Review of The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing (2004) by Mark J — 04 May 2010

First, the good parts: there's some classic scenes here, highlighted for the stellar work of the film editors. There is an abbreviated history of film editing. There are directors talking - in public, no less - about the debts they owe their film editors in creating masterpieces. (Spielberg talking about editing the scenes with the mechanical shark from "Jaws" is very nice - he's humble & funny.).

And then the bad parts: too much Q. Tarantino (who should be used like a garnish rather than as a spice - the filmmakers use him here like a waiter with a pepper grinder who won't listen to you when you tell him to stop). Too little actual insight into the process of editing a scene (though there is some nice moments with a sequence from "Cold Mountain" that I wish had been expanded.) Too much pontificating on editing in broad terms rather than dealing specifically with certain films.

Overall, I'm glad I watched it - but this is not a great documentary.

NOTE: on Netflix streaming, this is rated PG. With the level of violence in some of the scenes that are shown and the number of F-bombs dropped (remember: Quentin should be a garnish!), this is probably closer to a R rating. You have been warned.