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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 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 suggest emotion
and fast can suggesttension, action or uncontrollable events.
This is the most obvious thing to look for as it gives an insight into the
tempo and feel of 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 change of shot from one viewpoint or location to another.
It is the most basic tool of the editor. Editing trims the footage down
but also helps to create/ maintain the logic of a start, middle and end
(narrative)
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Film Language:Editing
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Match on action- where the editor cuts from one shotto another
view that matches the first shot’s action,cutting on action gives
the impression of continuous time when watchingthe edited
film. By having a subject begin an action in one shot and carry it
through to completionin the next, the editorcreates a visual bridge,
which distracts the viewer from noticing the cut or nothing any slightly
continuity error between two shots.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another, used to make a dramatic
point, or mark a period of time passing. Often used in trailers or
action sequences (e.g.James Bond opening scene).
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. (E.g. Greece)
Sometimes sound is used to ‘bridge’the cut and make itless
noticeable on screen.
Cutaway:
When the shot ‘cuts away’ to, often, a reactionshot of another
character or piece of action. Often reinforces a mood of togetherness
or confrontation. E.g. proposing-ring to surprised person
Reaction shot:
Any shot in which a participant reacts to events/ action. Often used to
guide the audience’s reaction to a scene
Matched Cutor Graphic Cut:
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.
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Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade:
A transition from a blank screen(normally black)
Dissolve:
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggestdifferencesin time or place. A dissolve
might also suggesta strong connectionbetween the two scenes
involved
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 (Greece)
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce/create
meaning- intensifies and controls the emotion through collection.
Used in the Rocky films.
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 effectto the film.
Long take:
This is a shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’ on one piece of the
action. It is the equivalent of staring- connotes intensity or voyeurism.
Split screen:
Division of screen in order to show two or more lines of action
simultaneously – this can be referred to as parallelaction.(kill Bill 2)
Effects are also added as part of the editing process – e.g.; slow
motion or fast motion.
