Robert Frazen: Architect of Cinematic Flow
An academic exploration of a master film editor's contributions to narrative and visual storytelling.
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Overview
The Editor's Role
Robert Frazen, A.C.E., is a distinguished American film and television editor whose career spans from 1982 to the present. His work is integral to shaping the narrative, pacing, and emotional resonance of the projects he undertakes.
Professional Acclaim
Frazen's contributions have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including nominations for the ACE Eddie Award and wins for both television and film editing, underscoring his mastery of the craft.
Industry Representation
As a testament to his standing in the industry, Robert Frazen is represented by ICM (International Creative Management), a leading talent and literary agency, indicating his significant professional engagement.
Recognition
ACE Eddie Award Nomination
In 1995, Robert Frazen received a significant nomination for the ACE Eddie Award for Best Edited One-Hour Series for Television. This recognition was for his work on the critically acclaimed series My So-Called Life, highlighting his early impact on television drama.
ACE Eddie Award Win
Frazen achieved a major career milestone in 2000 by winning the ACE Eddie Award for Best Edited Episode from a Television Mini-Series. This award was for his exceptional editing on The '60s, further cementing his reputation for excellence in episodic television.
Satellite Award for Best Editing
His talent was also recognized in the realm of feature films when Frazen won the Satellite Award for Best Editing for his work on Nicole Holofcener's film Please Give. This award acknowledges his skill in crafting compelling narratives within the cinematic medium.
Filmography
Robert Frazen has lent his editing expertise to a diverse range of feature films, collaborating with notable directors. Below is a comprehensive list of his feature film credits:
| Year | Film | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Here on Earth | Mark Piznarski | |
| 2001 | Lovely & Amazing | Nicole Holofcener | |
| 2004 | Breakin' All the Rules | Daniel Taplitz | |
| Admissions | Melissa Painter | ||
| 2005 | The Great New Wonderful | Danny Leiner | |
| 2006 | Friends with Money | Nicole Holofcener | |
| Smokin' Aces | Joe Carnahan | ||
| 2008 | Smart People | Noam Murro | |
| Synecdoche, New York | Charlie Kaufman | ||
| 2010 | The Company Men | John Wells | |
| Please Give | Nicole Holofcener | Winner - Satellite Award for Best Editing | |
| 2013 | Big Sur | Michael Polish | |
| Enough Said | Nicole Holofcener | ||
| 2015 | The Family Fang | Jason Bateman | |
| 2016 | The Founder | John Lee Hancock | |
| 2018 | The Land of Steady Habits | Nicole Holofcener | |
| 2019 | The Highwaymen | John Lee Hancock | |
| 2020 | I'm Thinking of Ending Things | Charlie Kaufman | |
| 2021 | The Little Things | John Lee Hancock | |
| 2022 | Causeway | Lila Neugebauer | |
| Mr. Harrigan's Phone | John Lee Hancock | ||
| 2024 | On Swift Horses | Daniel Minahan |
Editorial Department - Film
Frazen's early career involved foundational roles in the editorial department, honing his skills on significant productions:
Television Work
Robert Frazen's extensive work in television demonstrates his versatility and consistent quality across various genres and formats:
| Year | Title | Director | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Sirens | Various | |
| 1994 | My So-Called Life | Various | 5 episodes Nominated - ACE Eddie Award |
| 1995 | Party of Five | Ellen S. Pressman | 1 episode |
| 1996 | Relativity | Mark Piznarski | Pilot episode. Various episodes |
| 1999 | The '60s (TV movie) | Mark Piznarski | Winner - ACE Eddie Award |
| Felicity | Various | 3 episodes (also main title sequence designer) | |
| 2000 | Roswell | Frederick King Keller | 1 episode |
| 2002 | Leap of Faith | Nicole Holofcener | Pilot episode |
| Everwood | Mark Piznarski | Pilot episode | |
| 2004 | Veronica Mars | Mark Piznarski | Pilot episode |
| 2012 | Girls | Lena Dunham | Pilot episode Nominated - ACE Eddie Award |
| 2014 | How and Why | Charlie Kaufman | Pilot episode |
Editorial Department - Television
Frazen's foundational work in television's editorial department provided him with essential experience:
The Editor's Artistry
Shaping Narrative and Emotion
Film editing is far more than simply assembling shots; it is the art of constructing narrative, controlling pacing, and evoking emotion. Robert Frazen's career exemplifies this profound influence. By meticulously selecting and sequencing takes, an editor guides the audience's perception, dictates the rhythm of a scene, and sculpts the emotional arc of a character and story. His work on films like Charlie Kaufman's surreal Synecdoche, New York or John Lee Hancock's biographical drama The Founder demonstrates an ability to navigate complex thematic material and deliver a cohesive, impactful viewing experience.
The Science of Pacing
Pacing is a critical element of cinematic storytelling, and it is largely the domain of the editor. Frazen's ability to manage the temporal flow of a filmโwhether accelerating tension in a thriller or allowing moments of quiet reflection in a dramaโis key to his success. His award-winning work on The '60s and his nomination for My So-Called Life suggest a keen understanding of how to capture the essence of an era and the emotional journey of characters within specific timeframes. This mastery of timing ensures that the narrative unfolds effectively, keeping the audience engaged without overwhelming or losing them.
Collaboration and Vision
The editor works in close collaboration with the director, translating the director's vision into the final cut. Frazen's consistent work with acclaimed directors such as Nicole Holofcener, Charlie Kaufman, and John Lee Hancock speaks volumes about his collaborative spirit and his capacity to align with diverse creative sensibilities. This partnership is essential for achieving a unified artistic statement, where the editor's technical skill and creative insight enhance the director's original intent, ultimately serving the story's integrity and the film's overall impact.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding film production, editing techniques, or career guidance within the film industry. Always refer to official industry resources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.