Film Language Editing

Editing Sequences the shots into something that makes sense for the audience, both in terms of events (action cuts to reaction) and spatial relationships. Most common editing technique in use today is called ‘Continuity Editing’

Continuity Editing Makes sense of the space Makes sense of actions and reactions Makes sense of the passage of time. Gives event rhythm Calls the audience’s attention to specific objects / characters / events in the film Jurrasic park Exercise – reorder the photos from the film to make sense of the individual sequences and then try cross cutting.

Some Rules of Continuity Editing All edits should be motivated 1800 rule Shot Reverse Shot 300 rule. Jump cut Match on Action

180 Degree Rule

Shot

Reverse Shot

Match on Action Sherlock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGCMfprPJoA

Eye-Line Match StarWars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtQDncQHOXs

Cross-Cutting Inception: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uej8wAPrW0 Godfather – Christening Scene - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CDlBLvc3YE Silence of the Lambs - Raid on Buffalo Bill’s House. (Good examples of Continuity Editing being used to trick the audience) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts1x6uADFtM

Editing can be analysed in two ways: Speed Style

Speed

Count the number of cuts in the following sequence: Editing challenge. Count the number of cuts in the following sequence: Quantum of Solace – Car Chase - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfYC_CBNtiM

‘Psycho’ In this sequence, note where and when the editing changes pace and to what effect. Psycho shower sequence - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WtDmbr9xyY

Style

Editing Styles Straight cut Fade out Dissolve Wipe Jump cut

Watch the following extracts and try to identify the styles of edit that are being used and to what effect. Citizen Kane - Intro Sequence (Dissolve) Trainspotting - Spud’s Interview (Jump Cut)

Another style of editing is called…

Montage Editing Allowing the audience to make meaning from the sequencing of images. Also used to show a passing of long periods of time and progression of a character or relationship. Team America – World Police – The Montage Song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFrMLRQIT_k

Graphic Match

Example 1

Example 2

The English Patient – Title Sequence Schindler’s List Intro

Look for the graphic match in the following sequences. The English Patient – opening sequence Schindlers List – opening sequence

Continuity Editing Makes sense of the space Makes sense of actions and reactions Makes sense of the passage of time. Gives event rhythm Calls the audience’s attention to specific objects / characters / events in the film Jurrasic park Exercise – reorder the photos from the film to make sense of the individual sequences and then try cross cutting. Silence of the Lambs - Raid on Buffalo Bill’s House. (Good examples of Continuity Editing being used to trick the audience) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts1x6uADFtM