personal thing. I love them both. I mean, I know Ben better, but Jennifer was literally a dream to work with. She was incredible. And their personal life is their personal life,” he says.
A personal reflection on the journey
Goldenberg’s transition from editing to directing is not just a career move; it’s a testament to his passion for storytelling. As someone who has spent years shaping narratives from behind the scenes, stepping into the director’s chair allows him to bring a unique perspective to the filmmaking process.
For cinema enthusiasts, “Unstoppable” is more than just a film; it’s a story of resilience and determination, both on and off the screen. The journey of Anthony Robles is inspiring, and Goldenberg’s decision to tell this story highlights his commitment to bringing meaningful narratives to life.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer for Unstoppable and delve into the details of this remarkable story.
The broader impact on the industry
Goldenberg’s move to directing could signal a broader trend in the industry, where editors, who have a deep understanding of narrative structure and pacing, take on more directorial roles. This shift could lead to a new wave of films that are not only visually compelling but also meticulously crafted in terms of storytelling.
For TV series and music enthusiasts, this trend is equally exciting. Imagine the potential for TV series where episodes are directed by those who have spent years perfecting the art of editing. The result could be a more cohesive and engaging viewing experience.
In the world of music, the meticulous attention to detail that editors bring could translate into music videos and documentaries that are not only visually stunning but also deeply resonant with audiences. For those interested in exploring more about the music associated with “Unstoppable,” you can listen to the soundtrack on Music Beep.
Final thoughts
Goldenberg’s journey from editor to director is a fascinating one, filled with challenges and triumphs. His debut film, “Unstoppable,” is a testament to his dedication and passion for storytelling. As the film makes its world premiere, it will be interesting to see how audiences and critics respond to this new chapter in Goldenberg’s career.
For those who love cinema, TV series, and music, Goldenberg’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of following one’s passion. Whether you’re watching a film, binge-watching a series, or listening to an album, remember that behind every great piece of art is a story of dedication and hard work.