Editing

 

During the editing process, my primary goal was to maintain a consistent rhythm, which is why I chose to overshoot during production. I recognized that much of the footage could be repurposed, allowing for smoother transitions and a natural flow that complemented the dialogue. Darkening and color-matching the exterior shots was crucial, especially since many appeared only briefly—I wanted these cuts to feel seamless. Visually, I used editing to enhance the film’s noir themes. I opted to present the interior scenes in black and white, as the monochrome aesthetic better supported the chiaroscuro mise-en-scène. In structuring the film’s narrative flow, I drew inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock and Noël Carroll, particularly their concepts of the "Theory of Suspense" and "Philosophy of Horror." By placing certain opening shots early in the film—especially those featuring the gun—I created an immediate sense of mystery, offering the audience just enough information to draw them into the suspense and encourage their engagement in uncovering the story.

A large focus was also on the sound, creating a sound scape that didn't distract was important. Alot of the dialogue was ADR as the cameras didn't pick up sound well so in editing, I played with the reverb and warmth to ensure the dialogue sounded real to the environment. Additionally, SFX were important to sell the reality, re-recording hands hitting sinks and doors closing as micro elements helped make sure the audience subconsciously believed the film. Influence from The Operator came in as well, creating a fuller, heavier sound scape was important in creating the environment. I similarly used a lot of risers that pulled in the audience and made the visuals feel more resonant. In the ending monologue by Dean, I used theatrical audio theory by putting in the sound of a heartbeat. Thematically when a heartbeat is used in film or theatre the audience's heartbeat links to it, thus when I wanted a reveal to hit, I pulled the heartbeat SFX which intensified the effect on the audience.