Editing

Editing is the act of bringing together each filmed shot into a scene, and then scenes are placed one after another to tell the story. The main question is...why are the shots in the order they are in? Editing allows the narrative to establish relations between characters without showing multiple characters in every shot, or using very lengthy shots. Editing draws on all of the film technique and its meaning to best tell a story.

A straight cut is the most common cut, where one scene/shot is quickly cut to another scene/image. This normally indicates that no time has elapsed between the shots.

A dissolve (where one image fades into another) connects the two scenes. It usually shows that there is a connection between the end of the scene and the beginning of the next scene.

A fade to black is a definite end to a scene, and allows the viewer to understand that it is over, and gives a moment for the viewer to reflect upon the events. It usually indicates that time has past since the end of the scene and the beginning of the next scene.

Cross-cutting is an editing technique used to cover two or more scenes that are happening at the same time. Often, this helps to create tension, or to show two parallel (mirrored) story arcs. Editing will bounce the audience around the multiple scenes. Eg, Scene A, B, A, B, A - this will allow the audience to see small sections of each of the scenes. The above clip is also a good use of editing to create juxtaposition.

Juxtaposition is a technique whereby a filmmaker uses two things that are very different. When placed together on screen or by editing them closely together, they amplify each part. Eg, The Devil is very evil and dark, and an angel is very good. If they were in the same shot, the juxtaposition between them makes each seem more evil and good. The clip for Crosscutting is a good example of editing two lines of action that makes Suzie's home seem inviting and warm and represents where Suzie should be, and makes the place she actually is more foreboding and dangerous.

Editing is like a heartbeat. When the film maker is delivering slow, dramatic, humorous or casual moments, they will keep the pace of editing/cutting slow. This will give the audience time to understand each important moment. If the filmmaker wants get the audience excited for an action scene, an intense or exciting moment, or a fast paced development, they will use a lot of fast cuts to keep the audience disoriented and struggling to keep up. The pace of editing controls the audiences heartbeat.

Every story is about people/characters, and the film maker draws upon a lot of the film technique we have looked at. They use two-shots, reaction shots, camera angle, close ups etc, and then place them in an order that helps the audience understand who the characters are, how they feel, and how they feel about other characters and events around them.

Continuity is where the filmmaker makes sure that the story being told is consistent and keeps the audience believing in the world the characters are in. Continuity errors are mistakes that break the audiences belief in the world because it doesn't make sense, or it brings the audience's attention out of the story and drawing attention to the fact it is a film.