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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:
Identifycharacters
Show us 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 suggestemotion,
or a romantic connection. Fast can suggesttension, action or
uncontrollable events.
This is the first 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: The most basic tool of the editor. Editing trims footage
down but helps to create or maintain the logic of a start, middle and
end (narrative) the cut is a change of shot from one viewpoint location
to another.
There is always a reason for a cut to occur
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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.
By having a subjectbegin an action in one shot and carry it through
completionto the next, the editor creates a visual bridge,distracting
the viewer from noticing the cut or ant continuity error between two
shots
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another scene. Potentially to
show a period of time passing,or used to make a dramatic point
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 where a shot cuts away, oftento a reaction shot of an another
character or piece of action, oftenreinforces a moos of togetherness
or confrontation
Reaction shot
Any shot in which a participant reacts to events. 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:
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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 may
also suggesta strong connectionwith 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.
Montage: A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce
meaning- intensifies and controls the emotion through collection.
Slow-motion:
The action literally slows down with the text. Connotes seriousnessor
a past event. Helps to prolong tension, add style or dramatic effect
Long take:
This is a shot that doesn’tcut 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.
