Overview

The behind-the-scenes stories of the greatest movies of the past fifty years, told by the film editor who pieced them together 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.

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9781641605243

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Reviews

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 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 Storyteller and showman, film editor Paul Hirsch narrates the ups and downs of his fifty-year career on the jungle gym of cinema with fascinating inside-the-boiler-room tales of how classic hits and flops were constructedand deconstructed. Jaw-dropping tales of working with George Lucas on Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back and on eleven Brian De Palma films ( Carrie , Phantom of the Paradise , etc.). Paul's invaluable tips and insights, hard won through experience, will brilliantly illuminate the creative process for aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. Walter Murch For its sheer excellence, diversity, and cultural impact, Paul Hirsch's filmography speaks for itself. They say a film is made in the editing room, and this book is easily the most comprehensive, revelatory, and illuminating account of this essential cinematic art. A must-read for both the casual moviegoer and the serious cinephile alike. Mark Hamill Veteran Hollywood film editor Hirsch's memoir overflows with fascinating insights and anecdotes Publishers Weekly The stories and insights from a veteran editor will appeal to cinephiles and anyone looking to learn more about the craft. Booklist Mr. Hirsch paints a vivid picture of the crucial work done by film editors. Wall Street Journal

""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 ""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 ""Storyteller and showman, film editor Paul Hirsch narrates the ups and downs of his fifty-year career on the jungle gym of cinema with fascinating inside-the-boiler-room tales of how classic hits and flops were constructedand deconstructed. Jaw-dropping tales of working with George Lucas on Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back and on eleven Brian De Palma films ( Carrie , Phantom of the Paradise , etc.). Paul's invaluable tips and insights, hard won through experience, will brilliantly illuminate the creative process for aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike."" Walter Murch ""For its sheer excellence, diversity, and cultural impact, Paul Hirsch's filmography speaks for itself. They say a film is made in the editing room, and this book is easily the most comprehensive, revelatory, and illuminating account of this essential cinematic art. A must-read for both the casual moviegoer and the serious cinephile alike."" Mark Hamill ""Veteran Hollywood film editor Hirsch's memoir overflows with fascinating insights and anecdotes"" Publishers Weekly ""The stories and insights from a veteran editor will appeal to cinephiles and anyone looking to learn more about the craft."" Booklist ""Mr. Hirsch paints a vivid picture of the crucial work done by film editors."" Wall Street Journal

Author Information

Paul Hirsch received the Academy Award for his editing work onStar Wars in 1978. He also has edited The Empire Strikes Back,Carrie,Mission: Impossible,Footloose,Steel Magnolias, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Falling Down. In 2005, he received his second Academy Award nomination for Ray.He lives in Los Angeles, California.

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