A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far..., Paul Hirsch
A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far..., Paul Hirsch
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A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away
My Fifty Years Editing Hollywood Hits—Star Wars, Carrie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Mission: Impossible, and More

Author: Paul Hirsch

Narrator: Richard Ferrone

Unabridged: 15 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/05/2019

Synopsis

A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away is a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most influential films of the last fifty years by Paul Hirsch, a film editor who worked on more than forty features.Starting with his work on Carrie, Hirsch gives insight into the production process, touching upon casting, directing, cutting, and scoring. It’s a riveting look at the decisions that went into creating memorable and iconic scenes and offers fascinating portraits of filmmakers, stars, and composers.Part film-school primer, part paean to legendary directors and professionals, the funny yet insightful writing will entertain and inform aficionados and casual moviegoers alike.

About Paul Hirsch

Paul Hirsch received the Academy Award for his editing work on Star Wars in 1978. In 2005, he received his second Academy Award nomination for Taylor Hackford’s Ray. He is the only person to ever win the Saturn Award for best editing twice. In 2017 he was given the special Award to Editor with Unique Visual Sensitivity by the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography, Camerimage. He lives in Los Angeles.

About Richard Ferrone

Read by Richard Ferrone, Stephen Bel Davies, Prentice Onayemi, Scott Aiello, Michael David Axtell, Jessica B. Harris, and Amanda Leigh Cobb

Reviews

Goodreads review by David on May 09, 2021

For anyone interested in film editing, this is a fascinating look at an underappreciated art form. For everyone else, it’s probably boring as hell. Luckily I fall into the former camp. Bonus game — take a drink every time Hirsch describes a director’s beard.......more

Goodreads review by Bonnie on November 25, 2019

Through clever use of colorful examples, film editor Paul Hirsch explains four mysterious processes extremely well: what film editors do, where ideas come from, how free-lance careers work (and don’t) and how creative people collaborate to make the best possible film for the audience. A page-turner.......more

Goodreads review by Mediaman on December 26, 2019

This is a rare book that provides unique insights into Hollywood film making from the editor's perspective. The author was involved in a number of significant movies and goes into detail about the teamwork approach to the editing process. There were many things I had never heard before about the rol......more

Goodreads review by Kris on December 03, 2020

A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away is astonishing. What one can learn from a book sometimes is amazing. I didn’t go into this audiobook looking to learn anything. However, Paul Hirsch demonstrated just how important editing is to a movie. Some people just slap things together and hope f......more

Goodreads review by Mary on May 27, 2020

This is a must read for anyone who loves movies. After reading this I have a newfound respect for film editors. I always knew basically what they did, but this book filled in the details. I also loved hearing about the different styles of the directors Mr. Hirsch has worked with - from the ones who......more

Quotes

“It shouldn’t be surprising that a great storyteller can tell great stories. From the man in the (cutting) room where it happened on many of our favorite films comes a glorious piece of work that makes you feel that you were there yourself. How do I feel about this book? Not ‘ipsy-pipsy.’ If you want to decipher that, read it!” J. J. Abrams

“Paul’s written a terrific expert’s view of the editing process, which I believe will be an important technical and historical narrative for future filmmakers and film lovers.” Taylor Hackford

“Paul Hirsch, a master of his craft, has written an intelligent, perceptive, compelling memoir of his editing life, from the late ’60s through today. From the heights of Star Wars to the depths of Pluto Nash, if you want to know how the sausage is cut, this is the book for you. I should know, I was with him in the beginning and through our misadventure to Mars. Congratulations, Paul, for remembering all the things we forgot.” Brian De Palma

“Veteran Hollywood film editor Hirsch’s memoir overflows with fascinating insights and anecdotes…Devoted cinephiles and casual movie fans will thoroughly enjoy Hirsch’s passionate and thoughtful career chronicle.” Publishers Weekly

“Readers will learn a lot about the role of a film editor and will feel compelled to rewatch the many hit movies Hirsch edited.” Library Journal

“The stories and insights from a veteran editor will appeal to cinephiles and anyone looking to learn more about the craft.” Booklist

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