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The great film editor is not a cutter, he's a storyteller, right?
Ridley Scott
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A great film editor composes a narrative rather than just cutting scenes together.

Ridley Scott emphasizes that the true art of film editing goes beyond simply trimming footage; it involves crafting a coherent and engaging story. This perspective highlights the editor's vital role in shaping the narrative and emotional impact of a film, making them an integral part of the storytelling process.

Themes

EditingStorytellingFilmNarrativeArtCinema

In practice

Example use cases

In a film study class, when discussing the role of the editor in storytelling.

More from Ridley Scott

I used to agonise over what to do next, but now I'm making a movie a year. It's insane, but it's only a movie after all. You just hang in there, and occasionally you might make something which you can call art... briefly.
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The best stories come out of the truth.
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In my view, the only way to see a film remains the way the filmmaker intended: inside a large movie theater with great sound and pristine picture.
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I think over time I've learned to stop being a screamer and get interactive; otherwise, you get killed in Hollywood. I stopped being a screamer shortly after 'Blade Runner,' kicking doors and things like that, because I wasn't actually getting anywhere.
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I've gradually realised that what I do best is universes. And I shouldn't be afraid of that.
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Everyone is tearing each other apart in the name of their personal god. And the irony is, by definition, they're probably worshiping the same god.
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