Editing

Editing is joining shots of film together to make a meaningful sequence.

Styles of Editing

REALISM -- CLASSICISM -- FORMALISM

__________________________________ Sequence Cutting Classical Shots - to - Cutting - Montage

Continuity

I. Sequence Shots

Short events photographed in long shot in a single take.

The earliest films were unedited sequence shots. (Arrival of a Train)

A. The Extended TakeThe extended take is a single, uninterrupted shot in a film which lasts much longer than the conventional editing pace either of the film itself or of films in general, usually lasting several minutes.

Although little to no editing is used, they can be very difficult, and require perfect timing.

Watch: Goodfellas

II. Continuity Editing

By early 20th C, filmmakers had devised an early form of editing called cutting to continuity.

Cutting to Continuity tries to preserve the fluidity of an event without showing all of it.

Editing attempts to be seamless and unnoticeable.

A. Parallel Editing

Continuity Editing often uses parallel editing to show the viewer what is happening in two different places at the same time.

B. Cross Cutting

Parallel editing uses cross cutting – the alternation of shots from two different locals - to suggest two events are taking place at the same time.

Watch: Continuity Editing in V for Vendetta

C. Establishing Shot

Usually an extreme long shot or a long shot used at the beginning of the story or scene.

Makes transitions between scenes smooth; providing context for the viewer.

Watch: The Shining

III. Classical Cutting Editing determined by a scene’s

dramatic and emotional emphasis rather than by physical action alone (cutting to continuity).

Plays with time, space, and cuts that show and cause/effect relationship.

Often breaks continuity rules (180 rule, establishing shots), and may be confusing for the viewer.

Watch: Do The Right Thing

A. Slow Motion

Slows down time and movement Produces a dreamy, dance-like

slowness

B. Juxtaposition

Places two shots side-by-side for purposes of contrast or comparison.

Shots are of totally different things; joining them links them symbolically.

C. Jump Cut

An abrupt transition between shots. Plunges the viewer into a totally

different time and place. Can be deliberately disorienting.

Watch: Erin Brockovich

IV. Montage

A sequence of rapidly edited images. Can be used to show a passage of

time (training sequence). Can be used more formalistically to

suggest chaos, disorientation, etc. Watch: Team America

SOUND

Music

Used in film to establish tone, period, ethnicity, and/or locale.

Often used for characterization Can control shifts in emotion.

Sound Effects The function of sound effects is

primarily atmospheric, but they can also be a source of meaning.

High pitches create tension. Low pitches create a feeling of calm or

solemnity. Silence can create a feeling of

eeriness.

Voiceovers

Spoken commentary in a movie Often used to convey a character’s

thoughts or memories. Can also be used to establish who is

telling the story.

What Sound Can Do

Scary Mary