Visual Metaphor in Documentary Editing

A key part of documentary editing is creating emotional and thematic meaning through visual metaphor. In this post, I explore how editors choreograph story and subtext through movement, rhythm, and powerful imagery.

Editing as Painter... or Choreographer?

The editor of a documentary is like a painter working in 4 dimensions. You have your palette of hues: the words, the shots, the movement in the images, the music, the meaning, the metaphor, all in layers playing out through time. Stroke by stroke you build the story as an experience for the audience.

I recently cut a documentary called "Call Me Dancer" about, no surprise, a dancer; and I began to think that dancing is an even better analogy, with the editor as choreographer. In dance, there's music and rhythm, of course, to set the mood and the scene, to build and release tension. 

But the visual and spatial metaphors of movement also carry meaning in the dancer's story.

For example, upward movements express positive emotions - dancers don't typically leap in the air with their arms spread to express fear or sadness. In dance and language both, happy is up, sad is down.

Every Shot Carries Subtext (or Should)

Visual metaphor is arguably the most important tool for the editor as well. Just look at all the visual metaphors in this frame from the beginning of Apocalypse Now. The trunks pass in front of him like prison bars, his brain burning with memories, he's upside down, haunted by war.

As editors, we must always be attuned to the metaphorical subtext of every shot, every juxtaposition between images, and between word and image. This is what creates the layers of meaning that make the documentary richer. 

Why Metaphor Matters in Documentary Storytelling

It might be say-cow-see-cow, but it's important to ask, where is the cow? Is she behind a fence? Running across an open field? Placidly chewing her cud looking at the camera? Slogging through a muddy feedlot? Each would carry a different metaphorical meaning - not too obvious though! Most metaphors work best in a place just below awareness.

It's often the metaphorical connections in the shot that make it work. The audience should never wonder "why am I looking at this?" Even if it's not an obvious link, the metaphors in the subtext will shine through. 

You don't use a cutaway of a knife unless there's a threat, or it's a cooking show. An open road will always mean something like freedom or choices. Cutting to the sky won't communicate constraint.

The metaphors are already in our heads, ready to understand what you mean.

Speaking of meaning, this relates to my post about creating layering meaning. Check it out

By the way, I'd love to talk to you about how I can help your project. I edit, and also consult, to right ships drifting off course or lost in the fog (metaphorically speaking!)

I'm in DC, comfortable with remote work and willing to travel.