Key Lessons from "In the blink of an eye"

I have been reading "In the blink of an eye by Walter murch" for quite a while now. It took me almost 2 months now and then to finish this book but if I could summarize key lessons of film editing from the book in just one page. It would look something like this.

(Disclaimer: Everything that I have written in this article only implies on films. You might not get the same results if you apply the same tactics on a Youtube video. I am just a passionate guy about films so everything written here is just my own observation and the things that I've learned from different sources.)

• It's all about Pacing and Rhythm:-

"Pacing" refers to the speed at which events unfold in a film and "Rhythm" on the other hand, refers to the pattern and timing of shots and scenes. Creating a sense of urgency and suspense throughout the film in the right way can get you an oscar. "Interstellar" is one of my favorite movie. And there is one ending sequence that is just perfect example of it.

It's the scene where Cooper stuck in the 4th dimension and send signals to himself in the past and meanwhile the daughter is trying to find the answer about the "ghost". While all of this is happening, there is a storm on earth. (Only happens in Christopher Nolan Movie). In result, All this suspense, tension and parallel stories in the movie immersed the viewer into the story and that's the main purpose of editing.

Pacing can vary in different scenarios. For instance, the opening scene of "The Godfather" uses a combination of slow pacing and long takes to establish the mood and setting of the film, while the climactic sequence in "The Matrix" relies on fast cuts and dynamic camera movements to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

• The Power of Sound:-

It might sound strange to all of my "social media editors" but that's true. And, sound is more than simple "whooshes" and "camera shutters".

One of the key roles of sound in film editing is to create a sense of realism and immersion. Let's say, If someone is crying in a scene and you put a laughing sound in the post than the most simple reaction of a viewer would be to just cancel you straight away.

There are two types of sounds in the movies. "Diegetic" and "Non Diegetic". diegetic sounds are those that are part of the film's world, such as the sound of footsteps or doors closing, while non-diegetic sounds are added in post-production to create a specific effect, such as the use of music to heighten tension or suspense.

By the way, Have you noticed that Hans zimmer music always makes sense in any movie. Well yes, Hans zimmer is the greatest artist but it's also about how editor used it in different ways. It's never a simple track just put on a timeline that doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

Sound in movies have evolved over the years and now a punch in the movies isn't actually a punch in real. I would suggest you to watch "Thomas Flight" videos on Sound in "Batman" and "Dune".

• Keep it simple:-

it is important to keep the story and emotional response of the audience in mind when making editing decisions. So, make sure you don't confuse the audience about what to feel? It all about how you cuts the scenes and shifts from one to another. For instance, Match cuts can take your audience from one scene to another with not that much shift in emotions and retention whereas the jump cut disrupt the viewer's retention and make them think that they are in a new environment. Just keep it simple.

Filmmaking is a very vast field and you might never get out of content and ideas. But everything that I've written above might help you in your editing career.

If you want to dive deep into film editing and overall filmmaking itself. I would suggest some of these channels to you.

1. Thomas Flight
2. Thisguyedits
3. Nerdwriter1
4. Behind the Curtain
5. Danny Gevirtz
6. Studiobinder

That's it.

See you again, probably with another summary of a book.

Have a Nice Day.