On Film Editing: An Introduction to the Art of Film Construction [Paperback]

Edward Dmytryk (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240517385 | ISBN-13: 978-0240517384 | Publication Date: November 16, 1984 | Edition: First Edition, Fourth Printing

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.

A perfect introduction to film editing.

Written in easy to understand language

Supported by examples from famous films and the author's vast experience.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Editing is the creative force of filmic reality." So Dmytryk, director of the American classic "The Caine Mutiny" begins this little book, which he hopes will aid film directors and editors in perfecting their art. It is informative for general audiences as well, demonstrating how deeply the experience of any film relies on the creativity and versatility of its editor.

From the Publisher

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; First Edition, Fourth Printing edition (November 16, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240517385
• ISBN-13: 978-0240517384
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic. Essential. Practical., March 6, 2006

By 

Film lover (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Film Editing: An Introduction to the Art of Film Construction (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.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book ever written on film editing, February 17, 2005

By 

Old Video Guy "Old Video Guy" (Sydney NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Film Editing: An Introduction to the Art of Film Construction (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!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and authoritative guide to the principles and practices of film editing, November 30, 2007

By 

Nathan Andersen "film lover, philosophy profe... (Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Film Editing: An Introduction to the Art of Film Construction (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.