Alain Dessauvage

Alain Dessauvage, born on the last day of ’73 in Roeselare, Belgium, honestly doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the way he slices and dices films in the editing room. The guy’s basically the secret sauce behind some of the most gut-wrenching, beautiful movies you’ve probably seen in the past decade. Take “Close” (2022)—that film just hits different, and a huge part of that is how Alain weaves the story together, almost like he’s stitching up invisible wounds and making you feel every sharp edge. People talk about the acting and direction, but the way scenes thread into each other? That’s pure Alain. And then there’s “Girl” (2018), which, let’s be honest, would not have packed the same emotional punch if someone else had been at the controls. He’s got this instinct for timing—letting moments breathe when they need to, or cutting just a beat sooner to keep you on your toes. “Small Things Like These” (2024) is another gem on his resume, showing he’s as sharp as ever. Not many editors manage to keep things fresh without showing off; Alain just gets the story, y’know? He makes you forget you’re even watching something that’s been edited. Born in a quiet Belgian town, but the guy’s fingerprints are all over European cinema. If you’re into movies that actually make you feel something, chances are you’ve already been moved by Dessauvage’s work, even if you didn’t realize it.