This groundbreaking book takes the reader behind the closed doors of the editing room where Sam O'Steen along with some of the world's top directors controlled the fate of many legendary films. Editors don't usually sit on movie sets, but Sam was there through the entire shoot and his editing tales are spiced with juicy anecdotes about exotic locations and colorful producers, directors, and stars.
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About the Author
O'Steen lived in New York and Los Angeles, edited dozens of renowned films.
O'Steen wife of Sam O'Steen, is successful screenwriter and editor who lives in New York.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By "dualfish"
Format:Paperback
This book documents the creative evolution of the editor's role in Hollywood. Sam and Bobbie O'Steen weave a fascinating tale of how Sam worked his way from messenger at Warner Bros. to 'a pair of hands cutter' to master artist crafting the most amazing films that emerged after the fall of the studio system: "Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf", "Catch 22","Carnal Knowledge", "Chinatown". He worked with the top artists of his time and shares many unique and special anecdotes about them. Along the way he gives us insight into a master editor at work, writing about the choices and changes that can make a good film, great. A great addition to film fan or film students library.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By "anomalywhd"
Format:Paperback
Sam and Bobbie O'Steen have given us an exceptional mix of Sam's takes on all the elements that go into movie making - human, technical, personalities, talent/no talent and gossip - in a way that made me feel as though I was in a living room listening to Sam O'Steen tell stories. What a treat.
Sam O'Steen's editor's view of movie making combined with quite a cutting sense of life is unique. His throw away lines about some executives and stars are very telling. His generosity talking about editing brings great sense to the whole movie making process, and his body of work (Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, The Graduate, Chinatown, Rosemary's Baby, Catch 22, Carnal Knowledge, Silkwood, Working Girl, and all the rest...) allows him to speak with an earned cockiness. This book is a treasure for anyone who loves movies.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Blake Snyder
Format:Paperback
This is one of the best books about the film business I've ever read. Legendary film editor Sam O'Steen tells all about his craft and about the importance of the relationship between editor and director. In doing so, we learn how the editor's role was crucial in shaping some of the greatest films of the last forty years including Who's Afraid Of Virgina Wolf, The Graduate, Carnal Knowledge, Silkwood and others. The book is the transcribed conversations between Sam and his wife and fellow editor, Bobbie O'Steen. It is remarkably intimate and wonderful in its backstage gossip as Bobbie gets a great performance from Sam, a classic storyteller who pulls no punches. Critical insight into the technique of filmmaking is mixed with racous and often breathtaking tales of Hollywood before parents began sending their kids to film school as an alternative to being a doctor.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
If You Love Film, Read This Book
While I have worked professionally in film for 25 years, including 2 films with Sam O'Steen, I was unaware that he had published a book, in collaboration with his wife. Read more
Published on January 30, 2010 by John L. Kerr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very highly recommended for any film student or movie buff
Cut To The Chase: Forty-five Years Of Editing America's Favorite Movies is a rare look into the film editor's trade. Read more
Published on March 20, 2002 by Midwest Book Review
3.0 out of 5 stars
not as much actual editing info as expected
While I do recomend this book as a good insight into the politics of making a major motion picture, I found it lacking in the one area it should have exceled in-editing. Read more
Published on February 18, 2002 by Ronald A. Sussman
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