Editing - Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Using a kinetic directing style and constant flashbacks and flash-forwards, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead constantly takes you from one location to another as well as one time frame to another.

While most films will flash forward or backward a substantial amount of time in order to reveal information about characters or the plot, this particular film does it not only as a means for the audience to grasp a deeper understanding of the situation at hand, but also to build tension leading up to a plot point. For example, the robbery of a mom and pop jewelry store is the main backdrop for the film; with flashbacks often taking place and then going right back to the store. The editing goes a step further here by flashing back and forth only a few seconds before the store is robbed, creating a stuttering, almost flip book like quality in the film. Also, the same scenes will be shown numerous times, but from another characters point of view, giving the audience a chance to fully grasp from each of the characters perspective the tension, and eventual repercussions for their criminal act.

Adding another layer to the story, the entire film is told out of chronological order. This allows the story to unfold at a brisk pace, and is aided by the use of the flip book-esque style of editing as mentioned earlier.