What makes a good film editor?

Question

And why do most editors drink a lot? Like the guy who made Dominion. Every time I see him he has a Kirin beer or a tequila or a scotch in his hand.

Answer 1

Since I just took an editing class not too long ago, a good film editor should have a visual sense of the story (or movie) and make good timing of the cuts and edits of the film. Decision has to be made on certain edits and it's not easy which scene stays and which one makes it as a deleted scene in a DVD. Collaborating with the film's director is a must for any good editors (unless the director is also the editor) because certain directors has certain styles and editors might not agree with that particular style, thus creating conflict between them. That's why studios employ a practice called "Dailies", where the film director, editor, studio executives, etc. sits in a small theater inside the studio, looking at the material that was filmed in it entirety, with several takes of the scene to make their decision and get the executive approval. A good editor would not only have to be creative and sharing a vision with the director, but the editor has to gain the audience attention. It's not easy being a good editor but as long as the editor can have an artistic vision, as well as dealing with the stress of the complicated Hollywood system, then that person is a good editor in my opinion.

I honestly don't know why editors drink a lot. Maybe it's a way to get creative input when there drunk (like getting "high" from weed) or trying to relieve from stress. That's my guess, but I never heard of an editor that drinks a lot.