The article reflects on the experience of editing the film The Conversation, which starred Gene Hackman as Harry Caul. The editor recalls their initial encounter with Hackman and the mix of excitement and fear in working on a project following the success of The Godfather. Working closely with Hackman's performance for 16 months offered a deep insight into the actor's craft, emphasizing the unique dynamic between editors and actors who analyze and translate their performances into the final film. The editor felt a personal connection to Hackman, and his passing was deeply felt.
The relationship between actors and film editors is a classic case of asymmetry: editors stare at actors 10 to 12 hours a day, sometimes more, and we microscopically study their every move, flinch, blink, gesture and inflection.
I had edited some commercials, a couple of short documentaries and one educational film. But editing The Conversation was a big turn up the spiral for me.
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