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Field of Dreams: Cornfields, Baseball, and...Perfect Pacing?

Okay, so I just rewatched Field of Dreams. I know, I know, it's a classic. But I'm coming at it from an editor's perspective, and man, the pacing in this movie is almost shockingly good for a film that deals with such... ethereal stuff. Seriously, think about it: you've got Ray hearing the voice, plowing up his field (which, as a side note, the cinematography during that whole sequence is gorgeous), then bam Shoeless Joe Jackson shows up. It doesn't waste time, y'know? There's a real sense of urgency, driven by Ray's obsession. What really gets me is how the slower, character-driven moments are placed. When Ray and Terence Mann go to the baseball game and see Archibald Graham...that's a long scene, but it needs to be. It's a breather, a moment of reflection, and a chance to build up the emotional stakes before the even crazier stuff starts happening. And the payoff when Doc Graham gets his chance to bat? Forget about it! I genuinely get choked up -- maybe it's the nostalgia trip, or maybe it's because the film earned those emotional beats. Maybe it's a bit cheesy, sure, but the structure is undeniable. Also, I give it credit that the ending doesn't overstay its welcome either. The whole 'want to have a catch' scene? Beautiful and simple, and it cuts right when it needs to. My only tiny nitpick is maybe the Annie Kinsella subplot felt a tad forced? Like, it's important for establishing Ray's motivations and all, but sometimes it felt like they cut to her at odd times. But overall, I feel that this holds up. I still get misty eyed at the end. Anyway, that's my editor brain on Field of Dreams. What do you all think? Anyone else appreciate the subtle genius of its structure, or am I just overanalyzing a feel-good movie?

andersoncuts
4 months ago
3 comments
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