The 1970s marked a pivotal decade in cinematic history, and nowhere was this more evident than in the evolving techniques of film editing. This era witnessed a transition from the classical, often invisible, editing style to more experimental and expressive forms, reflecting a broader societal shift towards realism and challenging established norms.
The Transition to New Styles
The 1970s saw a departure from the seamless, continuity-based editing that had dominated Hollywood since its inception. While techniques like match cuts and the 180-degree rule remained important, editors began to embrace more noticeable cuts, jump cuts, and innovative uses of montage to convey complex emotions and accelerate or decelerate pacing for dramatic effect. This shift was driven by several factors:
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The Rise of Independent Filmmaking: The emergence of independent filmmakers, often working outside the studio system, brought fresh perspectives and a willingness to experiment with unconventional editing techniques.
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The Influence of European Cinema: Directors like Jean-Luc Godard and filmmakers associated with the French New Wave had already challenged traditional editing conventions, inspiring a new generation of American filmmakers.
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Technological Advancements: While editing remained a primarily physical process using celluloid film, incremental improvements in editing equipment and workflows allowed for greater precision and creativity.
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A Shift in Narrative Focus: Films in the 70s often explored grittier, more realistic themes, demanding an editing style that mirrored this raw emotional honesty. Films became more character driven and the editing style adapted.
Key Editing Techniques of the 1970s
While technological tools remained largely unchanged from previous decades, the application of those tools saw a distinct shift.
* Straight Cutting
Straight cutting was the most common editing technique of the time. Splicing two shots together with no fades, wipes or dissolves. This was very prevalent during action scenes.
* Montage Sequences
The 1970s saw a resurgence in the use of montage sequences to condense time, convey information, or create a specific mood. These sequences often employed rapid cuts, music, and visual symbolism to create a powerful emotional impact. Rocky (1976) is a great example.
* Jump Cuts
While previously seen as errors in continuity, jump cuts, where the subject jumps forward or backward in time without a change in camera angle, became an intentional stylistic choice, creating a sense of disorientation or unease.
* Parallel Editing
The technique of parallel editing (also known as cross-cutting), which involves cutting between two or more scenes happening simultaneously, was used to build suspense and create dramatic tension.
* Sound Design and Editing
The 1970s also saw an increased emphasis on the role of sound design in filmmaking. Sound editors worked closely with picture editors to create a cohesive and immersive audio-visual experience.
The Human Element: The Role of the Editor
Despite the growing emphasis on technology, the film editor remained a crucial creative force. They were responsible for shaping the rhythm and flow of the film, crafting compelling narratives, and eliciting emotional responses from the audience. The editor’s relationship with the director was paramount, often involving intense collaboration and creative debate. They were the storytellers behind the scenes, carefully assembling the pieces to create a cohesive whole.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into 1970s Film Editing
FAQ 1: What specific types of editing equipment were used in the 1970s?
The primary tools were Moviolas and Steenbecks, both types of flatbed editing tables. Editors physically cut and spliced film using cement splicers or tape splicers. Sound editing involved similar processes, often using magnetic tape. These machines were manual and required skill and precision to operate.
FAQ 2: How did the lack of digital tools affect the editing process?
Without the non-linear editing capabilities of modern digital systems, the 1970s editing process was much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. Editing was a destructive process since film was physically cut and spliced. Mistakes were costly and required reshoots or painstaking repairs. This forced editors to be extremely meticulous in their work.
FAQ 3: What were some of the biggest challenges editors faced in the 1970s?
Challenges included the physical demands of working with film, the difficulty of making precise edits, the limitations of available effects, and the time constraints imposed by studio schedules. Finding the right piece of film in a large reel was also a challenge.
FAQ 4: How did the rise of blaxploitation films influence editing styles?
Blaxploitation films often employed faster cutting and more dynamic editing to reflect the energy and urgency of their narratives. This influence contributed to the overall trend towards more expressive editing styles in the 1970s.
FAQ 5: What was the role of music in 1970s film editing?
Music played a crucial role in setting the mood and pacing of scenes. Editors worked closely with composers and music supervisors to synchronize music cues with the visuals, enhancing the emotional impact of the film. Soundtracks became integral to the film.
FAQ 6: Can you name some influential film editors from the 1970s and their notable works?
Certainly! Dede Allen (Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon), Ralph Rosenblum (Annie Hall, Sleeper), Verna Fields (Jaws, American Graffiti), and Walter Murch (The Conversation, Apocalypse Now) were all highly influential editors who helped shape the cinematic landscape of the decade. They were masters of their craft and are still studied today.
FAQ 7: How did the rise of television impact film editing in the 1970s?
Television, with its faster pace and shorter attention spans, influenced filmmakers to adopt more dynamic editing techniques to keep audiences engaged. TV also served as a training ground for future film editors.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of ‘dailies’ in the 1970s editing workflow?
Dailies (or rushes) were the raw footage shot each day that editors reviewed to select the best takes for inclusion in the film. This was a critical step in the process, as it allowed editors to identify performance issues and potential editing challenges early on.
FAQ 9: How did editors deal with film degradation and scratches during editing?
Film degradation and scratches were common problems. Editors had to be careful when handling film and use specialized cleaning and repair techniques to minimize damage. Optical printing was sometimes used to create new copies of damaged footage.
FAQ 10: What were the industry standards for screen ratios during the 1970s, and how did that affect editing decisions?
The dominant aspect ratios were 1.85:1 (widescreen) and 2.39:1 (CinemaScope). Editors had to be mindful of these aspect ratios when framing shots and making editing decisions to ensure that the image looked balanced and aesthetically pleasing on the screen.
FAQ 11: How was color correction performed in the 1970s editing process?
Color correction was done during the optical printing process, where a new negative was created from the edited work print. This involved adjusting the color balance and density of the image to achieve a consistent look.
FAQ 12: What lasting legacy did 1970s film editing leave on the industry?
The 1970s editing styles pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. The emphasis on realism, emotional honesty, and experimentation paved the way for the bolder and more dynamic editing techniques that are prevalent in contemporary cinema. Many of the editors from that era went on to become directors, showing the significant impact editing has on filmmaking.
Conclusion
Film editing in the 1970s was a fascinating blend of technical limitations and creative innovation. While the tools may have been rudimentary compared to today’s digital systems, the editors of that era possessed a deep understanding of narrative, rhythm, and emotional impact. Their contributions helped shape the cinematic landscape of the decade and continue to influence filmmakers today. The period represents a critical junction in film history that continues to fascinate film scholars and practitioners.