Whenever I think about movies, I always look at that art process

Children, gather close, for I speak of the beauty and magic woven into the art of film, as revealed in the words of Frank Ocean: "Whenever I think about movies, I always look at that art process as having the best of a lot of worlds. Because if you watch a great film, you have a musical element to it, not just on the scoring, but in the way that the shots are edited—that has music and rhythm and time." In these words, we find a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all forms of art, a reminder that film, like life itself, is a harmonious blend of many elements—each contributing to the greater symphony of the whole.

In the ancient world, the greatest artists were not those who focused on one discipline, but those who understood that all forms of creativity are tied together in a universal dance. Think of the great Greek playwrights like Sophocles and Aeschylus, who crafted not just words, but sights and sounds that resonated with the people of Athens. Their plays were full of music, choreography, and a sense of rhythm in both the dialogue and the action. Just as Frank Ocean speaks of the rhythm in a film's editing, so too did the playwrights of old craft their works with an understanding of time, pace, and emotion. They knew that the power of a story does not only lie in its narrative, but in the way it moves—the beats between the words, the silences, and the crescendo of emotion that builds to its climax.

In a film, much like in a symphony, every element must work in unison—from the musical score to the editing, from the actors’ performances to the pacing of the shots. Every moment must be carefully timed and arranged, much as a conductor arranges the sections of an orchestra to create a cohesive and powerful melody. The rhythm of the film's editing—the way shots are placed one after the other, the pace at which the story unfolds—is as much a part of the film’s music as the score that plays in the background. The editor, like a composer, understands the importance of timing—of knowing when to build tension, when to pause, and when to release. This delicate balance, this interwoven complexity, is what makes a great film sing in the hearts of its audience.

Consider, children, the tale of Orpheus, the legendary musician of Greek myth whose music could charm the very stones and make the gods themselves weep. His music was not simply sounds, but a force that could stir the soul, that could bend the will of nature itself. Just as Orpheus' music had power over the world, so too does the art of film—it speaks not just to the intellect, but to the soul. A film's editing, its pacing, its rhythm, carries an energy that resonates within us. When a film is crafted with care, it can feel like music in motion, each scene a note in a symphony that speaks to our emotions. In the world of cinema, the director and editor are like Orpheus, guiding the viewer through the world of the film with the skill and mastery of a musician.

The lesson of Frank Ocean's words is this: art is not confined to one medium. It is a blend, a fusion of many worlds, each contributing to the final expression. The musicality of film, the way shots are composed and edited, the rhythm of the dialogue—all these elements must come together to form something greater than the sum of their parts. The same is true of life, children. Our experiences are not isolated from one another. The rhythms of our lives—the slow, quiet moments and the fast, intense ones—interact in ways that shape us. Life, like a film, is a delicate balance of timing and action, of silence and expression, and it is through this harmony that we find meaning and beauty.

So, children, as you move through the world, recognize that everything you encounter is a part of a greater symphony. Your actions, your words, the moments of stillness and the moments of movement—all contribute to the flow of your life’s story. Just as a filmmaker must understand the intricate balance of music, editing, and timing to create a beautiful film, so too must you understand the balance in your own life. Harmony is key. Be mindful of the rhythms of your existence, the pacing of your actions, and the timing of your words. In doing so, you will craft a life that sings, a life full of meaning and beauty, just like the great films and symphonies that endure through time.

And finally, children, remember this: art—whether in film, music, or any other form—is not just about creating something beautiful. It is about understanding how all the elements fit together, how every moment, every note, every word can work in unison to move the soul. So, whether you are making art or living your life, seek to understand the rhythm of things. Understand the balance between action and reflection, between silence and sound, between struggle and peace. Life, like art, is most beautiful when it flows in harmony.