"The best way to describe the [Dede] Allen style is to note that somehow there's no dead footage in one of her pictures. She is not frenetic, in the modern style, nor is she likely to remain for very long on a particular shot simply because it looks good. Her films move lightly but relentlessly, and with exceptional smoothness." James Monaco in his book "American Film Now" (1979)

Dede Allen's most creative period was between 1961 and 1981. During that era, she edited "The Hustler", "Bonnie and Clyde", "Serpico", "Dog Day Afternoon", "Reds", and the film I discuss in my latest article, "Night Moves". Allen utilized her experience as a sound editor in her work on features, using the technique of overlapping sound to great effect. Allen was also influential in training the next generation of film editors. Allen was not interviewed for Gabriella Oldham's book "First Cut: Conversations with Film Editors", but her name is frequently mentioned by the other editors. Allen was apparently very generous with her time and was a mentor to many in the editing room.

I did watch a more recent film this week, "Plonger" (2017), directed by Melanie Laurent. Laurent is an actress who appeared in Tarantino's "Inglorious Basterds", but lately has been turning her attention to directing. "Plonger" was her attempt at making a statement regarding women and artistic freedom. I found the film muddled, however. Her most recent film, "Galveston", made its debut at this year's South by Southwest festival. "Galveston" is a crime thriller starring Elle Fanning and Ben Foster and is Laurent's first English-language film as a director. It has been receiving positive reviews and I would assume will be distributed here in the US. The French release trailer is online now.


Here's the latest article from the Drama Movies site at BellaOnline.com.

Night Moves (1975) Film Review
Gene Hackman stars as a disillusioned, but tenacious, private detective. "Night Moves" is one of the six films Dede Allen edited for director Arthur Penn. I focus on her career in this review.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art305467.asp

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