Mary Cybulski, Esteemed Script Supervisor for ‘Eternal Sunshine,’ Dies at 70

Mary Cybulski, a revered script supervisor and stills photographer, has died. She was 70 years old. Her passing was announced on Saturday.

Cybulski had been living with glioblastoma for four years. Her career in film spanned more than four decades and involved many acclaimed directors.

A Career Defined by Storytelling and Precision

Cybulski worked on over 40 feature films. Her role was crucial for maintaining narrative continuity. She was the unseen force ensuring a film’s story remained coherent from shot to shot.

She collaborated with directors like Ang Lee and Charlie Kaufman. Her work on complex films like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” was particularly noted. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she described that experience as life-changing.

On Kaufman’s “Synecdoche, New York,” she managed an incredibly intricate plot. Kaufman himself praised her as a calm and brilliant presence. She even created a detailed map to guide the crew through the film’s layered sets.

From Script Supervision to Stills Photography

In 2010, Cybulski successfully transitioned to a second career. She became a highly sought-after unit stills photographer. This role involved capturing promotional images on movie sets.

She brought her deep understanding of filmmaking to this new craft. Directors valued her ability to capture the soul of a production. She worked with Martin Scorsese and Terrence Malick, among others.

Ang Lee noted her unique talent for snapping the perfect moment. He said she captured not just an image, but the spirit of the entire film. Her work behind the camera was as respected as her work with a script.

The film industry mourns the loss of Mary Cybulski. Her legacy is etched into the frames of modern cinema classics. Her contributions to film continuity and photography will not be forgotten.

Thought you’d like to know

What is a script supervisor’s main job?

A script supervisor maintains continuity for a film. They track details like actor positions and prop placement. Their work ensures the final edited movie makes logical sense.

Which famous films did Mary Cybulski work on?

She was the script supervisor for “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “The Ice Storm.” She also worked on “Life of Pi” and “The Grifters.” Her filmography includes more than 40 major features.

What did she do after being a script supervisor?

Cybulski became a unit stills photographer later in her career. She captured promotional images for directors like Martin Scorsese. This second career was also highly successful.

Did she write any books?

Yes, she authored “Beyond Continuity: Script Supervising for the Modern Filmmaker.” It is considered an essential guide for the profession. The book was published in 2014.

What was her connection to director Ang Lee?

She collaborated with Ang Lee on several projects. She was script supervisor for “The Ice Storm” and “Taking Woodstock.” Later, she was the stills photographer for his film “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.”