The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Editing Film

The Conversations presents a series of in-depth discussions between author Michael Ondaatje and film editor Walter Murch, recorded over multiple meetings. Through their exchanges, Murch shares insights from his decades of experience editing films like Apocalypse Now, The English Patient, and The Godfather. The book explores the technical and philosophical aspects of film editing, with Murch explaining his approach to cutting scenes, working with sound, and making creative decisions in the editing room. Murch discusses specific examples from films he has edited, breaking down how certain sequences were assembled and why certain choices were made. Ondaatje structures these conversations to cover both the practical craft of editing and broader topics like music, literature, and scientific discoveries that inform Murch's work. The discussions reveal the collaborations between editors, directors, and other film artists, while examining how technology has transformed the editing process over time. This collection of conversations illuminates the hidden art of film editing and its role in shaping how audiences experience cinema. The book reveals editing as both a technical skill and an interpretive art form that bridges the gap between raw footage and finished film.

Readers value the depth of insight into film editing through Murch's detailed discussions of his craft. The conversational format makes complex technical concepts accessible while exploring the philosophical aspects of editing. Liked: - Personal anecdotes from films like Apocalypse Now and The English Patient - Practical editing techniques and decision-making processes - Connections drawn between editing and other art forms - Clear explanations of both technical and creative aspects Disliked: - Some found the dialogue format repetitive - Technical discussions can be dense for casual readers - A few readers wanted more structured teaching rather than conversation Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) Reader quote: "Like sitting in on a masterclass with one of cinema's great editors. The informal conversation allows Murch to explore ideas naturally rather than following a strict curriculum." - Goodreads review

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The Filmmaker's Eye: Learning (and Breaking) the Rules of Cinematic Composition by Gustavo Mercado A technical breakdown of shot composition and visual storytelling through the examination of iconic film sequences.

On Film-making: An Introduction to the Craft of the Director by Alexander Mackendrick A collection of insights into film directing and editing from the director of Sweet Smell of Success, based on his lectures at CalArts.

🎬 Conversations began as a series of discussions between author Michael Ondaatje and film editor Walter Murch during cross-country train journeys they took together. 📚 Ondaatje, best known for writing "The English Patient," was inspired to write this book after working with Murch during the film adaptation of his novel. ✂️ Walter Murch coined the term "sound designer" and pioneered many modern film editing techniques, including the use of multi-track sound mixing in "Apocalypse Now." 🎯 The book reveals that Murch developed his famous "Rule of Six" for film editing, prioritizing emotion (51%), story (23%), rhythm (10%), eye-trace (7%), two-dimensional plane of screen (5%), and three-dimensional space (4%). 🎥 Much of the book's discussion centers around Murch's work on iconic films such as "The Godfather," "The English Patient," and "Apocalypse Now," providing behind-the-scenes insights into these cinematic masterpieces.