The silver screen is so big that everything on it is exaggerated by the very nature of the medium.

In the case of extreme close-ups — which can be an effective cinematic tool — you see every flaw on the face of even the most gorgeous performer. But if seeing those flaws is not in service of the character, perhaps the director should rethink the shot.

In the case of quick edits, sometimes they are used very well. Check out the justly famous under-the-bridge car chase in "The French Connection." There are lots of edits in that sequence, which is considered one of the best car chases ever put on film. But each edit still lasts long enough — and the camera is pulled back far enough — for us understand what's going on.

Also, one of the key elements is Gene Hackman's face. His reaction when he sees that his car is speeding toward a woman pushing a baby carriage is one of the key elements that makes that chase so emotionally charged.

In "The Bourne Supremacy," the chases are done with edits so quick that you could debate with your partner what exactly you saw.

And even when Matt Damon's face is shown, it's often so blurry that if he did register emotion, we'd never know it.

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E-mail: hicks@desnews.com