The Book Every Editor Has to Read - Walter Murch and In the Blink of an Eye
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- čas přidán 23. 06. 2024
- The Art of Editing - We look at Walter Murch’s famous book, In the Blink of an Eye, and why it remains important for editors today.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Walter Murch
00:45 - Understanding "In The Blink of an Eye"
02:07 - Chapter 1: Why Cuts Work
07:40 - Chapter 2: The Rule of Six
11:08 - Chapter 3: An Editor's Job
13:55 - Takeaways
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IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE SUMMARY
Editing is one of the fundamental pillars of filmmaking, and perhaps no editor is more revered than Walter Murch. Murch came to prominence during the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s, cutting films like American Graffiti and Apocalypse Now. Murch is also a renowned sound designer; in fact, he was the first person to receive that credit.
All of this is to say that Walter Murch is a man who knows editing. That’s why his book, In the Blink of an Eye, is seen as something of a Magna Carta for editors. In this video, we break down the lessons from Murch’s classic text and see why they remain relevant today.
FILM EDITING EXPLAINED
Much of the beginning of In the Blink of an Eye concerns itself with why editing works. In other words, why is an audience not distracted when there is a cut from one shot to another? Murch lays out a few different theories. He compares editing logic to that of dreaming. Images come to us disparately, but we interpret them to create a singular, coherent idea.
Murch also claims that editing bears relation to blinking (hence the title of his book). This theory extends beyond the obvious comparison that we “cut” when we blink. Murch argues that we blink when we’ve had a complete thought or are experiencing a shift in emotion. As such, Murch recommends editing close to, or on, an actor’s blink.
WALTER MURCH 6 RULES
Perhaps the most famous instruction to come out of Blink of an Eye is Murch’s Rule of 6. These are the considerations an editor should take into account when making a cut, ranked from most important to least important. The first is emotion- the cut should serve the feeling of the scene. The second is story - the cut should inform the story. The third is rhythm. The fourth is eye trace - the subject of one frame should be in the same space as the subject of the next frame. The fifth is the 180-degree rule, and the sixth is the three-dimensional space of action.
WALTER MURCH ON EDITING CAREERS
Murch spends much of the rest of his book talking about the in’s and out’s of editing as a job. He discusses the collaborative process involved between an editor and a director. An editor should serve the director’s vision but also bring ideas of their own to the table. Murch also explains why he edits standing up- a quirk he has become known for. He mentions how to handle test screenings and their feedback. And finally, in the second edition of his book, he examines how digital editing has transformed the vocation.
“In the Blink of an Eye” is an indispensable book not just for editors but for filmmakers generally. Though it was published decades ago, it continues to stand the test of time.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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♬ SONGS USED:
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"Dojo Tradition (Instrumental)" - In This World
"Divider" - Chris Zabriskie
"Curiosity" - Kevin Graham
"Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30" - Strauss
"Life's Journey Begins" - idokay
"All Star" - ANBR
"1986" - Angel Salazar
"Still Need Syndrome" - Yarin Primak
"Principia" - Mike Steele
"Stay" - Hans Zimmer
"Stuck Behind a Train (Instrumental)" - Makeup And Vanity Set
"Free Your Mind" - Don Davis
"Inquisitions" - Kevin Graham
"Is That You or Are You You" - Chris Zabriskie
"Assembly Line Dreams" - Ostin Drais
"British News Team" - Lance Conrad
"Anime" - Magiksolo
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#film-theory, #video-essay, #filmmaker - Krátké a kreslené filmy
This is gold for me. All of these rules apply as a storyboard artist and no one ever taught these principles to me. The book is a godsend!
I was lucky enough to meet Walter Murch, introduced to me by my editing mentor, Donn Cambern on the night he (Donn) received his lifetime achievement award by the A.C.E. at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. At the time, I was already a fan of Walter, who had just come off film editing Cold Mountain (as seen in some of the clips in your CZcams essay). I deeply admire both of these men, who unlike most of the pretentious people in the film industry, were profoundly thoughtful, kind, and down to earth. As far as I can tell, the Hollywood industry was exceedingly lucky to have them in their midst. Sadly , Donn Cambern passed away last year.
Excellent work on the video essay. I enjoyed it and have bookmarked the link.
Thanks for sharing! Yeah, he does seem like a really cool guy. Sorry to hear about your mentor 😥
His story about his son is so powerful. I love Walter Murch's philosophy on life and film editing.
He's a fascinating individual.
I re-read this book probably every year or two. Just a great philosophical reminder of what we do as editors.
Same! A constant source of inspiration.
I’m on the same page🖖🏾
Do you have a recommendation on where to go next from this book? Would like to read more about editing theories
*Could ya make a video on Semiotics, Iconography, Film psychology, high culture, low culture, niche culture and the auteur theory?❤❤*
Low culture? Like spelling the word you as ya?
We've got something coming soon you'll be happy about.
@@StudioBinderseems like a bomb coming soooooon
These sound like lessons from a film university.
@@StudioBinder *That's what I wanted to hear from ya baby!*
This voice has immense maturity and conviction in it. Seems like some old man describing his life experience. I am happy that you are back. thank you...
This is a complete audiovisual encyclopedia about Walter Murch's Book on Editing. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video. I'm inspired to read the book in the Future.🙏😇💯💯💯💯💯
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Please make a series "explaining" highly respected film books... like this video....as always great job. Thank you
Best book on editing hands down, one of the best in film overall.
One of the best books on filmmaking period. The lessons Murch shares should be understood by all departments.
Couldn't agree more!
You don’t even have to be an editor to take a massive amount of inspiration from Murch. This book broke my brain in such a profound way.
Amen!
Wtf how!
I bought this book 2-3 years ago at Half Price Books. It’s been sitting on my bookshelf since. I watch lots of CZcams tutorials, take courses and create projects daily to grow as an editor, but I forgot all abt that book. When I saw this video, I rush to my bookshelf to confirm I had the same book. I did and it was the 2nd edition. I feel so lucky to have it and have started to read it. My editing journey continues with it.
thank you studio binder for another master piece one day y'all gonna be analyzing my film.
You're welcome and we can't wait!
I am a music creator for more than two decades, I started editing four years ago - a newbie in the field. I read Murch's in the blink of an eye and made me understand the basics but also the mastery of the craft. One of the most influential books for any film lover!
Completely!
Wow!!! This video is so good!! One more awesome video that you bring to us for free and with a lot of precious information! The StudioBinder team and this channel are amazing!!!
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
A thousand thanks to the Studiobinder Team❤
I'm at 05:05 mins and this video essay has already blown away my mind. I've just realised what exactly was missing in my cuts.
I love the narration on this as well as how well edited(!) all these videos are and how well presented and clear it all comes across. Excellent work!
The production quality of your videos is absolutely amazing. Just subscribed. And I"m sure more will too. Keep up the good work!
I bought it and read it once and my editing was better ever since.
It really does open up the mind on how to approach this artform.
All great stuff. As a video editor for decades and a student of cinema, once I became a novelist, I tried to apply what I'd learned, wanting to create a movie in the reader's mind. This knowledge from Murch helps a lot.
Writing on the page is all about shifts in focus, just like edits in film are. A sentence full stop, a paragraph break, a blank carriage return, even a comma, clause, or phrase, all indicate shifts in focus, some large, some small, some in between.
What it took me years to learn is how important presentation is to what the reader experiences. Yes, the story, the plot, the characters, the line-by-line-all very important. But how everything is framed and the rhythm of framing it, is just as important. Much of the power of story lies in the presentation, and Walter Murch understands this.
So maybe I need to do this even better. And maybe I can figure out how to make these 'cuts' in sync with when the reader 'blinks', psychologically, when their focus from element to element, shifts. Or maybe I can be who determines when that focus shifts for them. Certainly worth finding out.
(you may notice above that this has been edited. Of course it has. I'm an editor. I edit everything! 😇)
Walter Murch is my hero, thank you for this video !
Ours too! You're welcome.
I loved this video just as I did his book "The Conversations" .
Studiobinder is a great and very useful channel for aspiring 'no film school ' filmmakers. Thanks for uploading great, absolutely great videos each week.
Thanks for watching!
Editing is an important part of filmmaking Thanks Studiobinder
Perhaps the most important! Thanks for watching.
Editing is where a film is made. There are stories of directors that just dump a bunch of footage in the editor's lap, and the editor has to somehow make a film out of it.
I'm inspired to read the book thank you!
Thanks for making this. The book was already amazing. But this video too!
Having taught media studies for 14 years at Uni, when it came to editing, In the Blink of an Eye, was one of my important resources when presenting and discussing editing in class. I also had spent a lot of time at the dailies on two features which gave me a lot of insight as well. Our editor had done a lot of the editing on Star Trek, and was brought in to finish the editing on Dances with Wolves.
Before I even watch, you are absolutely correct that this is a must read. I use his list of what to keep in a cut and what can be thrown out all the time, I have it written out and posted on my fridge door. Excellent book with great advice, even if the method has changed over the years, as digital was just beginning in the version I have.
Glad you agree and it certainly is an endless resource. Reading it every couple of years is enough to get inspired all over again.
Funny where videos, even the ones about people being wrong regarding star wars can lead you! That's how myself found this channel. Anyone else think this proved another excellent video?
Even the videos that are right about Star Wars can lead you here. Thats exactly how I found this channel a few weeks ago. There is an excellent play list about the process of production that is the best I have ever seen.
@@mingklytus. My points are twofold. A;"Doug Walker has been doing youtube since having hair, but didn't evolve anything! B;"sometimes the rabbit hole can lead you towards nice places!
Welcome!
I don't work in the film industry, but I am a fan of films and their makers. Thanks for recommending Mr. Murch's book. I look forward to reading it.
This so-called studiobinder must be a great one because this software was created by people who really have an understanding of movie and television production techniques．
This software certainly meets and understands the needs of real creators, welp I must have try it now,I been going around with videos and blogs of yours these days .you really breakdown so many things puzzle me a long time in a such clear way guys Thankyou !
tbh when I firstly ever read Murch's book I dont 100 percent get what he meant by cut for emotion but finally I see in my editing process I do now
GOLD. thank you again as always
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Fascinating insight into the world of film editing! Walter Murch's book In the Blink of an Eye is a classic. I love how this video breaks down the concepts in an easy-to-understand way. As an indie filmmaker, it's crucial to understand the importance of film permits and how to navigate the process. Great info for anyone looking to make a impact with their filmmaking. thumbs up!
Glad you enjoyed it! We tried to summarize Murch as much as possible but it's no substitute for reading the book.
this made me really conscious about every time I blinked 😅
thank yo so much for this video! i will definitely look into this book
You're so welcome! And hopefully you enjoy the book as much as we do.
Great content
Look forward for more info about editing techniques
If you haven't seen them already, we have videos on Editing Transitions: czcams.com/video/TKXBAaQB03U/video.htmlsi=Q4RBvjXzIKlOgs2V
And Editing Techniques: czcams.com/video/FVR8zz8ci2k/video.htmlsi=XM8dVHKGrZLd8_IA
Love this. Thank you
You are so welcome!
Best decision of my life is to subscribe to this channel.
Superb video
The only book I've read multiple times.
It's nice and short but packed with info. It's a page-turner for sure.
Godsend! I was just reading the blog you guys made about the rule of six
Kismet!
Awesome video as always say man
Appreciate it!
Walter Murch is a true scientist of film montage. So much curiosity and thoughts about the craft. It's so important to think about. What makes a cut work. ❤
Totally agree! He's top tier when it comes to true philosophy when it comes to filmmaking.
I loved reading his book!
It's a page-turner for sure!
IT'S VERY USEFUL FOR ME TO LEARN FILM EDITING,KEEP POSTING MORE VIDEOS ON FLIM MAKING.I AM EAGERLY WAITING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FILM MAKING.THANKS FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO.
Glad to hear that. And we aren't stopping any time soon so stay tuned!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
this is very first book that I got before entering into film industry
A wonderful book.
Good vid
Thanks!
Great book
manual blinking like crazy through this video
Whoa I had that book back in film school, might still be around somewhere
Required reading, as it should be.
Walter Murch is a genius!!!!!!!
Absolutely!
Thanks
You're welcome!
Just when we thought we know filmmaking… StudioBinder pulls us back in 😉
There's so much to learn! Thanks for watching.
I attended a talk he gave 11 years ago. Afterwards, I asked him to sign my copy of ITBOAE and he let out a huge groan that said, "are you f**king kidding me?". I was fresh out of film school after majoring in editing...
Wooow 😁😸 must get the book
It is a must-have for any filmmaker.
It is very interesting please make More video on movie Books
That's a great idea! Any specific book suggestions?
I love Mondays now :)
We try to make Mondays more tolerable!
I would be interested in seeing comparisons of shots that were cut after test screenings and the final versions, along with explanations by editors and directors as to why.
Great idea! We'll add it to the list.
I worked with Walter once. He said the best way to edit was to not even look at the screen but listen to the sound and use that to find the cut point. I did think maybe he’d done to many mushrooms as this idea seemed rather odd. I tried it and it didn’t work but hey horses for courses.
This book is fascinating even if you are not interested in editing.
Totally! And it's not really that technical so even the casual movie fan would get a lot out of it.
You should make a video like this about David mamets book ‘on directing film’
I've that book at home, I love it. It's like a bible.
It's a must-have on any filmmaker's bookshelf!
Could you please make videos about sound such as sound recording on set and types of microphones
What is SIL,TAL, PB in clap boards - especially in indian film making
We're not sure, actually. Anyone else have an idea here?
Now I'm blinking consciously 😭😭
I think the magic is use music to connect clips. To improve the effects of Montage. (I read his book learnt editing myself.)
The magic is also knowing when to use silence 🙂
@@rollforever_85 thank you for your opinion
Lots of magic in this book.
I want this book but can’t find it at any libraries. Ironically I found it online for free as a pdf.
There you go! Enjoy.
Ssshhhh... you guys are giving away all my secrets..
More clear than a film school class
The music is like in Tenet. Over the exposition.
love your videos, just a note - the narrator VO audio is peaking and/or is distorted by too much compression and sent into overdrive (normally your VO track is great so I just wanted to let you know)
Thanks for the tip! We'll be mindful of that next time.
Is there available best book on cinematography.?
How can I buy this book?
I have a question : what if the eye trace (based on the example in the video) is moving often to create variation ? Is that a good apply on a short ?
Sure, sometimes you want to create more active audience engagement. Spielberg is great at using movement in the frame to guide our eyes to a different location.
@@StudioBinder Thanks for your reply. I was about to watch your video about "direct the eye" in Schindler's list. Perfect timing hehe. And by the way, amazing content as always
brother pls answer my question that if rolling shutter speed is 20ms and shutter speed is 1/16sec(62ms) so brother frame has information bw 0 to 20ms brother am I right ? Thanks for your help
Pls pls make a video on george miller transitions. I was mind blown from furiosa.
Interesting topic! He and his editors really have a way with editing.
@@StudioBinder
Yeah very unique way. Especially the fade cuts
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30 degree rule is sweet
Agreed!
❤❤
I wish his book was available on Audible. 😕
Same! Read by Murch too, he's got such a great voice.
can u talk abt Karen pearlman rhythm pls
👌👌👌
🙏
Do not let anyone borrow this book!!!!
Cinematographer, or whomever is framing the shots, also ought to have “eye trace mind.” Pretty obvious, but sometimes helpful to state.
" At the end of the day, film is all about flow. That's the most important thing and the hardest one to accomplish in film... Flow."
Guillermo Del Toro
Very true.
Has to flow along with the emotion. Can't be choppy, that's fatal. But it has to go someplace, it has to follow the character's arc.
I'd love to see a great editor take a film that is considered terrible and recut it, and see if they could fix the film.
The description of the video is wrong
Yeah, that's been fixed. Thanks!
Yes, all through film school. 😭
💯
Fix it in post!!!
An editor's favorite expression. Haha.
@@StudioBinder Haha.
🙃
Hey guys if I write a script and I give myself a role or the lead role is that being selfish
First comment let’s go!!
Let's go!
Blink... but more so feel.
It's all a science
Murch is fascinating!
"EXPLAINED"!!!!!!
As best we could. It's no substitute for actually reading it.
Come back to the genre videos!! You only did a few
It's possible. If we did, which genre should we tackle?
@StudioBinder I would love a video on every genre out there, but if I had to choose... maybe one about Spy Movies or one on Road Trip movies?
:D
2 yards = 1.8 cm
Yo Mr. White
Yo!