Theory

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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 inthe plot and characters.
In drama sequences,the purpose ofediting is often:
 Identificationwith characters
 Conflict
 Cause 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
and fast can suggestemotion,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.
Cut/edit:
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).
The cut is a changeo of shot from one viewpoint to location to
another.

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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:
This is where the editor cuts from one to shot to anotherview
that matches the first shot’s action, cutting on action gives the
impression of continuoustime when watching the edited film. By
having a subjectbegin an action in one shot and carry it through to
completionin the next, the editor cats a visual bridge,which distracts
the viewer from noticing the cut or notice any slight continuity error
between the two shots.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from on 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 (Grease-SummerNights).
Cutaway:
This is when a shot cuts away often to a reaction shot of another
character or piece of action, oftenreinforces a mood of togetherness
or confrontation.
(Shot of someone being punched in the face and then cutting to a
reaction shot, which shows someone gasping.)
Reaction shot:
The reaction shot is any shot in which a participant reacts
events/action. Often used to guide the audience’s action to a scene.
(Happens after a cutaway and shows emotion on their face after
something has happened).
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.

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Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade:
A transition to or 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.
(Summer nights – look like they are singing to one another).
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce/create
meaning – intensifies and controls the emotionthrough 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 a 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.