Sometimes when we write, we have to cut out the bits that don’t forward the story. This is editing.

David Mamet said that he had a favorite film editor who inevitably would call him up and say, “You know that part you really liked? I cut it.” Of course, Mamet would feel rather grim about that, but on watching the completed film, he would have to agree.

Editing is difficult but necessary. I can’t count the number of films I’ve seen that could have been reduced to almost half their running time and simultaneously doubled their impact on the audience.

To me, great artistry and craft is always about doing more with less. It is something to consider, not just in art, but in all things.