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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 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:
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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.
This is the speed and tempo of the cuts- slow can suggest emotion and
fast can suggest tension, action or uncontrollable events.
This is the first most obvious thing to look for as it gives an insight into
the tempo and feel of the sequence
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The cut is a:
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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:
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Jump cut:
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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
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Reaction shot
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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.
Change of shot from one viewpoint or location to another.
Is where the editor cuts from one shotto another view that matches the
first shots action, cutting on action gives the impression of continuous
time when watching the edited film. By having a subject begin and action
in one shot and carry it through to completion in the next, the editor
creates a visual bridge, which distracts the viewer from noticing the cut or
any editing error.
An abrupt switch from one scene to another, used to make a dramatic
point, or mark a period of time passing.
This is when the shot‘cuts away’ to often a reaction shotof another
character or piece of action, often reinforces a mood of togetherness or
confrontation.
Is any shot in which a participant reacts to events/ action. Often used to
guide the audiences reaction to a scene.
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Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade
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Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
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:
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Slow-motion:
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Long take:
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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.
A transition to or from a blank screen (normally black).
A strong connection between the two scenes involved.
Two or more images are placed directly on top of each other.
A series of shots that are connected together to reinforce/create meaning-
intensifies and controls the emotion through collection
The action literally slows down with the text – this connotes seriousness
or a past event. Helps to prolong tension, add style, or dramatic effect to
the film
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.
