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This Episode | Background Information
Dan Lebental was the first interview I conducted and needless to say I was nervous. My hands shook, my speech was stuttered but Dan went above and beyond the call of duty for a film editor. I eventually calmed down and the two of us had a great conversation about his work.
Dan’s cutting room from the outside is very hidden. Upon entering however, you know that it is a place where world renowned directors, editors and actors conviene to discuss ideas. However, it was a very personal editing room, one that had Iron Man statuettes, and figurines that sit on his speakers.
When I conducted the interview Dan had just finished editing Iron Man and was recently nominated by the HPA for his work on Iron Man. Dan’s other work includes Elf, From Hell and much more!
Dan has a unique relationship with Jon Favreau and has worked as editor on all of his films since Made.
Lebental Edited Scenes You Should Watch
There are countless scenes you should watch. In the film Elf, you should watch the first few interactions between Will Farrell and James Caan. This is shows great comedic timing by Will Farrell and James Caan shows amazing restraint as the straight man. It also shows how well Farrell embraced the character.
As you watch this keep in mind that when this was originally shot it was intended to be a dark comedy.
Check out Reverse shot for a full article with this image
I would also recommend you watch the entire Afghanistan scene in Iron Man one. The original cut in this scene was 2.3 to 3 hours long. It included many sub plots and other story lines that Lebental had to cut down to be more realistic time. Note that the scene is too long to have on Youtube and I don’t want to infringe on any copyrights so I’ll let you watch the film from your favorite DVD rental place or Netflix.
PODCAST EXTRA’S
Cowboys & Aliens & Editors – Creative Cow’s Interview with Dan Lebental
The Editors as Consigliore – MPEG Article
Hollywood Reinvented: Dan Lebental Editor of Iron Man Part I
Hollywood Reinvented: Dan Lebental Editor of Iron Man Part II
Hollywood Reinvented: Dan Lebental Editor of Iron Man Part II & 1/2
Hollywood Reinvented: Dan Lebental Editor of Iron Man Part III
