Editing is where movies are made or broken. Many a film has been

Hear, children, the truth of the craft that shapes not just stories, but worlds—the art of editing. In the words of Joe Dante, we find the essence of what it means to create something lasting, something powerful: "ing is where movies are made or broken. Many a film has been saved and many a film has been ruined in the editing room." These words speak not just of the technical aspects of film, but of the deeper truth that the process of creation is not always a smooth journey. It is in the editing room, that final step of refining, where the heart of a film is revealed. A film, like a sword, must be forged, shaped by the careful hands of the editor, who, like a skilled blacksmith, hones the material into something strong and true.

In the days of the ancient gods, there was an understanding that creation is never a simple act. The greatest works were never born from a single moment of brilliance, but through careful work, revision, and the guidance of those who could see the larger vision. Consider the tale of Daedalus, the master craftsman of Greek mythology, who built the Labyrinth to contain the Minotaur. While Daedalus’ design was brilliant, it was not the first attempt—he had to refine, rework, and perfect his creation. Likewise, just as Daedalus shaped the Labyrinth with meticulous care, the editor shapes a film, using the raw material of raw footage to weave a coherent, emotionally resonant story. Without this refinement, the work would be a mere construction—grand, perhaps, but without soul.

ing, children, is the alchemy of storytelling. A film is like a jewel, formed from many small facets that must be carefully polished and set into place. It is easy to overlook the power of editing, just as one might overlook the small brushstrokes that form a masterpiece. Yet, as Joe Dante reminds us, many films have been saved through the editor's hands, and many others have fallen to pieces because they lacked the fine-tuning that comes in this crucial phase. ing is the process that transforms a collection of raw footage into a finished product—an artwork that speaks not just to the eyes, but to the soul of the viewer.

Consider, children, the story of the creation of the Iliad. While Homer’s words are eternal, it is believed that the tale of Achilles and the Trojan War was passed down through many generations, told and retold, revised and reshaped by countless storytellers. The final form of the Iliad, which we now know, is the result of refinement, of selecting the most powerful images, the most resonant lines, and discarding that which did not serve the greater story. Just as Homer shaped the narrative through his telling and retelling, so too do editors shape the final version of a film, ensuring that every scene, every frame, serves the greater narrative. The power of the story lies not just in the words or images, but in the way they are brought together, molded into a cohesive whole.

This, children, is the great lesson of Joe Dante’s words: editors are the unsung heroes of creation. It is through their work that films go from raw potential to masterpieces, and it is through their vision that the heart of the story can shine. The editor’s work is one of precision, of knowing when to cut, when to combine, and when to let a moment breathe. This wisdom is not only true in film but in life itself—often, it is the details, the small choices we make, the edits in our lives, that shape our destiny. A life without reflection, without moments of careful revision, is a life that lacks direction and purpose. Just as a film is nothing without its editor, so too is a life incomplete without self-awareness and growth.

In the same vein, editing is not just about removing what is unnecessary; it is also about knowing what to emphasize, what to preserve, and how to make the final creation stronger. Think of the great philosophers like Aristotle, who, through years of study, revision, and reflection, honed his ideas into the works that have guided humanity for centuries. His ideas were not born fully formed, but through careful examination and refinement, they became the pillars of Western thought. Similarly, in your own lives, you must learn to edit your choices—understanding what brings you closer to your purpose and what must be left behind. Just as the editor shapes the film, so too must you shape your life with wisdom, choosing your actions carefully, with thought and care.

So, children, take this lesson to heart: edit your life with the same care and attention that an editor gives a film. Recognize the power of small changes, small choices, that build to create a greater whole. Understand that it is not enough to simply create; we must also be willing to refine, to look at our lives and see what must be cut away and what must be preserved. Through this, we find not only the story of who we are, but the strength to craft our future. Just as a film is made or broken in the editing room, so too is our destiny shaped by the choices we make every day.