In the Blink of an Eye (Walter Murch)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1879505231?tag=wwwrogerebe0b-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1879505231&adid=111QNJDBBFF1T8R6A671&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.suntimes.com%2Febert%2F2011%2F01%2Fpost_4.html 


Today I am reviewing Walter Murch's book In the Blink of an Eye, it is a little different for me but this book is an in depth discussion about editing from an experienced editor which gives some really helpful perspectives. The best thing he says throughout is that there is a list of importance for when to cut, the list goes: Emotion 51%, Story 23%, Rhythm 10%, Eye Trace 7%, 2D plane of screen 5%, 3D space of action 4%. This list is a nice guideline for when it is appropriate to cut.  Another interesting although annoying point Murch brings up is that our only comparison to cutting in real life is a blink, he surmises that blinking is not only an action to wipe away dust and rehydrate, but is a method of blocking out useless information and an emotional reaction. In this way he suggests we blink at specific points of understanding within conversations, he argues these points are often the right times to cut. This is an interesting idea that unfortunately turned me into someone who cant stop watching people blink! Another guide to editing in the book is a three step method; 
1 Identify a series of cut/ blink points. 
2 Determine what effect each cut would have on the audience.
3 Choose which effect is correct for the moment (remember the percentages of the earlier list)


Towards the end of the book he discusses the advantages and pitfalls of digital editing however the book is somewhat outdated and many of the pitfalls have now been overcome. The book itself is an interesting easy read which touches on the practical and philosophical questions surrounding editing and enlightens the reader to the true essence of editing. :)