A Man Called Otto


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Editor – Matt Chesse, ACE

A MAN CALLED OTTO editor Matt Chesse ACE once again finds himself cutting with frequent collaborator, director Marc Forster.  The pair have been working together since 2000 and have joined forces on such films as; MONSTER’S BALL(2001), FINDING NEVERLAND (2004), THE KITE RUNNER (2007), QUANTUM OF SOLACE (2008) and CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (2018).  For their latest project, the two have the enormous task of delicately balancing drama and comedy in their cinematic adaptation of the moving New York Times bestseller.

A MAN CALLED OTTO tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower whose only joy comes from criticizing and judging his exasperated neighbors. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol, leading to an unexpected friendship that will turn his world upside-down.

Editing A Man Called Otto

In our discussion with A MAN CALLED OTTO editor Matt Chesse ACE, we talk about:

  • What to do when the editor “Snoods out” on you
  • The editor’s role in casting
  • Scouting and tweaking cutting rooms
  • Walking the tightrope of pathos and punchlines
  • Making needle drops a family business

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