When Walter Murch, the legendary Oscar®-winning film and sound editor, stepped onto the stage at Gothenburg, the energy in the room was palpable. The master of his craft, known for his work on classics like Apocalypse Now and The English Patient, was here to unravel the mysteries of film editing—a craft that, while often invisible, is crucial to the magic of cinema.
A Journey Through Time and Technique
Murch began with a reflection on the relative youth of cinema, comparing it to the construction of Gothic cathedrals—a process learned through oral tradition rather than written manuals. Just as architects and builders passed down their knowledge by word of mouth, so too has the art of filmmaking evolved, with each generation of filmmakers building upon the experiences of those before them. In just over a century—two human lifetimes—film has transformed from a novel curiosity to a complex art form, yet the understanding of what filmmakers do remains as elusive as ever.
The Enigmatic Craft of Editing
Murch described editing as an "invisible art." When done well, it should be unnoticeable, seamlessly guiding the audience through the narrative without drawing attention to itself. But he also acknowledged the value of making the audience aware of the craft at times—of letting the sound and the edits "come out of the wings" to do a dance for the viewers. This delicate balance between visibility and invisibility is what separates good editing from great editing.
Cinema as Dreamweaving
Drawing an analogy between cinema and dreams, Murch explained how editing mimics the leaps and bounds our minds make during sleep. In dreams, we accept sudden changes in scenery, time, and logic without question—much like how we accept cuts in film. Early filmmakers feared that abrupt cuts would confuse audiences, but as Murch pointed out, the human brain was already conditioned to accept these transitions thanks to our nightly adventures in the dream world.
The Rule of Six
Murch revisited his famous "Rule of Six," a guideline for making cuts that prioritize the following: emotion, story, rhythm, eye-trace, 3D space, and 2D continuity. The hierarchy emphasizes that emotion should always come first—everything else is secondary. Yet, he stressed that rules are made to be broken. In the delicate dance of editing, sometimes the most effective cut is the one that defies convention, all in the service of the story’s emotional truth.
The Editor's Touch: From Interpretation to Composition
In a particularly insightful segment, Murch compared the editor's role to that of a pianist interpreting a concerto. An editor, like a musician, must understand the nuances of timing, rhythm, and emotion to bring the story to life. But the editor's role can also shift, becoming that of a composer who rearranges the very structure of the narrative to solve problems or enhance the story. This ability to fluidly move between interpretation and composition is what makes editing such a unique and powerful craft.
A Cinematic Odyssey
Murch's talk wasn't just a masterclass in editing; it was a journey through the evolution of film, the intricacies of the craft, and the philosophical questions that underlie every cut. He closed with a reflection on his own career, sharing anecdotes about his work on The Conversation and Apocalypse Now, and how the right editorial decisions can shape a film’s legacy.
As the session came to an end, it was clear that the audience had not just gained technical insights, but had also been inspired by the deep passion and thoughtfulness that Murch brings to his work. In the world of cinema, where the editor’s touch is often invisible, Walter Murch’s wisdom shone brightly, illuminating the path for the next generation of filmmakers.
Watch the entire 1 hour and 20 minute masterclass here:
About PAIFF: The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF) is dedicated to showcasing the best in independent filmmaking from around the world. Now in its second season, PAIFF continues to celebrate the art of cinema by bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals in a vibrant and inspiring environment.
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