Bernd Eichinger, producer of The Neverending Story, Perfume and Downfall, has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 61. The legendary producer suffered a heart attack in his home whilst eating with family and is survived by his wife and daughter. Eichinger, as well as his work on independent features, produced the first three Resident Evil films and both installments of the Fantastic Four franchise.
It is, however, for his fierce dedication to bringing difficult subject matter to the screen that he will be remembered. As well as producing, Eichinger also wrote and directed. He provided the screenplay for Downfall and co-wrote the screenplay for Perfume, to high regard.
Having produced 96 films in a career spanning nearly four decades, Eichinger was widely held as Germany’s most influential film producer.
The Berlin Film Festival, which is set to begin on the tenth of February, has already said it will be honouring Eichinger by showing A Girl Called Rosemarie, which he both produced and directed.
Originally published January 26, 2011. Updated April 10, 2018.
