Mindhunter's Brilliant Editing - A Breakdown

[@palsp666]

I genuinely thought that season 1 was underrated af, season 2 finally got recognition it deserved.

[@alexauman2111]

I loved both seasons. It's my favorite show.

[@danielfuglestad4439]

Season one definitely felt like it needed some time to find its rhythm, but I loved it regardless and I don't really hold it against them. Other great shows like Mad Men needed the same time.

[@AlyssaRueckert]

I know, I was scared they weren't gonna get renewed for a while before the season 2 announcement. I'm glad it's as popular as it is now

[@anonymus6556]

I have only noticed it now, it is genius

[@demsen9430]

Season 2 was most likely recognised by the public more than season 1 because they brought Manson in.

[@ToaTawlee]

The difference between the quality of Mindhunter's editing and poor editing to me comes from the purpose. Every cut and every composition has a motivation behind it, and nothing feels arbitrary.

[@gregorylagrange]

Like in the scene with the guy who yells at the interrogator, the cut to the scene of the female interrogator allows you to see her eyes quickly react to looking at her partner back to the guy yelling. It compliments the scene of the male interrogator being surprised by the reaction and heightens the sense of tension about losing control of the interrogation.

[@roblayton3190]

Notice how as Ford is pushing the mic closer to Manson, he's also bowing in reverence. And Manson notices, making eye contact with him. This is the kind of respect Manson thrives off of, both in and out of jail. He needs to exude dominance to mask the weakness and insecurity behind his small stature, and he does this with words and status - through his followers. He rewards Ford's behavior by signing the book at the end of the scene.

[@echo.echo08]

I'm just a general spectator who watches and enjoys films as a whole and I never noticed that my viewing experience is sort of manipulated by these minute details that are very effective. it's nice and enlightening to get a glimpse of how auteurs like you watch a scene--dissecting even the initially unnoticeable elements, wow!

[@MarcEtMichele]

Usually nobody catches these things at first but it subconsciously makes a mark to each of us like you said. Lovely to see someone taking the time to break them apart. There is so much you can analyze in Fincher's work, outside the technicalities as well.

[@zizoumonk10]

A wise man once said, "You may not have noticed it, but your brain did."

[@AlexCAnderson]

Plinkett

[@ray.deathray]

I KNOW WHAT THAT IS

[@marshallzane7735]

Jack Worthington Ladies and Gentlemen we’ve found the nazi

[@bigidiot5881]

@@jackworthington4660 That's a whole lot of stupid words just to say you're a Nazi

[@Astares9]

@@jackworthington4660 what evidence do you even have to support any of these wild claims

[@mrnobodyart771]

Wayne Williams actually appears first in episode 5 like 35 minutes in, when the cops where looking for the dead body and the press arrives. He is amongst the crowd of photographers and actually turns around to the camera after he takes a picture.

[@PalaceDude]

Correction : it's episode 06 around the 31st minute. But damn, dude. Great catch !!

[@dawnchristensen7492]

Anyone catch the Volkswagen in Season 1. Ford is sitting on his girlfriends porch. she pulls up. Volkswagon was behind her, then she pulled over to her apartment Ted Bundy??

[@oangst9900]

@@PalaceDude you're absolutely right, my bad I meant to say episode six. I mixed it up with the Manson episode.

[@PalaceDude]

@@oangst9900 Lol you're the same person? It's alright by the way, it happens. I did not know of the fact until I saw your comment. I went straight away and started searching for the scene. Thank you, good sir.

[@oangst9900]

@@PalaceDude haha yeah it's me, I just happen to have two accounts on different devices. I can't even tell on which review video I posted that, makes me happy you saw it. ☺️

[@pradeepg29]

A director directs the actors but the editor directs the audience.

[@pedropinho2050]

the director also directs the editor

[@BrunoBritos]

the director is righ next to the editor saying what to do

[@JG-qn9nr]

Give some to the cinematographer :P

[@RookieN08]

Except David Fincher also does the editing for his work.

[@linusfotograf]

@@BrunoBritos Not always

[@OhanaJohan]

I just finished this show yesterday and I was greatly impressed

[@leokimvideo]

Mindhunter is a show that is difficult to fault on any level. But maybe the biggest fault is Netflix doesn't understand how pissed off subscriber become when the great shows are only produced for a few seasons. There's so much more story to tell here yet the loving audience gest no more. And Netflix wonders why people are not subscribing and the share price has tanked. Sadly Netflix has been acting like the spoilt brat of Hollywood. Production cost blowouts, unable to complete series in a respectable time and being like that is always in the end going to hurt you. Please Netflix make more Mindhunter

[@razmatazz9310]

Netflix had nothing to do with it, it was Fincher's decision to put it on hiatus while he was doing other stuff.

[@leokimvideo]

@@razmatazz9310 How dumbass for Netflix not to have a contract to supply a series with a BEGINNING & END. Netflix are keen to tell everyone how they saved Manifest, BUT they cant save one of their own best shows.

[@razmatazz9310]

@@leokimvideo lol

[@hex2_]

@@leokimvideo I'm a bit late here, but mindhunter did get an ending. Maybe not a satisfying one, but one that fits the show perfectly.

[@WynnWynn-gl3fk]

Yes, I am pissed about this and “gypsy” canceled after one great season with Oscar winner noami watts.

[@palsp666]

David Fincher casts spell through direction and mindhunter is one of the best example.

[@Frosted_Fame]

This is legit one of favourite shows due to the story acting and of course the editing I’m so glad you broke down the editing.

[@whitededits]

Quote from the DP Erik Messerschmidt: "We did a 5K center extraction - so we framed for a 5K rectangle inside the 6K image. That leaves approximately 20% extra around the edge of frame which we can use for reframing and stabilization in post, which we did quite a bit."

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

Good detail.

[@nickfalzone7955]

This technique is often applied with 8k filming for 4k/2k finishing. It has its pros and cons. Like shooting RAW with no grading - it allows much greater control in post, but it also slows down post as there are many (or too many) choices that can be made infinitely by post team. Nailing your shot during actual production, rather than post, is a skill that is being lost.

[@gregorylagrange]

That sheds some light on what I was wondering about how many times they shoot a scene so they can get the edits they want. Or whether they shot a scene with more than one camera at the same time. Bad editing and good editing makes me wonder about that.

[@MariaVosa]

This video is so good it's done what all the rave reviews of this series has failed to do - convinced me to watch it.

[@damarh]

Enjoy, it's really well done and never a dull moment... considering this is mostly talkie talk and some verbal conflict. I actually got hooked on it on the intro. sick intro with some creepy shots that gets you curious.

[@TrevanDotCom]

Mind Hunter is an absolute blueprint for directing and editing. It’s an absolute TRAGEDY that this series is no longer. It should still be on. And it should’ve won every award.

[@vinimarks95]

Awesome video! Just a small correction at 2:50 you say agent Gregg Smith and Dr. Carr are interviewing Wayne Williams but it is actually Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.

[@ThomasFlight]

This is true! I kept getting confused because they were calling him Wayne in the clip I was showing.

[@Kier4n99]

@@ThomasFlight haha I felt something was a bit off when I heard you say it but wasn't paying enough attention.

[@zizoumonk10]

Yep, Wayne Williams is the Atlanta child killer who shows up later in season 2.

[@steventargus1879]

As an editor, it was great to hear why I cut they way I do without ever realizing or even thinking about it.

[@TheRealIanAikido]

You ever read "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch? I had a very similar experience with it

[@steventargus1879]

Ian Hannah I have not, but it is now in my amazon cart. Thanks. Also. No film school here. Music industry background.

[@TheRealIanAikido]

@@steventargus1879 Nice! I'm self-taught, got my degree in English Literature of all things haha

[@ThomasFlight]

I second the recommendation for "In The Blink of an Eye" definitely one of the best editing books out there.

[@norazeid3733]

The short cut with the "hey" I remember rewatching this bit 2-3 times and thinking it was so jarring yet perfect. This show is absolutely brilliant.

[@corpse74]

Is it just me, or did this video just solidify that this is the best show on Netflix for them? No...? Just me? True. Great video, Thomas! Earned a sub!

[@JoeSkeen]

Fincher has to be one of my all time favorites. Even in high school before I knew who he was, I absolutely loved his films The Game and Panic Room. They were really special to me and didn't realize for a long time they were both directed by the same guy.

[@littleoldmanboy]

It took me a while to realize that he was the same guy who made both Fight Club and Seven.

[@suttree3233]

The whole rhythm of the Richard Speck scene at the end of S1 - the drive in, lead up, intro, conversation and climax with the bird in the fan is absolutely masterful. I must have watched it a hundred times in my first year of film school. Same goes for the editing of the Otero house debriefing in S2

[@dominey]

Glad you pointed out the actor eye lines. I think this plays a huge role in the intensity of the show. Feels at times like they're burning through you.

[@hRt42kuo7jTtmk14]

Perfect timing on this video. I just finished watching Season 2 a few hours ago, today. I clicked on this right away. Thank you!

[@jp.dlamini]

Wow. That scene with Manson and your showing the editing timeline... It's like music. Amazing

[@Truthseeker-kc8rd]

OH MY GOD the eyelines are marvellous! This explains why the series felt so different. You feel like you are with them in the room. I watched it for the second time and still can't get enough.

[@user-ut7kx2jw3j]

i'd love to see ur take on nbc's hannibal's cinematography one day. every scene is gorgeous and its pretty underrated

[@mrsdv]

This!!! I thought that show was so unappreciated yet one of the most beautifully unique shows I've ever watched. As a big fan of psychological thrillers as well as food shows, Hannibal was a bit of a mental orgasm.

[@FidaAifiya]

Well, some scenes I agree, especially the surrealistic ones.

[@BenBland]

This is a masterful essay. It really made me engage with the scenes that are examined in the video, through the structure of their editing.

[@PursuitsHouseOfPost]

Every. single. cut. matters and is considered. Masterful work in both Mindhunter and Flight's analysis.

[@dunglifemovement]

great breakdown. i was, and still am, a huge fan of Mindhunter. one of my favorite shows ever.

[@rodrigosoto4827]

Pre-lapping audio also informs about the feeling of the characters or sets the tone for the next scene. When Trench's wife receives the mother of the child that was killed and put on the cross, the sound of a boiling kettle starts as we see her reaction. Then we go to the next scene where she serves tea. That simple overlap makes you feel her own stess and anxiety. Just beautiful.

[@artinbogdanov7229]

Thomas, amazing break-down of technicalities of these scenes. It's very educational and fascinating how cutting harmony, consistency, and bridging can transit the emotions and dynamics of the scene. Thanks a lot, I felt like I discovered something hidden. Amazing job.

[@ThomasFlight]

Thanks for watching! I'm happy to hear people are learning. :)

[@nehachaudhari]

This is a really really impressive analysis!!

[@CoinOpTV]

Nice breakdown - excellent show!

[@MeganMarrs]

Oh man, as if I need another reason to love this show. Mind Hunter is a genius on so many levels. I've always sensed some kind of beauty and sense of seamlessness of how this show moves and flows. Now you've explained it!

[@tajcee]

💯

[@Kilroy_5150]

I am SO waiting for Season 3 of this....these were great. Ford wanting Manson's autograph was a great addon to the manson episode. And the constant inclusion of the co-ed killer really helps support things as if he's a constant that they use to figure things out, Ford that is.

[@Jonasgp123]

Fincher has said that it most likely will never happen. But one can hope! If you liked this show, you should definitely watch the movies Zodiac and Prisoners. Also you’ve probably watched it, but season 1 of True Detective is as big a masterpiece as Mindhunter.

[@cpt33studios]

Just started watching this series and it is phenomenal. From the writing to the acting, to the directing, to the cinematography this thing is firing on all cylinders. Without a doubt one of the best shows in the last decade and that's saying something because there have been so many great shows in that time period. Great content.

[@ThaaiSamurai]

This show blows my mind... From how the characters are developed to how the story progresses. It's extremely genius

[@27MH]

This was a great video. I learned so much, and the examples you gave to build on your points were fantastic. This is one of those video essays I’m going to have to rewatch, as there are so many details to look out for. Thank you.

[@dilshads2446]

The great emphasis given on composiion especially in these interrogation scenes are an art in itself. Its chilling.

[@alexispaxson-morgan5386]

This breakdown is incredible, and I love this show more than anything. We need more seasons.

[@steveclarke1857]

I remember, 15 years ago, in a video production class, I had intentionally crossed the plane of action in a scene I'd shot, and my teacher and the class attacked me for it. I explained that it was to communicate the shift in the character's situation and to communicate how out of place they felt at the moment, but they were 100% adamant that it was a firm rule to never be broken. As you can see by my recounting the story 15 years later, it really stuck with me, and this video makes me feel vindicated, and it also explains why I love these specific scenes so much. Haha Damn it... why did I become an engineer instead of pursuing film!

[@sqdtnz]

I never really paid attention to this, and now I understand how essential it is. Thanks.

[@RuRu2041]

I love that pre-lapped audio

[@LiaRistiana95]

I always felt like there's something so perfect on how they did this show, the acting, the writing, the editing, but more importantly how the show really makes you feel like how the characters feel. I can't really say what it is that makes it work, but you explain it really well here.

[@elliotgale]

mindhunter was the most engaged I've ever felt watching a show, it was brilliant. the fact that episode lengths varied rather than keeping them all uniform, to better fit with the overall pacing of each episode and the season's plots. watching it with my boyfriend, we were constantly amazed by the editing in particular, often talking about the stunning sound editing.

[@the_resourceful]

Excellent, taut, informative production with a super tight script and crisp acting.

[@thelastorder]

Fincher was doing this type of things back in 1995. This guy is not just the best director alive, he's just a total genious mastermind.

[@reimi97]

Love how thorough you are! I love Mindhunter very much

[@alvarosainz9727]

Im SO deepening my understanding of what cinema is and how it works thanks to your videos. Thank you SO much

[@Mikachu-v6h]

I keep rewatching this show and watching your vids. I wish they add more seasons to it.

[@kalenzypie]

Thank you for highlighting these elements. They're like an epiphany once you see and get it and its an awesome feeling.

[@lozzimusprime]

As a fan of the show and being an ex media student, this is a great video. The editing of the show makes me enjoy it on a different level. When you point certain edits out to people who have no idea what you're talking about is so frustrating. Thank you for making this!

[@ElijahCem]

I finished the series today!! Glad to see it getting so much recognition!!

[@Bugo7_7]

PEAKY BLINDERS. You have to talk about the character construction on this serie. Please keep the good work. Greetings from México.

[@SportsandTrueCrime]

I still don’t kno how this video popped up on my screen but I’m so pleasantly surprised! I’m a HUGE fan of Mindhunter. To see the editing techniques broken down in such a way that the average layman (me) can further appreciate the skills involved is very impressive. U have found a new fan! 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@kalenzypie]

The synergy and strong shared vision of all those involved in the making is evident in the show.

[@bigbigj6407]

One of my favorite series in a very long time and cannot wait for each season! A slow burn at times but you never want to stop!

[@strikingtwice]

This may be one of your best pieces yet. Thank you.

[@reeseslightning11]

The casting on this show is astounding. Because it's so well crafted, the actors _have_ to live up to the same standards. The actors playing the serial killers are so on point, especially Manson this season. Holy crow, I about gasped when he came in.

[@kanukulgood]

Your clear analysis is breathtaking. Thank you for the video!

[@CarlWheatley-wi2cl]

Terrific analysis of a terrific series. It should be a criminal offence to scrap a series this good after two seasons.

[@jergbsn]

I love this show, and I love Fincher! This just helped me understand why. Thank you.

[@AlstonFilms]

I feel as though I've learned more about editing/directing from this video than I have in the last year. Thanks so much mate, keep it up.

[@andrewd6438]

After the car crash I felt like they were gonna get hit everytime they got in a car.

[@theunderdawg.]

A shot of Manson dialogue, a shot of Tench dialogue, a reaction shot of Holden, and repeat, and it makes for damn compelling TV.

[@screwhelp]

incredible analysis. ty very much

[@ididntknow0587]

This has got to be one of the best shows ever and thanks to the editing for that

[@xmapwin]

this show really spoils you with the editing. Had a hard time watching a different show right after it. Great vid btw

[@Aravzil]

Grenat analysis as always. This show has an excellent production and its nice to hear someone who knows what he's talking about explaining clearly why.

[@Stouzough]

Your analysis is brilliant. Thank you for helping me realize what I couldn't touch

[@taliataylor3962]

Wow when you explained eye lines, mind blownnnn. Watcing all your videos , trying to become a editor

[@_mixedsignals]

Fincher does something I haven't heard from many other filmmakers, and that's a surplus of Master coverage. He usually supplies his editors with at least 3 masters of every scene, whereas many filmmakers will only shoot one -- and even that more of an insurance policy for coverage than for a part of the storytelling flow. It's something I plan on using on my next shoot.

[@BobbyKanode]

This makes me so happy KZbin exists. Thank you!

[@elsaitselsa2120]

This is so fascinating to watch after I just finished the series. Awesome video.

[@JohnDoe-dj3lw]

“Guide them into what? Guide them into what you got them into?”. Man, the rhythm of that line!

[@papyrus_13]

Watching this channel has made me detect bad shows in a few minutes

[@roel.vinckens]

Would love to see you interview the actual editor. I'll go back to Mind hunter once again. So good on so many levels.

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

The camera angles & editing is really the star of the series in my opinion, & the music as well. The whole thing drips with a tension of impending doom.

[@piklface8902]

this is a brilliant breakdown of editing in cinema! Keep up the good work!

[@tunim4354]

Possibly the ONLY series where you don't have rapid cuts between scenes, clichéd complexity in the storyline, and a stupid love story. Positive portrayal of romance, accurate storyline, and great editing. Hope it returns.

[@viking2q319]

Dude, I think I am in love with your channel

[@KieranShayle]

Amazing video, very informative. Editors are definitely taken for granted as when they succeed, no one notices it

[@AG-vk5or]

I love your editing video essays

[@H3LLB0Y2403]

Woah, never thought editing is such an art O.o

[@BK42Cycles]

Excellent review!!!

[@PanteraRossa]

Excellent breakdown Thomas! Been following Kirk & Angus's work and technique since I learned to edit at 16 right as Zodiac had come out and cemented the FCP revolution. No surprise they won back to back Oscars soon after. And keep a close eye on Tyler Nelson, I believe he's been under Kirk's wing for over ten years now, and a lot of the game-changing AE split-screens, retimes, and frame-by-frame stabilization techniques they've pioneered over that time has actually come from a lot of his input and experimentation. Another obvious thing you didn't include in the film is, they happen to have a wealth of material. I believe Gone Girl had over 300 TB of footage. Schedule in TV is tighter but it is obvious that Finch and Carl Franklin and them all cover the crap out of everything, in 2 or 3 cameras at the same time. So that helps precision and continuity in this style of cutting for sure. As a director, I don't prefer to shoot multicam, but as an editor I absolutely love it.

[@talkingSkunk]

This is such a great lesson on editing. Thank you for this. :)

[@ineffie8032]

pre-lapping reminds me a lot of deliberate line breaks in poetry, they draw the attention quickly into the new scene or down the page to the next line, respectively

[@Metaporphsycosis]

I love the first season of mindhunter haven’t got around to s2 yet tho...

[@blackbonsai]

For me 2end Season was even better. 1st was ok, 2end i would recommend. It loses Wendy a bit at the end but that's due the "catch the preditor" theme at the end.

[@TheInevitableAir]

It's a great season you should get on it. When season 2 came out I decided to rewatch season 1 and then watch s2 at a later date, but ive became so interested in the show and watched the series as fast as I could.

[@janb92]

This was going to become my favorite show of all time if another season had come out and had been just as good, which I believe would have been the case. Im soooo disappointed in Netflix

[@Dan-gi6tf]

I still can’t believe Netflix chose Stranger Things over Mindhunter to submit to Emmy consideration because it’s a more popular show smh 🤦‍♂️

[@Nanna0708]

I knew within the first 10 minutes of S1E1 that this show will be the bomb. I cant CANT wait for S3. Come on maaaaaaaan. We waited enough!!!!!!!!!

[@annamariani1778]

Thanks for this video! Incredibly well made and so helpful for students

[@ANRALOGI]

It's crazy that Fincher thought of the list of shots to use for every motivation that a scene need.

[@pablohb4]

Fantastic Thomas, thank you so much, great work.

[@konradnoises]

Great analysis man! Really enjoy your thoroughness, congrats! Keep'em coming.

[@OfTwoLands]

Another great video !! Love this show so much.

[@playermartin286]

One of the few reasons i still have a Netflix account

[@primark07]

You know how this is an amazing show? When you were showing the timeline of the cuts while showing the clip I forgot that the timeline was there.

[@drumbox9768]

Finally antother video! And it's fantastic as always!

[@SOLRAY1123]

I still want to do an analysis of this series on a theory I have that I haven’t seen ANYONE else catch or talk about. I told a few friends and family members and when they watched it again they think I’m onto something plausible. I just don’t know where to get every single scene I need to edit them together. I’m sure every single scene is t on KZbin but maybe I just need to stop being lazy and do it