In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing (second edition) by Walter Murch is an essential read for anyone in media—and that includes anyone with a social media account. In his seminal work, Murch explores the fundamentals of film editing, offering insights into why motion pictures captivate us. He also touches on film in the digital age, providing an interesting commentary, especially considering this book was published in the 90s right when Hollywood was moving to the digital equipment.

We all understand that video is a series of still images projected in rapid succession. Our eyes do not naturally perceive the world this way, so why do we find motion pictures so engaging? Even when editors clip together seemingly unrelated images and present them to a viewer, we remain captivated.

The secret lies in our brain's ability to make sense of these clipped images and create a coherent narrative. This process is powered by our imagination and innate storytelling capacity, triggered by the simple act of blinking. Murch argues that editing—the 'clipping' of images—allows our brains to formulate patterns and weave a story, making sense of the visual language presented to us.

Consider music videos and commercials. Often, the edited video and the accompanying audio have little direct correlation, yet we are drawn in by the spectacle. This principle applies even to the most esteemed forms of cinema.

The next time you scroll through social media, watch TV, or visit a theater, pause and reflect on what you're watching. You might realize that much of what we consume is a compilation of random elements edited into a cohesive and enjoyable experience.