A1 Prompt 3

Editors on Editing by Ally Acker shows interviews with some of Hollywood’s most successful women editors, and interviews them on the legacy they continue in being as such. The beginning of the episode gives context to the history of film editing, which was seen as a woman’s craft as early as the silent era, and in France specifically. Women were considered to be neat and organised, and physically were available to keep out of the way of the rest of production. Margaret Booth tells of her earliest days editing, cutting reels all day as a high-school student.

In most of the interviews, the camera remains tight and follows any movement the interviewee makes. The interview with editor Carol Littleton is wider, contextualising more of her background as she wears a bright blue top contrasting to the darker background. As what she says gets more personal, so does the camera; moving closer to her face which remains the center of the frame. This technique allows the audience to wholly connect with the subject, on a personal level. The subjects discuss their own journeys and projects, which is reflected in this intense and unwavering focus from the camera. 

As the interviewees speak, their voices become the voiceover. Images are laid over the top of the dialogue, giving context particularly to certain time periods, and certain people. As the editors discuss particular scenes, the scene is then played out in full. This allows the audience to view from the editors’ perspective – watching the cuts, transitions, and how the scene is constructed. 

The content of the documentary is focused on how these women have taken part in the blueprint and legacy of film editors, through questions asked on their most successful and important edits. Editing in film is built upon extreme focus and care in the approach to cutting – additionally, a different approach and work ethic as a man, reflects Littleton. She also states that ‘women humanise the workplace,’ (Littleton, 18:21) and feels lucky to be working at a time where women editors are more respected in the industry. The documentary hones in on this struggle each woman has had in having to prove themselves in each and every project, until they are consistently taken seriously. 

The documentary provides an intimate and vast look into women editors in the US that have worked on a wide range of films in different ages of cinema. Through interview techniques, framing, and editing, the audience gets an intimate look into these editor’s careers from the context of being women in a male-dominated industry.

References:

Editors on Editing 2009, Film, Reel Women Media, Kanopy, Directed by Ally Acker, viewed 17 March 2021 <https://rmit.kanopy.com/video/editors-editing>

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *