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Below is a list of Art of the Guillotine's top 11 film editing books. Let us know if there are any books missing. In the coming weeks a review system will be up and running. Check back often and let us know if we should review a book.
11: Film Editing: Great Cuts Every Filmmaker and Movie Lover Must Know
By: Gael Chandler
In less than 200 pages, the book holds up a looking glass to every type of cut: smash cut, flash cut, match cut, jump cut, subliminal cut and many more. -Joy of Film Editing
By: Gael Chandler
In less than 200 pages, the book holds up a looking glass to every type of cut: smash cut, flash cut, match cut, jump cut, subliminal cut and many more. -Joy of Film Editing
10: First Cut: Conversations with Film Editors
By: Gabriella Oldham
Following in the tradition of Film Lighting,this book interviews film editors for a unique inside perspective of the cutting room. Great anecdotes and great as a primer for prospective film editors.
By: Gabriella Oldham
Following in the tradition of Film Lighting,this book interviews film editors for a unique inside perspective of the cutting room. Great anecdotes and great as a primer for prospective film editors.
9: When the Shooting Stops... The Cutting Begins
By: Ralph Rosenblum
Another great primer for someone interested in entering the editing business. Rosenblum gives us insight into dealing with producers, directors and talent. His career spans from his early work on WWII propaganda and Louisiana Story (as an Assistant) to his success as a feature editor working with Woody Allen on hits such as Annie Hall. An easy read with great stories. Its one downfall is that it doesn't go into depth and examine his ideas and approaches to the technique of editing.
By: Ralph Rosenblum
Another great primer for someone interested in entering the editing business. Rosenblum gives us insight into dealing with producers, directors and talent. His career spans from his early work on WWII propaganda and Louisiana Story (as an Assistant) to his success as a feature editor working with Woody Allen on hits such as Annie Hall. An easy read with great stories. Its one downfall is that it doesn't go into depth and examine his ideas and approaches to the technique of editing.
8: Kino-Eye: The Writings of Dziga Vertov
By: Dziga Vertov
A key book for any editors library, the main reason this isn't further up in the list is that Vertov gives his perspectives on film as a whole not just editing. What will grab you as an editor are his theories and examinations about the effect editing has on people's interpretations of the final cut. His approach to documentary filmmaking, in early news reel form, and to the montage theory have helped to establish many editing standards.
By: Dziga Vertov
A key book for any editors library, the main reason this isn't further up in the list is that Vertov gives his perspectives on film as a whole not just editing. What will grab you as an editor are his theories and examinations about the effect editing has on people's interpretations of the final cut. His approach to documentary filmmaking, in early news reel form, and to the montage theory have helped to establish many editing standards.
7: The Conversations
By: Michael Ondaatje
A fantastic page turner that gives a close intimate understanding of Walter Murch and his approach to film editing. It also looks closely into some of his new ideas while re-examing his past ideas from In the Blink of an Eye. A must for any editor.
By: Michael Ondaatje
A fantastic page turner that gives a close intimate understanding of Walter Murch and his approach to film editing. It also looks closely into some of his new ideas while re-examing his past ideas from In the Blink of an Eye. A must for any editor.
6: Kuleshov on Film
By: Lev Kuleshov
The founder of traditional montage theory, Kuleshov writes about his ideas. In the 1920's he believed editing was film and that montage was how we could connect to the audience. Get an inside look into some of his theories and ideas about editing and film through this book.
By: Lev Kuleshov
The founder of traditional montage theory, Kuleshov writes about his ideas. In the 1920's he believed editing was film and that montage was how we could connect to the audience. Get an inside look into some of his theories and ideas about editing and film through this book.
5: Lessons With Eisenstein
By: Vladimir Nizhny
This book made the list due to its authors dedication to documenting his teacher, Eisenstein's, techniques, methodologies and philosophies. Although, the book heavily favours directors, it has great insight into film editing ideas. After reading it you'll feel the urge to "look closer"and to influence the audience in a new way.
By: Vladimir Nizhny
This book made the list due to its authors dedication to documenting his teacher, Eisenstein's, techniques, methodologies and philosophies. Although, the book heavily favours directors, it has great insight into film editing ideas. After reading it you'll feel the urge to "look closer"and to influence the audience in a new way.
4: Film Sense
By: Sergei M. Eisenstein
A must for film editing book shelves everywhere. Is this the editor's bible? If not its close. Its a tough, read but the ideas have the ability to change the way you think about editing. Don't brush Eisenstein off as just montage, to truly understand montage you need to hear it from Eisenstein's mouth. Upon reading this book you'll see more than just the traditional Hollywood Montage we see so often today.
By: Sergei M. Eisenstein
A must for film editing book shelves everywhere. Is this the editor's bible? If not its close. Its a tough, read but the ideas have the ability to change the way you think about editing. Don't brush Eisenstein off as just montage, to truly understand montage you need to hear it from Eisenstein's mouth. Upon reading this book you'll see more than just the traditional Hollywood Montage we see so often today.
3: The Technique of Film Editing, 2nd Edition
By: Karel Reisz & Gavin Millar
Probably the best book, for beginners, on film editing technique. It appears Focal Press has had Ken Dancynger write the 3rd edition and although a fantastic book in its own right it doesn't quite stand up to the first two editions written by Karel Reisz and Gavin Millar. If you are a student looking for editing knowledge or a professional just looking for some interesting reading material on editing this is it. Try to find the 2nd edition at a used book store.
By: Karel Reisz & Gavin Millar
Probably the best book, for beginners, on film editing technique. It appears Focal Press has had Ken Dancynger write the 3rd edition and although a fantastic book in its own right it doesn't quite stand up to the first two editions written by Karel Reisz and Gavin Millar. If you are a student looking for editing knowledge or a professional just looking for some interesting reading material on editing this is it. Try to find the 2nd edition at a used book store.
2: Film Form
By: Sergei M. Eisenstein
Another of Eisenstein's great documents of his ideas of film editing. Take this book and read it intensely and look for some great ideas.
By: Sergei M. Eisenstein
Another of Eisenstein's great documents of his ideas of film editing. Take this book and read it intensely and look for some great ideas.
1: In the Blink of an Eye
By: Walter Murch
Murch has been a beacon of pride for editors as he raises the standards of film editing. His first, and only book, In the Blink of an Eye is a great examination of how Murch edits and the techniques that he uses to determine a cut. His extensive knowledge of various topics helps to influence his cuts from science to music. After reading you'll look outside the editing room for ideas in editing.
By: Walter Murch
Murch has been a beacon of pride for editors as he raises the standards of film editing. His first, and only book, In the Blink of an Eye is a great examination of how Murch edits and the techniques that he uses to determine a cut. His extensive knowledge of various topics helps to influence his cuts from science to music. After reading you'll look outside the editing room for ideas in editing.
