"In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch

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Bondservant

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"In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch

PostFri Jun 06, 2025 1:27 am

Any thoughts on this book? It seems to have been highly regarded in the past, but the 2nd edition (the newest I could find) is still 23 years old. I understand the concepts are mostly the same, but what about the changes in workflow, editing, etc. since then?

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Joe Shapiro

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Re: "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch

PostFri Jun 06, 2025 1:33 am

Haven’t read it since its last revision. I remember it as an easy read with the main thing being emphasizing performance, emotion, pacing, mood, and story are way more important than technical things like focus and continuity.

Don’t recall it having much on workflow. So don’t think it’d have much to be out of date.

Other commenters may be able to provide more.
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Re: "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch

PostFri Jun 06, 2025 4:54 am

The reason I ask (to put it in perspective for us older folks who don't think that 23 years is really all that long) - is that people have been born, graduated college, and went on to receive their Master's degree in cinematography since this last edition was printed.
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Ellory Yu

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Re: "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch

PostFri Jun 06, 2025 7:12 pm

I think the concepts are still relevant and will never change particularly the things Joe pointed out to be the premise of the book. If you’re looking for workflow and technical in depth, then Alex Van Hurkman books will be a good place to start.
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Re: "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch

PostFri Jun 06, 2025 8:04 pm

Ellory Yu wrote:Alex Van Hurkman books will be a good place to start.
I'll check out his books right now. Thanks!
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