It's difficult to endorse a documentary about film editing when many of the finest examples are missing and the overall philosophy states the obvious. Edge Codes.com: The Art of Motion Picture Editing has a worthwhile premise: investigating the history of film construction. However, the means by which speakers such as George Lucas and Dody Dorn make their case feels sloppy and mishandled.

Singular works of film editing, such as Ben-Hur, Lawrence of Arabia, Jaws and Rocky are not even mentioned. There are many more I could name. The film goes by so quickly that even a glimpse inside the making of The Limey and Out of Sight seems choppy.

Jump cuts are used quite overtly and the whole idea behind this investigative work boils down to three words: "Editing is filmmaking." I knew this already. In fact, I'd wager most film-goers could comment in some detail about pacing i.e. how long or slow a picture feels.

Having done some editing myself, I believe more emphasis could be placed on the fundamentals of the craft. For instance, holding on a shot longer than usual or building a montage in a creative, yet unpredictable way.

A much-loved editorial achievement, Memento receives the worst type of generalization. In a picture this structurally delicate, the analysis needs to be more specific.

As a brief exploration of film editing, The Cutting Edge works better with longer stretches dedicated to certain projects. By comparison, Edge Codes.com represents a much less informed look at this artistic endeavour.

How would I improve this documentary? Show how cuts are made and how intellectual and emotional factors play a crucial role. Use good examples. Peter O'Toole blowing out the match in Lawrence of Arabia, which becomes the desert, would be an excellent starting point. I may be in the minority, yet all the excitement surrounding the nouvelle vague and Breathless doesn't make sense to me. It's not good editing because style becomes an overriding ingredient.

Lastly, keep it simple. A large cross-section of the audience may have little awareness of how films are put together. Edge Codes.com assumes everybody may be in the know. That seems like a colossal mistake in my opinion.

(Released by Travesty Releasing; not rated by MPAA.)