When we think about Angelina Jolie, lots of things come to mind. Her fantastic acting often jumps out. So does her deep commitment to helping people globally. But here’s a big point many folks miss. They don’t see her massive role away from the camera. I’m talking about how much she gets involved in editing. Honestly, it really changes everything.
Angelina Jolie’s time in the editing room does wonders. It shapes how her movies are put together. It molds the story she wants to tell. This process sets the speed of the film. It also defines the feeling that stays with you after watching. So, how does this actually happen? Which choices matter most in there?
Let’s really look at these questions. We’ll see how her editing touches productions. We’ll show some clear examples. These highlight the true strength of editing choices. It’s genuinely fascinating stuff.
The Start of Jolie’s Editing Impact
To truly grasp Angelina Jolie’s influence, we must look back. Her path in film is quite amazing. Jolie directed her very first movie in 2011. It was named “In the Land of Blood and Honey.” That film was a huge step for her. She took on directing duties. But she also got very deeply involved in the editing process.
This marked a big change for her career. After that, she directed other significant films. Remember “Unbroken” from 2014? Then came “First They Killed My Father” in 2017. In these projects, her editing decisions were absolutely key. They helped show ideas of strength and survival. They portrayed trauma and human spirit so well.
Take “Unbroken” as a prime example. Jolie worked closely with editor Bill Dumas. They skillfully cut between different times. They mixed past moments with present ones. This technique showed the main character’s tough life story. The movie made over $163 million around the world. That success speaks volumes for good editing. It proves how powerful editing can lift a film’s story.
Think about the history of making movies. Directors used to have very little input during the edit. Editors usually held all that power. But filmmakers like Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock changed things. They strongly pushed for the director’s vision in the editing suite. Jolie follows in this tradition. She directs with a very clear idea for the edit.
Statistics actually show editing impacts money made at the box office. A study from the University of Southern California confirmed this idea. Films that are edited more tightly often earn more cash. Tighter means scenes are shorter and feel more lively. Imagine if Jolie hadn’t taken charge in the editing room. Would the emotional punch have been quite so strong? I truly wonder about that possibility. Would people have felt such a deep connection? It’s a thought that sticks with you.
Editing Helps Tell the Story
People often call editing the unseen art form. It’s something you might not consciously notice. But it absolutely shapes the story you see. Jolie really understands this hidden craft. Her films clearly show how much she knows. Her editing style focuses on how emotions build. It also puts a high value on characters growing.
You can really see this in “First They Killed My Father.” This movie tells a powerful, moving story. It’s based on the memories of Loung Ung. It recounts the terrible Cambodian genocide. We see it all through a young child’s innocent eyes. Jolie’s editing kept a very delicate balance going. It balanced the horrible reality of war. It also protected the innocence of childhood throughout.
The movie got great reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a fantastic 94% score. Critics loved how the editing made them feel each moment deeply. They truly felt the seriousness of the story. When she made cuts, she often thought about emotion first. The actual timeline came second sometimes. This way of working creates a much deeper feeling for the viewer.
For example, she might show scenes of childhood memories. She does this at very important story points. This helps the audience feel the trauma much more intensely. It’s a very effective technique, honestly. Some filmmakers prefer to follow the timeline strictly. They believe it makes the story easier to follow. They worry viewers might get confused otherwise.
But Jolie believes in showing emotional truth clearly. She trusts that her audience will keep up. Her method, to be honest, really pays off. It makes you feel truly connected to the characters.
Choices Made Backstage That Matter
When we talk about Jolie’s effect on editing, certain decisions are vital. They really hold significant importance. One major choice she makes is picking her editors carefully. She looks for people who see things her way. Working with Bill Dumas for “Unbroken” was super important. It allowed Jolie to really perfect her story.
They spent hours and hours together. They built the narrative right there in the editing room. It became more than just a life story. It turned into an intense emotional journey for everyone watching. The editing room itself can sometimes feel like a place where ideas fight. Different opinions often clash. It’s just part of being creative together.
Jolie is well-known for liking to work with others. She genuinely asks for their ideas. She really listens to what her editors say. She values the thoughts of the people who filmed everything. Even the actors get a chance to share their views. This open way of talking can truly change a film. It might even alter its structure completely from the start.
For instance, while editing First They Killed My Father, she made changes right at the end. She took out scenes that didn’t help boost the feeling of the story. This ability to be flexible is so incredibly important. A study from the American Film Institute found something interesting. Films where the editing team works closely often get higher ratings from people watching. That really shows how much working together matters.
Furthermore, Jolie’s own life experiences shape her choices. She has gone through personal difficulties herself. So she truly understands complicated human feelings. When she works on a scene about sadness, she uses her own life knowledge. This helps make the scene feel more real on screen. It feels personal. It feels authentic. That truly makes a difference you can see.
What Happens in the Real World: Editing Connects Viewers
Let’s look carefully at two of her films. We can see how Jolie’s editing really works its magic. “Unbroken” and “First They Killed My Father” are great examples. They show how her choices changed how people felt about them. They also received strong praise from critics.
In “Unbroken,” Jolie decided where to focus the story. She showed the main character’s amazing strength to keep going. She didn’t just show the harshness of war. This choice is clear when you look at how audiences reacted later. The emotional parts, carefully built through editing, really touched people deeply.
A survey from Box Office Mojo discovered something incredible. A full 78% of people who saw the film called it inspiring. This reaction proves how powerful editing can be. It takes a movie beyond just telling a story. It turns it into something that gives people motivation. That’s truly quite amazing, isn’t it?
On the other hand, “First They Killed My Father” had some issues early on. First looks at the film showed it felt too slow sometimes. Some viewers felt disconnected from it. Jolie took this feedback really seriously. She worked again with her editing team. They made changes to help make the emotional parts clearer.
The movie’s second showing was a success. It received an 89% approval rating from viewers. This clearly shows how editing can completely change how people see a movie. It can truly win over an audience who were unsure before. It’s a great lesson in being able to change and listen. That is a crucial skill for anyone making films today.
What the Smart People Say About Jolie’s Editing
To fully understand Jolie’s impact, we need insights from experts. Film editor Maryann Brandon is nominated for an Academy Award. She once said, “Editing is where the film truly finds its own voice.” Brandon also mentioned, “Jolie’s choices in editing clearly show how dedicated she is to telling stories well.” This statement really highlights how important the editor is. Their vision truly shapes what the final movie becomes.
Another viewpoint comes from professors who study film. Dr. Evelyn Reed, a film studies expert at NYU, points out something very interesting. She thinks Jolie’s special background, mixing being a famous Hollywood star with deep humanitarian work, gives her a unique way of seeing things. Her ability to feel for others shows right in her editing cuts, Reed says. She knows just how to bring out strong emotions from people watching.
I am happy to see filmmakers using all of who they are. Their life experiences make their art richer. This includes their personal beliefs and how they work. Jolie’s humanitarian ideas often guide her choices. She wants to tell stories that connect to real-world problems. This connection strongly affects the editing process.
Movie critic Richard Roeper saw this connection directly. He observed, “Jolie’s films show her strong commitment to humanity.” Roeper added, “The decisions made in editing are often a reflection of her wish to bring important issues into the light.” It’s not only about making things look good on screen. It’s about what feels right in your heart. It’s about making a real difference. It is truly inspiring to witness.
Where Editing is Going and Jolie’s Path Ahead
Looking towards the future, making films is constantly changing. Digital technology has really grown incredibly fast. This makes editing tools much easier to get and use now. This shift opens up so many new possibilities for everyone. People just starting out in filmmaking can create amazing things so easily now. I am excited about this access for more people. It will help voices like Jolie’s keep shaping important stories for us all.
Imagine a world where anyone, anywhere, can truly tell their story. This kind of technology is making that dream possible. Plus, watching short videos is really popular now. Sites like TikTok are driving this trend. Quick cuts and fast-moving stories are everywhere you look. I believe filmmakers, and yes, Jolie too, will adapt to this. They will still keep the deep emotional connection that their work is known for. They will find new and clever ways to reach viewers.
What could this mean for people watching movies? Maybe we’ll get more experiences that pull us right in. Films using virtual reality could become huge next. How would editing even work in those new worlds? It’s a fascinating and tough question to consider. New tech like artificial intelligence might even help editors in the future. But I really think the human touch will always be needed. No computer program can truly capture how real emotions feel. Not really, not deep down.
Here is a tip for anyone wanting to make films: Embrace the new technology. Learn how to use all the tools available. But never, ever forget what makes storytelling matter most. That’s the real magic ingredient you need. For those of us who just love watching movies, stay open to new ways stories are told. Support films that try new things. Let’s work together to cheer on this amazing evolution in filmmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Angelina Jolie’s top film as a director?
Many critics often pick “First They Killed My Father.” It shows her skill as director and editor clearly.
How does editing help a movie succeed?
Good editing makes the story better. It increases how much emotion you feel. It changes how audiences react. This often impacts how much money it makes.
What kind of editing does Jolie usually like?
Jolie often prefers editing for emotion. She puts feelings ahead of the timeline sometimes. This makes viewers feel more connected.
How does Jolie’s own life influence her editing?
Her personal experiences help her understand difficult feelings. This lets her create very real stories on screen.
How important is working together in Jolie’s editing process?
Collaboration is extremely important to her. Jolie values input from her team. This helps make the stories better. It improves how people see the film.
Did Jolie go to school for editing?
Her skills mostly come from working on movie sets. She learns by doing the work. She also learns from the editors she works with.
How does editing control how fast a film feels?
Editors change how long scenes are. They adjust how scenes transition. This controls the film’s speed. It builds excitement or allows quiet moments.
Can bad editing ruin a great story script?
Yes, absolutely it can! Poor editing can confuse everyone watching. It can lessen the emotional feeling. It can make a strong script fail completely.
What computer programs do editors often use?
While the director doesn’t run the software, professional editors frequently use programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Final Cut Pro. These are common tools in the film world.
What’s different between a director’s cut and the movie shown in theaters?
A director’s cut shows what the director truly wanted. The version shown in theaters might have changes. These changes often happen because studios want them.
Why is the idea of “invisible art” important for editing?
It means the editing flows so perfectly. You don’t even notice the cuts happening. You just feel the story and the emotion.
How do surveys of people watching films help filmmakers?
They give very important feedback. This helps improve the movie later. It helps it connect more deeply with the people watching.
Is there a common false belief about editing?
Many people think editing can fix any problem. That is not true. Good editing can help some things. But it cannot save a film that is fundamentally broken.
What is a jump cut, and does Jolie ever use them?
A jump cut is a sudden, quick change between scenes. It is used to show time passing fast. Jolie might use them to create a feeling. It just depends on the scene’s mood.
Jolie’s Editing Choices Matter for a Long Time
So, to wrap things up, Angelina Jolie’s involvement in editing has truly made her films what they are. It has really changed the stories she shares with us. By working together, focusing on feelings, and being ready to change, she builds narratives. These stories connect with audiences very personally.
When we look at her work, we have to understand something big. Editing is more than just using technical tools. It is a powerful art form on its own. It can change how viewers feel about a film. It really impacts how much emotion you take away. I am happy to see filmmakers like Jolie keep pushing boundaries forward. Their deep commitment to storytelling reminds us all just how powerful cinema can be.
The decisions made quietly in the editing room can truly define how much impact a film has. This effect lasts way beyond when the movie ends. Ultimately, Jolie’s contributions to editing teach us something important. Being creative and working well together can make storytelling even better. They leave a truly lasting mark on people watching movies everywhere.
