i ran through this book so much faster than any other book in recent memory. it is exciting to read, for sure ! though a lot of the insights are more so recounts that you can only cherish if you yourself have edited. it is better positioned as something where you can share the perils of editing and a lot of choices i’ve made intuitively to edit are what Murch largely talks about, borne of his own, extensive experience. He is most insightful when talking about the use of sound; maybe because that’s something i know annoyingly little about.

As it goes on, however, it does talk about particular editing strategies—but they’re largely applicable for someone like me who knows very little about editing. The book is thoroughly engrossing and worthwhile because of Murch’s vast knowledge and insight into a very diverse range of topics.

Excited to read “In the blink of an eye” soon !!!

Essential for film professionals

An absolute must-read. You don't even have to be interested in film to appreciate this book of conversations in which Michael Ondaatje and Walter Murch discuss everything under the sun. Throws a much-needed wrench into auteur as director, suggesting (!) that geniuses come through every field. In the case of Murch, this would be his innovative work in sound mixing/editing and film editing. It simply does not get more fascinating than this. In fact, you're doing a disservice to yourself by not reading it. It left me bowled over.

Walter Murch provides wonderful insights and anecdotes to classic films that he worked on such as The Godfather Trilogy and Apocalypse Now. Loved his scientific approach to editing. He truly is a renaissance man.

Great Quote from Rilke: "The Point of Life is to fail at greater and greater things."

For anyone who has ever spent endless hours in a small dark room attempting to create screen magic from inadequate raw footage this book offers a glimpse into the true Art (capital “a” fully intended) of film editing. It’s a craft at which Walter Murch is clearly a master - he worked on The Godfather and Apocalypse Now - but his deep knowledge of script-writing, cinematography, sound engineering, film history, music and philosophy make these conversations with Michael Ondaatje much more than discussions about editing - rich with unique insight and thoughtful observation. You’ll never watch a movie in quite the same way ever again.

I feel stingy for not giving The Conversations five stars, but it ends too soon, and I wanted these two brilliant artists to just keep exploring together.

gave up on this one because i just hadn't seen enough of the movies walter murch edited to get as much out of it as i could. still, i salute any book that turns a spotlight on the interesting and under-written-about profession of film editing. a good companion piece for this book might be the movie modern romance in which albert brooks plays an editor.

Started reading this earlier in the year and only recently got around to finishing it. I have no idea what too me so long, other than that I didn't want it to end. Murch is such a remarkable individual to spend time with, and his insights into filmmaking are by turns both obtuse and unfailingly accurate. Looking forward to revisiting this like a daily devotional going forward, it's just so rich with insight and perspective on the medium.

I’ve become enamored with two books from my Film Form class, this is one of them. The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Editing Film has been inspiring and thought-provoking every time I pick it up. It’s made the monotonous train rides to NY much more enjoyable. Even though its title suggests that it’s written for editors and filmmakers, I think anyone that’s interested in film (beyond the casual viewer) or artists of any medium would get something out of this book. Murch has a fascinating mind, I love the way he solves problems through editing both film and sound.

Walter Murch is an interesting, insightful, well read, well rounded guy who draws from unexpected resources. I think even though this book is on the surface about editing films, he's so interesting and has such unique views on life, human behavior and emotion that I think the book just might hold the interest of even those who are not involved or interested in the film industry.

Loved it, great conversations and fascinating insight into filmmaking and just a lot of stuff applicable to any creative fields.
I love Apocalypse Now, The Conversation and The Godfathers, so of course the bits focusing on those were especially good for me but even without having ever seen The English Patient I still got a lot out of it (and going to take it on deck to view that soon!)

wonderful