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Publication Date: 2 Nov 1984 | ISBN-10: 0240517385 | ISBN-13: 978-0240517384 | Edition: Film Tie-in Ed
On Film Editing explains, in simple terms, the principles of film editing, using examples and anecdotes. Written in an informal "how-to-do-it" style, renowned director Edward Dmytyrk shares his expertise and experience in film editing in an anecdotal and philosophical way.
In On Film Editing, Dmytryk contends that many technicians and professionals on the film crew-- from the cameraman and his assistants to the producer and director-- must understand film editing to produce a truly polished work. In this book he explains in layman's terms the principles of film editing, using examples and anecdotes from almost five decades in the film industry.
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I found this book after searching on Amazon. The American (amazon.com) website reviews rated this book highly, and it was a short <150 pages so I ordered it.
I found it a little hard to read as it was written in 1984, tho often refers to films written 20-40 years before and of course technology has changed massively.. However, like most professions in this world, the core principles never change.
This book talks about different aspects of editing; from when to cut in action scenes to reducing the script to make characters more believable. I liked that I was able to pick up lots of subtle principles from the text that will make me a better editor, eg focusing on emotion and story rather than just technical aspects.
One downside, film is a visual media, and there are not many diagram or any nice pictures in this book. Reader has to read words on a page about editing, whereas pictures or even an updated link to a website with movie examples would have been worth 'a thousand' of these words.
In summary: This book IS worth reading, I wouldn't say it was a gem, but I had faith in the author's editing competence throughout book and trusted what he said. I did definitely learn from reading this book.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:4.8 out of 5 stars 13 reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsClassic. Essential. Practical.7 Mar 2006
By Film lover - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
There are a lot of great books on the more artistic and unquantifiable aspects of motion picture editing (for example, Michael Ondaatje's Conversations with Walter Murch), but this is one of the few books to lay out the basics. Everyone who wants to edit motion pictures, whether it's home videos using iMovie or feature films using Avid or even (especially) actually cutting film should know what this book has to teach. It's really the only book for the novice editor worth reading. Just buy it.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsThe best book ever written on film editing17 Feb 2005
By Old Video Guy - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Working in film and video for over 15 years, this was the first book I read when starting my career. I have bought several copies over the years for new shooters and editors. It really is that good.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned veteran, this is a MUST READ. This short book is packed with solid information that should be required reading in any film school. Look, there are a few basic rules that all editors have been following since the silent film era. You've got to know the fundamentals.
READ IT!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsClear and authoritative guide to the principles and practices of film editing30 Nov 2007
By Nathan Andersen - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
This is one of the classic texts on the principles and practices of modern film editing. While it was written nearly thirty years ago and refers occasionally to the techniques of linear editing on actual film, its summary of the rules of good editing remains as relevant today as ever, even for filmmakers who will only ever edit video on their computers. Editing is where the film is brought to life and Dmytryk outlines in a very clear and engaging way the basic considerations that allow that to take place. The author was not only a major filmmaker but a master teacher, and it shows in both the precision and clarity of his explanations.
What makes the guide as fresh today as when it appeared is that it is primarily not about technical considerations but about how an editor has to think in order to construct seamless and engaging scenes that are true to the overall story of a film. At the same time this thinking is given a practical application. The focus is on why rather than how, but it goes much further in explaining the basics of what to do when editing and how to put together a scene than many other books out there.
Dmytryk makes a distinction between a cutter and an editor, and cutting is merely competence with the equipment of film editing, whether it is a moviola or Final Cut Pro. Editing is always thinking, and is as creative in its approach to the film as shot as directing is creative in its approach to the film as written. Subtle variations in editing can change completely the tone or mood of a film. Dmytryk illustrates his points with several examples from major films he directed or edited (e.g. The Caine Mutiny, Murder, My Sweet and many more). Dmytryk is a master of his craft and is generous in his description of what it takes to pursue this mastery. This little book is an indispensible part of any filmmaker or film lover's library.
