Dashing Eyes

The Eye is Quicker : Film Editing: Making A Good Film Better by Richard D. Pepperman is undeniblely good textbook for an aspiring editor, but frustrating read for someone new to the field, lacking editing experience. I kept wishing there was an accompanying DVD that can showcase his reference scenes and cuts. I can picture only a few of his examples that he referenced films I was fortunate enough to have seen and experienced. Many of his examples are left to reader's imagination, which quiet frankly, hard to do when 'time/beat' dimension can't be referenced from the book's illustrations. (The comic books do better job of presenting the flow of the story, but that's for another discussion.)

I think only experienced editors will find the book rewarding as they can relate to the editing techniques and problems shown in the book, even if they haven't necessarily seen the films in questions. It is difficult, in my experience, without knowing where the crucial moment is coming without the feeling the flow, but that could be just me.

In short, it was fine read, and I will be keeping the book and reference back later when I encounter an editing problem and needs fresh approach. I'm hoping the book will prove itself in that moment, than to me right now.