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Film Language:Editing
Most films use a system of editing known as continuity editing. It’s
sole aim is to get the story moving along and get the audience
completelyimmersed inthe plot and characters.
In drama sequences,the purpose of editing is often:
Identification(with characters)
Conflict
Intensification
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:
This is the speed and tempo of the cuts – slow can suggestemotion,
calm and control over the situation and fast can suggesttension,
action or uncontrollable events.
This is the first mostobvious thing to look for as it gives an insight
into the tempo and feelof the sequence.
Editing often works through the juxtaposition of 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:
The most basic tool of the editor, Editing trims the footage down but
also helps to create/ maintain the logic of start, middle and end
(narrative).
The cut is a change of shot from one viewpoint or location to another.
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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:
Is where the editor cuts from one shot to another and matches the
first shot’s action, cutting on action gives the impressionof
continuous time when watching the edited film. By having a subject
begin an action in one shot and carry it through the completionin the
next, the editor creates a visual bridge,which distracts the viewer
from noticing the cut or noticing any slight continuity error between
the two shots.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to the other, 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.
Remember also that sometimessound is used to ‘bridge’the cut
and make it less noticeable on the screen.
Cutaway
This is when the shot ‘cuts away’ to, often a reaction shot, of another
character or piece of action, oftenreinforces a mood of togetherness
or confrontation.
Reaction shot
Is any shot in which a participant reacts to events/ action. Oftenused
to guide the audience’s reaction to scene
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 to or from a blank screen(normally black)
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Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest:
Differences intime or place. A dissolve might also suggesta strong
connection betweenthe two scenes involved.
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect. (from up to down, diagonally,…)
Superimposition
Two or more images are placed directly on top of each other
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce/create
meaning- intensifies and controls the emotion through collection.
Slow-motion:
The action literally slows down with the text- this connotes
seriousness or a past event. Helps to prolong tension, add style, or
dramatic effectto the film.
Long take:
This is the shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’ on one piece of
the action. It is the equivalent of staring- connotes intensity
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 – e.g. slow
motion or fast motion.
