From a Frostbit Lawn

Monday, December 2nd,

Hey Filmmaker,

Editing is where the magic of filmmaking truly comes alive.

It’s the place where raw footage transforms into a cohesive, emotionally resonant story.

As filmmakers, we’re constantly making decisions—what to cut, what to keep, and how to create that perfect flow.

Few editors in history have articulated the art of editing better than Walter Murch, the legendary editor behind films like Apocalypse Now and The English Patient.

His “Rule of Six” has become a gold standard in the editing world, providing a roadmap for creating cuts that resonate emotionally and visually with audiences.

If you’re serious about filmmaking, mastering the Rule of Six is non-negotiable.

This post dives deep into what it is, why it matters, and how you can apply it to your own projects to elevate your storytelling.

Why Walter Murch’s Rule of Six is Essential for Filmmakers and Editors

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So There I Was… (Story)

So there I was, knee-deep in the editing process for my first shoty film.

I had spent weeks painstakingly reviewing hours of footage, but something wasn’t clicking.

The transitions felt forced, the pacing was off, and the emotional beats weren’t landing.

I was stuck.

That’s when a mentor handed me a copy of Walter Murch’s In the Blink of an Eye.

It was in this book that I first encountered the Rule of Six, Murch’s hierarchy of priorities for making the perfect cut. It was a revelation.

Suddenly, I had a framework—a guiding light in the chaos of editing.

Using the Rule of Six, I revisited every cut, focusing on the emotional truth of the story first and technical details second.

The difference was immediate.

The film finally flowed. It wasn’t just about making edits; it was about making the right edits.

Since then, the Rule of Six has been my go-to compass for every project.

It’s not just a set of principles; it’s a philosophy that connects every cut to the heart of the story.

What is Walter Murch’s Rule of Six?

Walter Murch’s Rule of Six is a set of six criteria for making editing decisions, ranked in order of importance.

These principles prioritize storytelling and emotional impact over technical perfection, reminding filmmakers that every cut should serve the narrative and the audience’s experience.

Here’s the hierarchy:

* Emotion (51%)Does the cut evoke the right emotion in the audience?

* Story (23%)Does the cut advance the story logically?

* Rhythm (10%)Does the cut happen at the right time to maintain the film’s rhythm?

* Eye Trace (7%)Does the cut direct the viewer’s attention to the right part of the frame?

* Two-Dimensional Plane of Screen (5%)Does the cut maintain spatial continuity on the screen?

* Three-Dimensional Space of Action (4%)Does the cut preserve the continuity of the physical space?

Murch emphasizes that emotion reigns supreme.

If a cut works emotionally, even if it breaks technical rules, it’s usually the right choice.

Breaking Down the Rule of Six

1. Emotion (51%)

The most critical aspect of any edit is whether it evokes the intended emotion.

A cut that doesn’t connect emotionally with the audience is a failure, no matter how technically perfect it is.

Example: Think of the closing scene in The Godfather when Michael Corleone shuts the door on Kay.

The cut lingers just long enough for the audience to feel the weight of his decision. The emotion drives the edit, not the mechanics.

2. Story (23%)

Every cut should serve the story. If a shot or scene doesn’t advance the narrative, it’s unnecessary.

Example: In Mad Max: Fury Road, every cut propels the story forward, maintaining the relentless pace of the film.

There’s no wasted frame, as each edit contributes to the unfolding chaos and survival story.

3. Rhythm (10%)

Editing is like music—it needs rhythm.

A cut should feel natural, landing at just the right moment to maintain the film’s pacing.

Example: Edgar Wright’s films (Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver) are masterclasses in rhythm.

His edits sync perfectly with music, sound effects, and action, creating a seamless flow.

4. Eye Trace (7%)

Eye trace refers to guiding the viewer’s attention within the frame.

A good cut ensures the audience’s focus is on the right element, avoiding visual confusion.

Example: In 1917, the continuous-shot style relies heavily on eye trace.

Each movement and cut is designed to naturally lead the viewer’s eyes to the next focal point.

5. Two-Dimensional Plane of Screen (5%)

This principle ensures spatial continuity within the frame, so cuts don’t confuse the audience about the layout of the scene.

Example: In action scenes like those in The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan adheres to this principle to ensure viewers understand the geography of the fight sequences, even amidst rapid cuts.

6. Three-Dimensional Space of Action (4%)

The final consideration is maintaining the physical continuity of the scene—ensuring characters and objects remain logically placed within the 3D space of the story.

Example: In The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson’s battle sequences maintain spatial logic, so viewers can track where armies are positioned relative to each other, even in chaotic scenes.

Why Walter Murch’s Rule of Six Matters for Filmmakers

1. Prioritizes Emotional Impact

Murch’s Rule reminds filmmakers that the audience connects to a film emotionally first.

If the emotion is lost, everything else falls apart.

2. Balances Art and Technique

The Rule of Six acknowledges the technical aspects of editing but places them in service of the story and emotion.

This balance is crucial for creating a cohesive, impactful film.

3. Creates Universally Resonant Films

By focusing on emotion and story, the Rule of Six ensures that your film resonates with audiences, regardless of genre or style.

Applying the Rule of Six in Editing

Here’s how you can incorporate Walter Murch’s principles into your editing process:

1. Start with Emotion

Ask yourself: What should the audience feel at this moment? If the emotion isn’t clear, rethink the cut.

2. Simplify Your Story

Trim anything that doesn’t advance the narrative. Be ruthless—if a scene or shot doesn’t serve the story, cut it.

3. Find the Rhythm

Watch your scene repeatedly, feeling out the natural rhythm. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

4. Use Eye Trace to Lead the Viewer

Pay attention to where the viewer’s eyes naturally go within the frame. Ensure your cut aligns with their focus.

5. Maintain Spatial Continuity

Keep an eye on the geography of the scene. Cuts should clarify, not confuse, the viewer about the layout of the space.

6. Serve the Physical Action

Ensure that characters and objects remain consistent in their positioning and movement within the scene.

Examples of the Rule of Six in Iconic Films

1. Apocalypse Now

Edited by Walter Murch himself, this film is a masterclass in emotional editing.

The iconic opening sequence, blending “The End” by The Doors with shots of jungle explosions, sets the emotional tone for the entire film.

2. Whiplash

The editing in Whiplash expertly balances emotion, rhythm, and story.

The climactic drum solo builds to a breathtaking crescendo, perfectly timed to maximize emotional impact.

3. The Social Network

In The Social Network, editor Kirk Baxter adheres to Murch’s principles, using rhythm and emotion to heighten the tension in dialogue-heavy scenes, particularly during the depositions.

Why the Rule of Six Matters: Key Takeaways

Here’s why Walter Murch’s Rule of Six should be every filmmaker’s guide to editing:

* Emotion is King: Prioritizing emotion ensures that your film connects with audiences on a deeper level.

* Story Comes First: Every cut must serve the narrative, keeping viewers engaged and invested.

* Rhythm Guides the Flow: Editing isn’t just about visuals; it’s about timing and pacing.

* Visual Clarity