Transcript Shots, Cuts, and Editing

Editing
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Editing is joining shots of film
together to make a meaningful
sequence.
Styles of Editing
REALISM -- CLASSICISM -- FORMALISM
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Sequence
Shots -
Cutting
to
Continuity
Classical
Cutting -
Montage
I. Sequence Shots
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Short events photographed in long shot in
a single take.
The earliest films were unedited sequence
shots. (Arrival of a Train)
A. The Extended Take
The 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
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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
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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
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Slows down time and movement
Produces a dreamy, dance-like
slowness
B. Juxtaposition
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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
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An abrupt transition between shots.
Plunges the viewer into a totally
different time and place.
Can be deliberately disorienting.
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Watch: Erin Brockovich
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IV. Montage
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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
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Used in film to establish tone, period,
ethnicity, and/or locale.
Often used for characterization
Can control shifts in emotion.
Sound Effects
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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
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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
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Scary Mary