'Factory Girl' Cast Honors Their Director George Hickenlooper

Sienna Miller paid tribute to her dear friend George Hickenlooper, the late director who worked with her on Factory Girl. (He passed away over the weekend from a heart attack at the age of 47.)

“There are people who make films for glory and recognition, and there are people who make films,” the 28-year-old actress told JustJared.com via a statement. “George Hickenlooper was a lover of film. He understood that the medium needn’t be manipulative, but appreciated, through his own experience, that it could be life altering, in the most beautiful way.”

Sienna continued, “He was generous of spirit. He asked for nothing, and as a result, received all. I have never felt more loved or appreciated as an actor, and as a result, have never been more honest in a film. The lesson that he can teach us all is this. The more you love and embrace people purely, the more you set people free. Through pure openness, you will touch people. George was childlike in his enthusiasm. I hope that others will learn, that from this generosity of spirit, creativity flows. Surrender all ego and tell beautiful tales. Rest in peace my sweet friend.”

Click inside for Kevin Spacey‘s statment about George Hickenlooper…

Kevin Spacey on George Hickenlooper —

“It is with great sadness that I have to even think about writing about George in this way, when I was looking forward to seeing him next week in Los Angeles. We have been due to take our film on the road toward its release in December. I can’t believe he’s gone because George was so alive, bubbling with energy, drive, commitment, an open heart and a brilliant sense of humor. He was one of a kind.

“My experience working with him was nothing short of fantastic: from our prison visit with Jack Abramoff, to script meetings, pre-production discussions and finally our first day of shooting. From that day until our last event premiering Casino Jack in Toronto last month, he was a joy to be around. His sensibility and outlook served his everyday. All of us who knew him – who had the chance to collaborate with him – who saw the child in him that he never lost – always looking at life with wonder and curiosity – will miss him with enormous admiration and affection.

“I’m shocked and can’t really get it around my head that I won’t be spending the next three months in his company. That Casino Jack turns out to be his last, the pride I feel in it, in his direction, his ideas and the final results . . . has soared. He deserves for audiences to see it and discover his work. And then go out and see what he did before, cause he will deservedly find a whole new audience. And nothing would make George happier than for people to see his work.

“Tonight I raise a glass in his honor. Rest in peace, my friend.”

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Spacey stars in the Hickenlooper-directed Casino Jack, which opens in theaters December 2010.