In the Blink of An Eye: 2nd Edition

In the Blink of an Eye is editor Walter Murch's essay of film editing. Starting with what might seem to be the most basic editing question - Why do cuts work? - he treats the reader to a marvelous "ride" through the esthetics and practical concerns of cutting film. Along the way, he offers his insights on such subjects as continuity and discontinuity in editing, dreaming, and real life; the criteria of a good cut; and the blink of the eye as both an analog to and an emotional cue for the cut. New to this second edition is Murch's lengthy meditation on the current state of digital editing.

About the Author

Walter Murch is the winner of multiple Academy Awards for his work as a film editor and a sound designer. Among his many notable credits are The Conversation, American Graffiti, Julia, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather (parts II and III), The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Ghost, Crumb, Romeo Is Bleeding, First Knight, The English Patient, and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Reviews

“An incredibly lucid trek into the formidable craft of film editing, which in my opinion is the core of the cinematic art form.  Walter Murch’s depth of insight into this subject is astonishing, and the book is a must for anyone who is interested in truly understanding the filmmaking process.” —George Lucas 

“The first time I saw Murch he was asleep on his KEM, having worked all night on The Conversation.  He’s the only editor I know who actually sleeps with his films.  In fact, Murch has a love affair with every film he’s involved with.  In the Blink of an Eye is his chronicle of passions—it’s where he finally tells us some of the intimate details of these affairs.  Not for those who cannot love film.” —Philip Kaufman 

“This small book contains a wealth of first-hand knowledge about the mysteries of giving birth to a film.  I think it is of immense value to professionals and film buffs alike.” —Fred Zinnemann