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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 completely immersed in the 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 especially
aware to spot the techniques of editing employed during a textual analysis. Remember
also that sometimes sound is used to ‘bridge’ the cut and make it less noticeable on
screen.
Editing often works through the juxtaposition of different shots to create meaning. The
cut is the most basic tool of the editor, trimming down the footage to create a logic of the
start, middle and end (the narrative). It is a change of one shot (viewpoint) to another.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a reason.
Editing Pace - 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 insight into the tempo and feel of the sequence.
Match on action - Is where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches
the first shot’s action, cutting on action gives the impression of continuous time when
watching the edited film. By having a subject begin an 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 noticing any slight continuity error between shots.
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.
Cutaway – When the shot cuts a way to often a reaction shot of another character or
piece of action, often reinforces a mood of togetherness or confrontation.
Reaction shot – When a participant reacts to an event or action, used to guide the
audience’s reaction to a scene.
Matched Cut or Graphic Cut - A cut between either two different objects, two different
spaces, or two different compositions in which an object in the two shots graphically
match, often helping to establish strong relationship between two scenes.
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Other forms of transition:
Fade – A transition from a blank screen (normally black)
Dissolve - A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest differences in time or place. A dissolve might also suggest a
strong connection between the 2 scenes involved.
Wipe - An optical effect in which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for dramatic
effect.
Superimposition – Two or more images placed directly on top of each other
Effects are also added as part of the editing process – eg; slow motion or fast motion.
Slow-motion – Helps to prolong tension, add style or dramatic effect to the film.
Montage – a series of shots that are connected together to reinforce/create meaning –
intensifies and controls emotion through collection. It is used to save time.
Long take – A shot which lingers on a piece of action or object without cutting away.
This increases intensity.
Split screen - Division of screen in order to show two or more lines of action
simultaneously – this can be referred to as parallel action.
