Film Language - Editing

Recently, we learnt about editing and how the editing is used to create effect.

Editing is a crucial part of film language. It structures the narrative, links scenes or events together and ensures the film follows in a logical order. 

We discovered that there are many different types of edit and we specifically took a look at the types of cut that can be used:

• Cut

- Change scene

- Compress time

-Vary point of view

- Montage, build up of an image or idea

We learnt that there is always a reason for a cut. 

• Matched Cut

- Continuity of direction

- Completed action

- A similar centre of attention in the frame

- A change of angle ( at least 30 degrees)

A few more cuts consisted of:

• Jump Cut
• Cutting Rate
• Cutting Rhythm
• Cutaway - A reaction shot
• Buffer/insert

In addition, we also looked at the variety of transitions that can be used:

• Fade/dissolve
• Super impositions
• Wipe
• Inset
• Split screen
• Stock shot

- The less abrupt transitions are achieved with a fade, dissolve or wipe.

Following this, we watched a clip from a film that involved a car chase. We analysed the tempo and rate of the scene, as well as looking at the camera shots. For example, the tempo of this particular car chase was really fast before the rate fell down on a long shot, to then pick up again on a close-up shot. The shots were constantly swapping from close-ups to long Shots and back again. This is to ensure the audience are clear of what is going on. The long shots give the audience an opportunity to look at the surroundings and get an understanding of the story rather than gaining a full understanding of the emotions of the character without having any knowledge of what is happening in the scene.

From my own research, I found a clip from 'Skyfall' that portrays the variety of shots, transitions and tempo that we were discussing in the lesson.

In this clip from 'Skyfall' different paces of tempo are used throughout. For example, when the motorbike chase is being shown, the tempo and  sound is upbeat and fast, however when the action scene transitions into a scene at the office, the tempo slows down and the sound becomes quieter to give the audience an opportunity to gain an understanding of what is going on. 

This movie clip portrays clear evidence of how sounds, editing and different camera shots can be used together in order to create such powerful scenes for the audience to connect with. 

Following this lesson, we have gained knowledge about how editing can link everything together to ensure the best aspects and qualities of each story are portrayed in an effective way.