Oscar-Nominated Editor Andy Jurgensen on Crafting 'One Battle After Another'

The Collaborative Process with Paul Thomas Anderson

• 🤝 Andy Jurgensen has worked with director Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) for 12 years, developing a strong shorthand and instinctual understanding.
• 💡 PTA's films often blend genres, incorporating humor, absurdity, and a family element, which was crucial for grounding 'One Battle After Another' in its father-daughter bond.
• ✍️ Jurgensen's initial approach to a new script from PTA involves reading it without prior explanation, allowing for discovery of the tone and themes, such as the black comedy and satirical elements.

Editing Philosophy and 'Paulisms'

• 🎭 PTA's style, referred to as 'Paulisms,' embraces imperfections and unconventionality to make films feel more human, rather than overly polished.
• 🎙️ This philosophy extends to editing, where minor actor stumbles, line flubs, or on-set ambient sounds are often kept if they add authenticity and texture to the performance or scene.
• 🧩 The editing process is viewed as a puzzle, starting with marking standout moments and gradually fitting other pieces to create the best version of the scene.

VistaVision and Technical Challenges

• 🎞️ The film was shot using VistaVision, a format offering double the negative size of standard 35mm, providing extra height for a grander scope, especially for IMAX presentations.
• 🚀 This technical choice allowed for a unique cinematic experience, including special VistaVision screenings and conversions to 70mm, enhancing the impact of action sequences and chases.
• ⚠️ While technically demanding, including traveling with a VistaVision projector and processing film off-site, the team successfully pulled off the ambitious visual goals.

Pacing and Narrative Structure

• ⏳ An editing hiatus during production allowed Jurgensen and PTA to assemble and fine-tune existing footage, which was crucial for establishing the pace and momentum of the film.
• 🌊 The prologue's pace was particularly important for setting the tone and introducing key characters without becoming too lengthy, influencing how time and audio were used to create narrative flow.
• 🎢 Effective pacing involves building tension and then providing moments for the audience to breathe and laugh, creating an up-and-down rhythm rather than sustained intensity.

Crafting Comedy and Chaotic Scenes

• 😂 Humor in the film, particularly in scenes with Leonardo DiCaprio, is enhanced by his expressive performance and on-set chemistry with other actors, allowing for improvisation and natural banter.
• 🧩 Editing chaotic scenes involves starting with instinctually marked moments that pop out and then evolving the scene by fitting in other elements like a puzzle.
• ✂️ Decisions were made to streamline certain plot points, like reducing scenes at the convent or trimming character moments, to maintain the overall narrative momentum and focus on essential story elements.

Journey to an Oscar Nomination

• 🏆 Jurgensen received his first Oscar nomination for Best Editing for 'One Battle After Another.'
• 🏡 He learned of the nomination while at Skywalker Ranch, surrounded by colleagues, including director Paul Thomas Anderson, making the celebration even more special.