1. Jamie Hamer
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 inthe plot and characters.
In drama sequences,the purpose of editing is often:
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:
This is the speed and the tempo of the cuts – slow can suggest
emotion and fast can suggesttension, actions or uncontrollable
events.
This is the first mostobvious thing to look for as it gives an insight
into the tempo and the 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 change of one shot to another. This is the most
basic tool.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
2. Jamie Hamer
2
Match on action
Is where the editor cuts from one shot to another to a view that
matches the first shot’s actions, cutting on action gives the
impressionof continuous time when watching the edited film. The
editor creates a visual bridge,which distracts the viewer from noticing
the cuts or noticing any slight continuity error between two shots.
Jump cut
An abrupt switch from one scene to another scene,used to make
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
This is when the shot ‘cuts away’ too often a reactionshot of
another character or piece of action, often reinforces a mood of
togetherness or confrontation.
Reaction shot
Any shot in which a participant reacts to events/action. Often used to
guide the audiences reaction to a 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
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 two scenes
3. Jamie Hamer
3
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 series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce/create
meaning – intensifies and controls the emotionthrough collection
Slow-motion:
The action literally slows down the txt – then connotes seriousnessor
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 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
They are also added as part of the editing process – eg; slow motion
or fast motion.
