We Lost Nora Ephron, Screenwriter and Director

After witnessing Nora Ephron accept recognition at the Director’s Guild of America (DGA) Honors Awards in October, 2011, I agree with what CNN posted today: they got it right– Nora Ephron, the screenwriter and director whose sharp, edgy romantic comedies featuring strong women took her to the top ranks of the film industry mostly dominated by men.

While they write she made it to the “top ranks,” Nora acknowledged her struggles and difficult ascent into the realm of male directors in studio films remarking that the only way she was able to make films and maintain directorial control is to be the screenwriter as well. Her wit and writing was indeed sharp and hit its mark when it came to relationships. Characters are developed as strong yet appealing, and audiences can relate to whatever the situation characters find themselves in.

I recently rediscovered one of my favorites Julie & Julia, first seen at a Tribeca Film Festival screening. The more I watched it, the more detail I gleaned from character dialogue and development, scenes moving the film along to its quirks and finding the smallest situation become the funniest, memorable lines coming out during my daily trials and tribulations. I ask myself, what would Julia do? What would Nora do in this situation? How would she handle this scene?

Nora’s skill as a director was effective as shown when Meryl Streep earned a Best Actress Academy Award nomination in 2010 for her role as Julia Child. It was Meryl Streep who spoke very eloquently during her introduction of Nora’s work at the DGA Honors Awards and I’m sure there are many more who are thankful for the characters and dialogue brought to life out through Nora Ephron’s sophisticated humor and writing ability.

She was definitely one on my mentor list when I am facing a brick wall, my back is up against the wall and whenever I happen to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. She would write herself a trap door, side door, back door and slip through it. That’s what she did last night. She will be missed.