“The humbling truth is that a film is made in the editing room. The most magnificent performances and the best intentions mean nothing if they don’t cut. The film goes by at twenty-four frames per second, and however lovely it is, however thoughtful it is, however deeply felt, all the audience cares about is what happens next. The director, the actor, the designer, the writer can and do become sidetracked, confused, indeed even inspired into serving two masters – the story and themselves. The editor only serves the story. As such, they are the best friend of the audience, and time and again, the salvation of the filmmaker.”
David Mamet, statement made at the 2002 Academy Awards