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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 in the plot and characters.
In drama sequences,the purpose of editing is often:
To get the story moving along and the audience completely
submerged inthe scene
identification
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:
editing pace is the speed of the cutting – whether it is slow or fast, if
the pace is quick, you might expectit to be an action or chase scene
etc.
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:
The mostbasic form of editing. Editing trims down the footage down
and also helps to create/maintain the logic of a start, middle and end
(narrative).
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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:
Where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches the
first shots action, cutting on action gives the impressionof continuous
time when watching the edited film.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another, used to make a dramatic
point, or mark a period of passing time.
Cross cut:
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 shot:
When the shot cuts away to oftena reaction shot of another character
or piece of action, oftenreinforces a mood of togetherness or
confrontation.
Reaction shot:
Any shot which is a participant reacts to events/action. Often used to
guide the audiences reaction to a scene.
Matched cut or 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)
Dissolve
Slow transition as one image merges into another.
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Both are used to suggest:
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Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition
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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 of a past event. Helps to prolong tension, add style, or
drama effectto the film.
Long take:
This is a shot that does not cut away but lingers on one peace 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 – eg; slow
motion or fast motion.
