A comparative essay
Editing, the art and science of assembling images and sound are an important and final
part of the film making process. A well-made movie with bad editing might confuse and
distract the watching audience. Through the history of cinema several editors have
contributed immensely to the narrative structure of motion pictures with their creative
ability.
The assigned sequence of "Gunsmoke" is a point of view of a woman -- the pillar of
civilisation. The sequence begins with an arrogant and mean minded character, Ben,
degrading the dignity of a woman, Abbie and ends up with a civilised sheriff, Matt
restoring her dignity by humiliating Ben.
By comparison, a sequence from the movie, "The Killing
Fields" -- one of the best epitome of film editing, reverberates the fall of a
civilisation, the invasion of Cambodia
by Khamer Rouge
and the rise of humanity from oppression, chaos and anarchy.
The episode starts with the arrival of US Marine helicopters in the background of heavily
guarded US consulate at Phnom Phen and concludes with the fading images of the departing
helicopters. This seven minute three seconds, forty nine shot sequence edited by Jim Clark and directed by Roland Joffé tells us
a story about the evacuation of the US citizens and their allies from the ruins of a
falling nation.
Clark has built up rhythm and tempo by cross cutting between events emphasising the
desperation of a Cambodian citizen to evacuate his family to safety. Intercutting between
separate events the editor has built affinity of space and time. Excellent editing of
sound and music, also contribute to the effectiveness of the sequence. No wonder, editor
Jim Clark was awarded an Oscar for best
film editing.
"The Killing Fields" was a symbol of humiliation of a civilisation, whereas,
"Gunsmoke" was that of its pillar. The former talked about the fall of a nation
and the later of the society. And, from the ashes rose humanity and hope.
These sequences are distinct and unique by material but are bound by the eternal question
of conflict and resolution. Both the sequences conclude with the victory of good over
evil. This resounds that truth always triumphs.
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