Editing & Empathy in Big Little Lies
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- A video essay on how editing helps us empathise with the characters in Big Little Lies.
Jean-Marc Vallée's new TV show is HBO's Sharp Objects based on Gillian Flynn's novel.
With four Golden Globes and eight Emmys, HBO's Big Little Lies is one of the best received TV series of 2017. Most of the praise goes towards the outstanding performances by Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern but in this video I'd like to focus on something less obvious - editing. The show takes a unique approach to storytelling which uses editing to evoke feelings and help us empathise with the characters.
This video is spoiler-free.
WARNING: Big Little Lies contains profanities and sexual assault.
Footage:
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-2013) - Rob McElhenney
Friends (1994 - 2004) - David Crane and Marta Kauffman
House of Cards (2013 - present) - Beau Willimon
You're the Worst (2014 - present) - Stephen Falk
The Dark Knight (2008) - Christopher Nolan
The Room (2003) - Tommy Wiseau
Rick and Morty (2013 - present) - Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon
Game of Thrones (2011 - present) - David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
Big Little Lies (2017) - Jean-Marc Vallée
Cinema Paradiso (1988) - Giuseppe Tornatore
Nightcrawler (2014) - Dan Gilroy
Under the Shadow (2016) - Babak Anvari
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - Stanley Kubrick
The Night Manager (2016) - Susanne Bier
The Simpsons Movie (2007) - David Silverman
Sherlock (2010 - present) - Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss
500 Days of Summer (2009) - Marc Webb
Fight Club (1999) - David Fincher
C.R.A.Z.Y (2005) - Jean-Marc Vallée
Wild (2014) - Jean-Marc Vallée
Music:
Heinz Kiessling - Captain's Table
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - With Suspicion
Michael Kiwanuka - Cold Little Heart
Big Brother & The Holding Company - Ball and Chain
Boy Names - Fox Mobility
Jeff Beal - House of Cards Theme
Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit
PH Harvey - The Wind
St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Grass is Greener
Brent Amaker and the Rodeo - Man in Charge (Tilson Remix)
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - Complications with Optimistic Outcome
Antonio Sanchez - Doors and Distance
Death in Vegas - Hands Around My Throat
Ituana - You Can't Always Get What You Want
The Flaming Lips - Silver Trembling Hands
Agnes Obel - September Song
Babe Ruth - King Kong
Leon Bridges - River
Frank Ocean - Super Rich Kids
Created by Michal Zak
Instagram: @the_mzak
Twitter: @the_mzak
mzak.co.uk
I'm excited to share with you guys that HBO reached out to me a few months ago asking if I'd like to make a similar video on Sharp Objects.
The answer was obvious.
th-cam.com/video/5jwZSycyauw/w-d-xo.html
I checked this video because I knew I recognized your voice from the Sharp Objects video. Congratulations -- your work is excellent.
That is so cool! HBO is the best (so are you).
I was about to write "is this the guy that did the sharp objects featurette?" I guess you already answered my question.
I saw the Sharp Objects video a while ago without knowing anything about the series and still not having watched it. (I just like film essay videos.) Came across this video as I needed to watch Big Little Lies S1 for class and wanted to see what analysis videos I could find. Imagine my surprise!
(Also, awesome to see some recognizable TH-cam channel names for your inspiration in your credits!)
Well done, mzak. This is a spot on and insightful video.
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Except for the part at 2:56 where you call Monterey tropical.
Damn, I should have paid more attention in geography classes
Oh man, this video was AWESOME. I hope you put out more content like this soon!
Thanks! There's a similar video on Sharp Objects in the works. Keep an eye out on the HBO's YT channel in the new few weeks :)
I have watched this over a couple of times and I am amazed by the narrator's points and tips. Truly succinct.
This is a truly beautiful show. I hadn't noticed how often characters are looking at other characters, which is significant given that a major plot point hinges on someone seeing things that others thought they didn't. Brilliant video.
waiting for an analysis of Sharp Objects when it's finished! great video!!
Your wait is complete - th-cam.com/video/5jwZSycyauw/w-d-xo.html
was thinking the same, he used the same techniques; diegetic music, "thought cuts", etc.
Just, wow! I'm speechless, this was an amazing breakdown. I'm really interested to see more, about anything that you are able and want to analyse.
I just wanted to say thanks for the incredible support and great feedback I've been getting. It's been a humbling experience and the best reward for months of hard work I could have hoped for.
I appreciate every like and share so if you know someone who's still on the fence about the show then you know what to do :)
“Thoughts don’t make the world go away. They exist on top of it.”
Well said!
I've never seen the show but this definitely makes me want to check it out. This video is incredible, honestly, in a few months you'll be passing me up! Subscribed and excited to see more!
Film Radar It's surreal to see someone you've been following for a while comment on your own video. It means a lot, dude
I appreciate you sharing it with me! It's hard for me to imagine people being inspired to create their own work because of my videos, so this was really cool to see, and honestly your editing is some of the best I've seen!
This is the best analysis video I’ve ever seen. You are brilliant!!!!
completamente encantado com esse vídeo!! a sensibilidade, o roteiro, a edição... genial!
That was a superb breakdown, glad I'm not the only one who notices the Big Little Details that put the best programs & films into a different league. Look forward to more of your content.
I dont even watch this show, but this video was amazing, high quality and well done
Citizen Mike I'm so glad that you enjoyed it even without knowing the show. Thanks for your comment!
I know your comment is from a while ago but I hope you found the time to watch the show! It’s an absolute gem :)
"Thoughts don't make the world go away, they exist on top of it."
This made my eyes widen. Very well said.
i can't barely choose words to express how marvelous this video is bro, honestly, it was one of the most incredible content that i saw here on youtube. I don't no how i could be more grateful for that
a Brazilian thank you 🇧🇷🇧🇷💥💚
This is one of the best essays I've seen. Can't wait for more!
Incredibly well done essay
I love watching videos about editing for shows and movies. Thank you for this.
Dude, FUCK yeah.
Fuck yeah to you too! Make sure to share the video if you wanna help me spread the love :)
Came across your channel through Sharper Objects. Also, I loved both shows because of these aspects. I love when it feels so real
Absolutley amazing video; so well done. Just saw your analysis on Sharp Objects as well - incredible.
Wow great content my guy! Definently want to see more of your work!
The only video that I observed very cinematic in editing. PRAISE YOU MAN. I IS SO FUCKING NICE!
For those who wanted me to make another video essay - I thought I'd never do it but here we are. An exploration of summer and memories in Call Me By Your Name and The Florida Project
th-cam.com/video/SE7_v2oLGBs/w-d-xo.html
I'm jealous, I need your perspective for my film studies classes! Well done. Could you do a similar video fro the show Mindhunter?
Brenda Charles thank you! It just takes practice :) I loved mindhunter (and anything by Fincher) but I'm not sure what I'm gonna be doing next video-wise
watch this for several tines and i m still impressed
Very insightful and spot on! Thanks for this.
Excellent!
Wow! The show brilliant yes, but this video was like a condensed masterclass on filmmaking. What a breakdown and what insights man. Thank you for making this!!
Nice video. It is refreshing to see a unique editing style in a video essay. Keep at what you are doing, and success is almost assured. The text transisotions are a little awkward at times, but other than that, the video was enjoyable. Good job.
hey great work. just wait for sharp objects!
Beautiful
Sometimes clever editing can be distracting. I'm in such owe of the level of craft in this movie and how it pushes the narrative. What a gem. Thanks for this essay !
Racja! Dzięki za komentarz :)
Stunning video! Thank you for your work you put in analyzing, creating and uploading these videos.
I already fell in love with you explanation on "Sharp Objects" over a year ago and am lucky to find now another analysis on one of my favorite shows. By watching Jean Marc Vallées movies and shows so many times I could already notice some special ways he and his team used to make us feel how we feel and capture these incredible masterpieces, like the way music was used, the editing or the way he always showed the character in a mirror for example. I was glad to find you who explains all this and more in such an perfect way! I've never seen a movie/ series been analyzed like this before.
Would like to see more from your work. I just subscribed your channel, but then I've noticed that you barely/never upload something. You have potential and if you change your mind, I would love to see more analyzes and videos on movies!
Thanks a lot and greetings from Austria :)
Thank you so much for your comment! It's unlikely I will post any more content on this channel as I'm trying to focus on other things editing-wise at the moment but there's a few more video essays that I've released in the past that you might like. There's one on Call Me By Your Name & The Florida Project (th-cam.com/video/SE7_v2oLGBs/w-d-xo.html), on Watchmen (th-cam.com/video/L9F5N3C2nm0/w-d-xo.html) and Succession (th-cam.com/video/NujDfuIoTRk/w-d-xo.html)
@@KwapiPL Thanks a lot! I just saw the one about Call Me By Your Name & The Florida Project (one of my favorite movies; love Sean Baker) and loved it as well like the other ones. Great that you mentioned "Ma" which we can see for example in the train scene in "Spirited Away" and makes us feel so much but is just filled with peace and time passing by. Such an art! I understand that you may not have much time right now to create some other video essays, but if you change your mind or feel like it I would like to see some more :) Maybe one on the show "Euphoria" (after the second season comes out): I really believe that HBO will work with you again since you did such a great work on Sharp Objects, on Andrea Arnolds work which is also special and amazing (maybe a come back to "Big Little Lies" since she worked on the second season as the director), on Xavier Dolan or maybe Rhichard Linklater...? Of course you have to like the material to work with in the first place, but these are some of my many favorite suggestions. Thanks a lot again! :)
@@FuLong1997 I'd love to to a video on Euphoria. Who knows? Big fan of Linklater and Dolan too (Matthias & Maxime was beautiful)
Rest in peace vallée, honestly, one of my all-time favourite directors ❤
Mzak, u alive?!! I love and appreciate you bro sm, i can't wait for new content from you, and you're fr one hell of an artist, pls pls keep doing the great work you're doing ❤️🙏
Really awesome! Thank you giving us this wonderful video essay!
Thank you!
You are really talented! This is a beautiful video!
Awesome analysis and video! Learned a lot too! Great job man! 😊👏🏽
This video was absolutely brilliant! I feel like I just learnt so much in a mere 14 minutes, and appreciate this show so much more... its just beautiful and Jean Marc Vallee is a genius. The directing/editing are what made this show so special, I was sad to hear he won't be returning for the second season
Me too! But 'Sharp Objects' is out soon and most of the production team from Big Little Lies has been working on it :) I'm also curious to see what Andrea Arnold will do with season two
YES so excited for Sharp Objects!! I loved David Fincher's gone girl and I'm so excited to see what jmv does with one of Gillian Flynn's stories
Also thought I'd share, your video inspired me to rewatch Wild, one of my favourite movies, and I appreciated the details of his craft so much more. Again, amazing video!
That's awesome! I watched 'Wild' as part of my research for the essay and was just blown away with Reese Witherspoon's performance and the storytelling - great stuff. Have you seen C.R.A.Z.Y?
No I haven't, but I'll definitely add it to my watch list!
Right here this what they were doing
0:14 what was that in the record scratch…
brilliant, keep on creating !
Outstanding! You have done some excellent work here. Looking forward to your next project.
Amazing work! Please make more videoessays, you are good at it! :)
I'm not sure if you're a screenwriter too, but how do most screenwriters write in thought cuts? I noticed they used them in Her too.
Oh, interesting. I really need to rewatch Her - I loved that film.
I'm not a screenwriter unfortunately and from what I've seen the thought cuts are not in the Big Little Lies script (m.emmys.com/sites/default/files/collateral/BigLittleLies_ScriptCombined_1-7.pdf) but thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Very insightful and brilliantly made video. Would love to see more
Lovely Explained man,what was the GOSSIP Title intro?can you pls share me the title PROJ?
Thanks dude. All the animations were done in After Effects and I'm happy to tell you how I did the Gossip reveal but I'd rather not share the project files :)
no,no dude I'm asking Name of after effects Title project Name only...
velu palanisamy I'm not sure what you mean, the animation was achieved by converting a text layer into a shape layer and adding the Trim Path effect to the whole thing. I keyframed Start and End values to create a reveal and then copied the layer multiple times. Each copy had slightly changed attributes, starting points and timings so that you can see different way of revealing the text. The last bit is just blending the layers together to get a pleasant look. Hope the helps!
Amazing job! Hope more is coming in the future, would love to see more :)
This video about editing is so well edited, I'm astonished that it doesn't have more views!
Loved the video! Very good job, made me wanna watch the show. You definitely gained a subscriber, and deserves a lot more of them! :)
Thorlegs thank you, every like and share matters :)
this is god damn amazingly well done. insta-subscribe, see you at the golden plaque :D
Thanks! 999 639 subs to go - we're gonna need a bigger boat
YOUR EDITING IS AMAZING YOU DESERVE A MILLION SUBSCRIBERS, I ALREADY LOVE U
This series is Amazing I fell in love with it. Great video!
amaaaaaaaaaaazing video
13:35 I've paused at this point to read all that "crap" of this brilliant video, before saw that message. So, thank you. ;)
Alceu Libanori aaaand we have a winner
Very good video and point of view of this amazing show!
I dont do comments on youtube usually, but i cant walk by this essay. It's very well edited and this graphics are top spot. I hope you will continue your craft. Thanks a lot.
Hello from Pudovkin native here)
Thanks! I'm not one to comment on TH-cam videos either so I really appreciate the fact that you did :)
don't we call thought cuts flashbacks? Love your breakdown and the show for that matter, but the flashbacks aka thought cuts were the only things that annoyed me
The way I see it, 'thought cuts' can be a subset of flashbacks but they could also point to imagined realities or abstract images. And there's also specificity in the way JMV and the team trigger those thought cuts - always close to the character and with sound from the scene.
RIP Mr. Vallée :(
thank you for this video. amazing analysis. i learned a lot
Very informative, thanks!
What's that piano piece that starts around 11:50 and ends quickly?
Cap'n Fleeb Agnes Obel - September Song
автор красавичк!
Amazing video. Thank you. So well done. I bet it took a bunch of time. Jean-Marc despite his little obsession with feminism and liberalism have become my favorite director this year. I love his movies and BLL and I was stunned by Sharp Objects. I watched it probably 7 times. It's so amazing and so underrated. Every time I'm watching Sharp Objects I'm finding something new and incredible. Some big little details that didn't saw before. This man is genius editor but also genius director. And he has unusual directing techniques. Like he doesn't know words like "and action!" and "cut", he doesn't do pre rehearsals, he doesn't use lighting and etc. Whatever his working on now I buy it.
Brilliant work. Looking forward to seeing more from you.
What an incredible, in-depth analyses! I'm sooo subscribed to your channel!
This was an amazingly told and edited analysis, and you just gained another subscriber (For what it's worth). Keep up the good stuff!
Probably the best video essay I've ever seen
this video is a masterpiece! The graphics are incredible. Great job.
Loved this video!!!!
Thank you! I appreciate every share :)
What amazing video! I loved it!!!
Holy shit this is a good video essay
subbed and liked
Thank you for this piece!
Bro, this is the best done video essay I have ever seen, and I love video essays! Well done.
Wondrous!!! Many thanks from
Brighton UK🙏🏼🌹🙏🏼
You're welcome from Norwich, UK :)
Your motion graphics are absolutely incredible. Saving this for inspiration!
Katie Epner Thank you, I wanted to make sure the essay feels as smooth as possible :)
I have never, ever enjoyed a TY video so much. I still cannot believe the flawless beauty of it. It took me less that 10sec to know that I had to hit that subscribe button! Thank you for such an amazing video analysis and editing!
Wow, that's a lot of praise. Thanks!
Wonderful essay! Jean-Marc Vallee uses a lot of the same techniques in Sharp Objects as well. I can appreciate these shows on a whole nother level now. Btw thanks for including your inspirations. Will subscribe to those as well!
I remember watching the first episode of Sharp Objects and just freaking out internally - the driving, the diegetic music, 'thought cuts', blocking the scenes based on where people look...Such an incredible evolution of the BLL style!
Still have to realize how much I learned from this video. Thank you, looking forward to getting inspired again!
Still can't belive there's people who've learned from my work. Thank you so much!
WOW! Fantastic look at the show! I'm sharing on my own book2movie website! Incredible.
Thank you so much! Mind sharing the URL to your website?
Would love to! I'm looking forward to diving into more of your work: www.chapter1-take1.com/2018/04/big-little-lies-way-we-watch-it-why.html
Exactly what I needed to start cutting a second version of my assembly today. Well done! F*cking awesome!
Cheers! Who knew that splicing dicks into a video essay can be such a powerful motivational tool haha.
Make sure to send me the link to your final video, I'd love to check it out
It's actually a movie! I'm a film editor in Lima, so splicing dicks into a video is pretty much my life (lol).I felt in love with BLL when I saw it, so I was keen on trying some scenes on the movie I'm cutting to actually feel like some key moments in BLL. But first I needed to de-construct their edit, their skills (like I usually do) to really understand how to apply it to my cut. But sir you just masterfully did just that.
Maybe I'll send you the cut when it's finished, also your invited to the premier if by some reason you are on SA next year.
Here's to more dick splicing, looking forward to the next one.
Cheers.
G.
13:07 music?
It's literally shown in the video :P
Leon Bridges - River
@@KwapiPL thank you very much :)) but i saw in Madeline's song screen of her car.
Excellent analisis, very well constructed, loved every part of it.
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Specially the subliminal dick at the beginning 😂 nice touch.