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Why should a director avoid cutting his own film?

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Too often, because they are too close to the material, the director sees things that will be a mystery to his/her audience. Or they will fall back on basic television cutting. Cinema editing is about emotion. Often it is about adding a few frames, or cutting out a bit of dialogue because a reaction shot works better. (Not mine)
User Dfogni
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Final answer:

A director should not cut their own film to maintain objectivity and ensure storytelling integrity, benefiting from the collaborative input of specialized editors for a more compelling and accurately realized cinematic vision.

Step-by-step explanation:

A director should avoid cutting their own film because it is essential to have an objective perspective during the post-production process. The director, as the first audience member, has a deeply ingrained vision and may be too emotionally attached to the footage, potentially leading to a lack of impartiality when deciding what serves the story best. Actors, usually not present during editing, trust the director to create a coherent narrative, but personal biases can impede this if the director is also the editor.

Throughout filmmaking, from the non-chronological shooting schedule to technical rehearsals, the director must maintain a clear and specific vision yet balance artistic choices with pace or rhythm to ensure the audience stays engaged. As the director is not involved in bureaucratic or economic negotiations, which are handled by the producer, focusing on storytelling aspects without cutting the film allows for a more dedicated creative process. Furthermore, respecting the playwright's story without infringement on copyright rules is crucial for artistic integrity.

The collaborative nature of filmmaking means a director should allow space for others, like an editor, to contribute their expertise. This collaboration can enhance the quality, provide fresh insights, and ensure that the final product aligns with the envisioned storytelling, making the outcome more engaging for the audience.

User Gregpakes
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