"The Princess...you have to take care of her."

A look of genuine concern

A rare moment of emotion from Han

Without a word of dialogue, we know exactly how each character feels. The editor takes what could have been over-explained in dialogue into fifteen seconds of movie magic. 2. CUT WITH PASSION Watch where you cut Editing film should always serve your characters and/or Wookies. An abrupt cut can make us feel a character’s sudden realization, while a long take can give us intensity or a longing.

"No, that's impossible!"

When Luke finds out about his unfortunate parentage, editors opt for a long take of him in a medium close-up. The shot holds for nearly 13 seconds as the horror of this revelation sinks in. By not cutting away, editors make us feel the gravitas of Luke’s world going up in flames. 3. PACE YOUR SHOTS The power of timing Our eyes can register a lot in a little amount of time. Playing with shot length can give a scene its very own climax.

Shot length determined by emotion

When Luke tries to lift the flooded X-Wing with the power of the Force, the film editors use the power of timing. As the music swells, the shots get quicker and quicker, making us believe he can actually do it. But when Luke eventually fails, the shots get longer, our expectations (like Luke's) have not been met.

"You must unlearn what you have learned."