Nomadland sound producer Michael Wolf Snyder died of suicide at age 35, after suffering severe depression for years.
Snyder was found dead in his Queens, New York apartment on Monday by his father David Snyder, who went to see how he was doing after no one had heard from him for a few days.
David, a psychiatrist, shared the news of his son’s death in a Facebook post on Thursday, where he said he struggled with mental health problems for many years.
The heartbroken father said that the date of Snyder’s death has not yet been confirmed, but that he believes he died before seeing his work win at the Golden Globes.
Nomadland’s production sound mixer, Michael Wolf Snyder (pictured), died of suicide at age 35 after suffering severe depression for years
“Michael took his own life sometime last week and was not found out until I went to see how he was on Monday after he was out of touch for several days,” wrote David in a March 4 Facebook post , shared by Snyder’s aunt, Cathy. Snyder.
‘He suffered from severe depression for many years.’
David questioned whether the stress of the coronavirus pandemic and the isolation caused by the blockages had influenced his son’s death.
‘People ask if his death was related to Covid. I think we can assume that it played a role in the form of greater isolation and loneliness, but it certainly was more than that, ‘he said.
He said his son’s severe depression is a “serious” problem that affects at least 15% of people at some point in their lives.
However, Snyder appeared to be ‘doing well’ and was ‘especially cheerful and refreshed these past few months, as he was able to return to work on several different film projects’.
The father told how much his son ‘loved’ his job, describing it as the ‘brightest spot in his life’ and how he was ‘thrilled’ to have worked at the award-winning Nomadland.
Snyder (photographed with Nomadland star Frances McDermond) was found dead in his Queens, New York apartment on Monday by his father David Snyder
David, a psychiatrist, shared the news of his son’s death in a Facebook post on Thursday, where he said he struggled with mental health problems for many years
“He certainly was thrilled with all the praise for Nomadland and told us a lot of happy stories about his work on the film and the amazing people he spent time with,” he said.
‘Unfortunately, we believe he left before he saw the Golden Globe.’
He added: ‘We will never know what has changed in the past two months, but even his love for his family, as well as his love for cinema and his cinematic family, were not enough to overcome his demons.’
David said that although he was unable to save his son, he wanted to speak openly in hopes of helping others to get the help they need.
“I am a psychiatrist who was unable to save his own son, partly because he did not want to share the depth of his pain,” he said.
‘But I know that most people with this condition will recover with the right help and support.
‘I hope that the shocking nature of Michael’s death will prompt others to speak up, risk becoming vulnerable and seek the help they need. It is such a tragic waste that a temporary increase in despair can end a life with so many promises. ‘
The heartbroken father said in the post (above) that he believes he died before he saw his work win at the Golden Globes
Snyder worked as a production sound mixer at Nomadland, the film starring Frances McDormand as a homeless woman traveling through the American West.
The film won the top prize for best film – drama – and Chloé Zhao won the award for best director at Sunday’s Golden Globe.
Tributes poured in from Snyder’s co-workers in the film.
McDormand said in a statement shared by Variety: ‘Wolf recorded our heartbeat. Every breath we take. To me, he is’ Nomadland ”.
Zhao, who also worked with Snyder on the 2017 contemporary western movie, The Rider, said he would ‘always miss him’ and quoted Nomadland’s phrase ‘see you in the future’.
‘In’ The Rider ‘and’ Nomadland ‘, I always looked at Wolf after each shot. I didn’t use headphones on the set, so I trusted Wolf a lot to be my ears. He would wave at me with a happy smile, or tears in his eyes, or sometimes he would quietly signal ‘one more,’ ” she said in a statement.
Tributes received from Snyder’s co-workers. Nomadland star Charlene Swankie paid tribute to her ‘indelible spirit’ and ‘great focus’
Film critic Clayton Davis called his death “moving” and said “you never know what people are going through” and director Jason Fraley praised Snyder’s “unappreciated talent”
‘During’ The Rider ‘, Wolf suggested an idea that we later took to’ Nomadland ‘- recording room tones for longer than necessary as a chance to experience silence.
‘After moving around in each location, we sat together, in silence, in tune, listening to and honoring the world around us and each other. I will always miss him.
‘He would always be with me on the set, after each take, and in the silence of every tone in the room. See you on the road, my friend. ‘
Nomadland star Charlene Swankie paid tribute to her ‘indelible spirit’ and ‘great focus’.
‘It is sad to know that Montana sound man M Wolf Snyder has passed away. Wolf had great focus, a kind heart and an indelible spirit, ‘she wrote in a Facebook post.
– He made the sound in Nomadland. So, if you watch this magnificent film, stop for a while, close your eyes and listen to all the beauty it has captured.
She added: ‘Death always creates a deep heartbreak and an inexplicable sense of loss. Prayers and thoughts are with the family that lost their beloved Wolf and also with friends who are devastated by the news at a time when they should be celebrating their masterful work that is yielding multiple awards to the film Nomadland. Sweet Wolf RIP. ‘
Snyder worked as a production sound mixer in Nomadland, the film starring Frances McDormand as a homeless woman traveling through the American West.
A statement released on behalf of the entire Nomadland cast and crew said that his memory “will live forever” in his work.
“While our hearts break with the loss of Lobo, we hope it will be a comfort to know that your spirit will live forever in every laugh he recorded, in every breeze and in every gallop of a horse. He was part of our little family of films and his kind soul touched all of us, ‘said the statement, by Variety.
‘Wolf really brought our film to life. We send our condolences to your family on behalf of the entire ‘Nomadland’ company. See you on the road, sweet friend. ‘
Film critic Clayton Davis called his death ‘moving’ and said ‘you never know what people are going through’, while director Jason Fraley praised Snyder’s ‘unappreciated talent’ in statements on Twitter.
Snyder started out as a boom operator in the thriller Occupant in 2011, before working in the sound department on 61 films or TV shows, according to IMDB.
Among his notable work, he worked as an additional sound recorder on the Emmy-nominated TV series Good Omens, which also featured McDormand.
He also worked on the science fiction drama Imitation Girl in 2017 and The Amaranth in 2018.
Snyder was also announced to work on the TV movie Enzo Fast before his death and was the sound mixer on a series of 2021 releases, including the short Dissolved Girl.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)