Most films use continuity editing to seamlessly move the story along and immerse audiences. Editing aims to create identification with characters and conflict through techniques like match cuts, cross-cuts, cutaways, and reaction shots. The editor's goal is to make the drama as fluid as possible so viewers are unaware of the construction process. Editing pace can suggest emotion, with slow cuts for emotion and fast cuts for tension. Through juxtaposition of shots, editing creates meaning between scenes.

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Film Language:Editing
Most films use a system of editing known as continuity editing. It’s
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 suggests emotion
and fast can suggesttension, action or uncontrollable events.
This is the first mostobvious 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 from one viewpoint or location to another.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:

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It is where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches
the first shot’s action cutting on action gives the impressionof
continuous time when watching the edited film. By having a subject
begin in action in one shot and carry it through to completionin the
next the editor creates a visual bridge which distracts the viewer from
noticing the cut or noticing ant slight continuity error between the two
shot.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one 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. (Where in 2 differentplaces similar things happen one after
the other)
Cutaway
This is when the shot cuts away to oftena reaction shot of another
character or piece of action. Often reinforces a mood of togetherness
or confrontation.
Reaction shot
The reaction shot is any shot in which a participant reacts to
events/action. Often used to guide the audience’s reaction to a
scene.(Where it shows someone to see their reaction)
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 suggest:

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Both of these are used to suggestdifferences in time or place. A
dissolve might also suggesta strong connection between the two
screens
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect. (From right to left or left to right)
Superimposition
Two or more images placed directly on top of one another.
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce a meaning,
intensifies and controls the emotion through 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 effect.
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 – eg; slow
motion or fast motion.