1. Jacob Grevatt
1
Film Language:Editing
Most films use a system of editing known as Continuity editing. Its
sole aim is to get the story moving along and get the audience
completelyimmersed in the plot and characters.
In drama sequences,the purpose of editing is often:
To create atmosphere
To engage the audience
To create a finer professionallook to the film
The function of this system is to make the drama as fluid as possible,
so that the audience are not aware of the construction process
therefore,you need to be especiallyaware to spotthe techniques of
editing employed during a textual analysis. Rememberalso that
sometimessound is used to ‘bridge’the cut and make it less
noticeable on screen.
The process of editing is more concerned with the ‘creation’ of
meaning rather than the taking away of material.
Editing Pace:
Editing pace is used to either engage the audience creating an
exciting tone which are fast paced cuts often used in action film.
It is also used to create tension and fear perhaps intensifying or
mellowing down the mood perhaps used during conversation which
are slow paced and create a mellow tone.
Editing often works through the Juxtapositionof differentshots to
create meaning.
There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can
employ.
The most commonof these is the cut.
The cut is a:
A mostbasic tool of an editor. This trims down the footage and helps
maintain logic.
2. Jacob Grevatt
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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:
This is when the editor cuts from one shot to another view that
matches the first shots action.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another, used to make a dramatic
point, or mark a period of time passing.
Cross-cut
A cut from one narrative or line of action to another. Mostly used in
films to establish action occurring at the same time in two different
locations.
Cutaway
When the shot cuts away from the main action taking place to add
another layer of meaning.
Reaction shot
To show the reaction of a character to the main event this provokes
empathy to the character reacting.
Matched Cutor Graphic Cut
Is a cut between either two differentobjects,two differentspaces,or
two differentcompositions in which an objectin the two shots
graphically match, oftenhelping to establish strong relationship
between two scenes.
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade
A transition from black or to black
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest:
To suggesta differentscene or passing of time.
3. Jacob Grevatt
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Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition
Two or more images placed directly on top of one another.
Montage:
A compilationof shots to suggesta passing of time and perhaps a
gaining of skill and to recreate meaning.
Slow-motion:
The action is much slower than in reality for a period of time.
Long take:
The shot that does not cut away but lingers on one piece of the
action.
Split screen
Division of screen in order to show two or more lines of action
simultaneously – this can be referred to as parallelaction.
Effects are also added as part of the editing process – eg; slow
motion or fast motion.
