Most films use continuity editing to seamlessly move the story along and immerse viewers in the plot. The purpose of editing includes identifying with characters, creating conflict, and intensifying drama. Editing aims to make the story fluid so viewers are unaware of its construction. Common editing techniques include cuts, match cuts, jump cuts, cross-cuts, cutaways, reaction shots, dissolves, and wipes. These techniques are used to transition between shots and scenes, establish relationships, mark the passage of time, and guide audience reactions. Editing pace and techniques like montages are used to convey emotion, tension, and meaning.

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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 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.
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 suggest emotion and fast can
suggest tension, action or uncontrollable events.
This is the first most obvious thing that we look for as it gives an insight to the
tempo and feel of the sequence.
There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can employ.
The most common of these is the cut.
The cut is the most basic tool of the editor. Editing trims the footage down but
also helps to create/maintain the logic of a start, middle and end (narrative). The
cut is a change of shot from one point of view or location to another.
Editing often works through the juxtaposition of different shots to create meaning.
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 impression of continuous time when watching
the edited film.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another scene, 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.

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Cutaway
This is when a shot ‘cuts away’ often to a reaction shot 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
audience’s reaction to a scene.
Matched Cut or Graphic Cut
Is 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.
Fade
A slow transition to or from a blank screen (usually 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 two 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 one another.
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected together to reinforce/create 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 to the film.
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 parallel action.
Effects which are also added as part of the editing process – e.g.; slow motion or
fast motion.

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