Come Early Morning: Editing Eloquence Allows Indie Film to Shine
Editing Eloquence Allows Indie Film to Shine
Come Early Morning explores some of life's most trying challenges as it follows the hardworking days and harder drinking nights of a Southern woman in a small Arkansas town. This quiet, dramatic story, which stars Ashley Judd in the lead role, forces its characters to seek clarity in their lives while finding the courage and strength to chart a new course. Directed by actress Joey Lauren Adams in her feature-film debut, the character-driven film, which also stars Diane Ladd, Tim Blake Nelson, and Laura Prepon, was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.
Edited by Meg Reticker (Winter Passing, The Wire) on an Avid Xpress Pro system, the movie's subtle story is powered by strong directing, cinematography, and scriptwriting; nuanced performances; and simple truths presented in an honest way. Editing is also key to the success of the film, which showcases how the most extraordinary events can sometimes unfold in the most ordinary ways. The Hollywood Reporter cited Reticker's editing as, " .. like the movie itself, simple yet eloquent."
"I'm a true believer in the [Avid Xpress Pro] system, especially on lower-budget projects because it's affordable and adaptable, whether it's Mac or PC."
- Meg Reticker, Editor, Come Early Morning
Cost-Effective, Industry Standard
Because the indie film was made on a modest budget, the filmmakers needed reliable, full-featured, and affordable editing tools, so they turned to Avid Xpress Pro systems. Reticker and her assistant Aaron Rottinghaus each used a Windows-based Avid Xpress Pro setup, sharing material through a FireWire drive. "I'm a true believer in the system," says Reticker. "Especially on lower-budget projects because it's affordable and adaptable, whether it's Mac or PC, and it allows me to work side-by-side with my assistants."
Supporting the Creative Process
Reticker's approach to editing helped illuminate the essence of Come Early Morning, which quickly became a Sundance favorite. By allowing the performances and other elements, such as cinematography, to shine through, she was able to support a simple story in a way that's straight to the point, yet not simplistic. "It's tricky when you have a script, which is the essence of a film, and then in the process of editing, you end up somewhat rewriting that script," she explains. "I use the script as a guide because I know that when I'm editing I'll often retell the story in a way that brings out the highlights in the actors' performances or highlights the way it was shot. Or I'll focus on the timing, refining the tone and pacing."
Throughout the cutting process, her focus remains firmly on the story and not on the tools, which she expects to perform without a hitch in the background, enabling her to dedicate her efforts to the artistic aspects of cutting the film. "Come Early Morning is a very personal story, and it's a very real story," says Reticker about the film's emotional core. "Most importantly, it's told in a way that's absolutely not 'Hollywood fare.' It doesn't try to wrap it all up neatly in the end, so it's something that a lot of people can relate to because that's how life really is."
In many ways, the eloquence of Come Early Morning lies in its ability to create a story in a restrained, yet fully expressive manner. It also demonstrates how understated editing, working in perfect tandem with elegant storytelling, can often make the most powerful statement of all.
Distributed by Roadside Attractions, Come Early Morning will be released in the U.S. on November 10.
* CREDIT: Courtesy of BOLDfilms