#428 - Should directors edit their own films?
Should directors edit their own films?
All editors will tell you this isn't a good idea; we're needed for our skill, our perspective, and our objectivity. But plenty of directors still do it.
Josh Margolin is one such member of the pantheon of directors who edit their own films.
Although not under a pseudonym.
Other favourite examples of this titular preference* include:
- The Coen Brothers (Roderick Jaynes) for 14 feature films
- Steven Soderbergh (Mary Ann Bernard) but only sometimes.
- Andrew Patterson (Junius Tully) whose The Vast of Night, I adore.
Jeremy Saulnier** also cut his latest film, Rebel Ridge, himself, although not under a pseudonym. (I just needed a segue to this fine interaction...)
Although, of course, in many ways, all directors edit their own films, either with the help of the editor or not. Their fingerprints are all over every scene, too.
Anyhoo.
In this issue of Cut/daily, I was grateful to hear from filmmaker Josh Margolin, who edited and directed Thelma, the delightful and hilarious story of a grandmother out for vengeance.
Josh was kind enough to share both the pros and cons of cutting his own film and why he doesn't like people to watch him edit. (And it's probably not the reason you're thinking of...)
My favorite thing Josh had to share?
Be uncompromising but not precious.
– Josh Margolin, Director/Editor