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Elements of editing

These are the different elements of editing:

  • Order of shots
  • Transitions
  • Pace and rhythm
Order of shots

The order in which shots are cut together can change the meaning of a sequence. If you put two shots together this can have a variety of effects, for example it can suggest a connection or emphasise a contrast which is known as a juxtaposition.

The order of shots can communicate lots of information to an audience. For example a shot of a ear followed by a shot of a door can communicated that the character is listening. A shot of a smiling face followed by a shot of a nice sports car, shows the audience that this character is clearly happy or exited about the car.

Transitions

The definition of a transition used in movies is the process of moving from one shot to another. There are many different transitions used in movies, the most common one being the cut transition.

The main transitions are:
  • Fade- The preceding shot fades into black from which the following shot emerges
  • Dissolve or cross fade- The preceding shot merges into the following shot, resulting in the two shots being superimposed
  • Wipe- A transition where one image is revealed over another horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or even using a shape or pattern such as a star or diamond.
Transitions can communicate a lot of information to the audience. For example the dissolve or cross fade transition can show that a character is remembering something from the past. The fade can emphasise a poignant moment in the movie. The wipe transition can be used for comedic effect.

Pace and rhythm

The pace and rhythm of shots can have a big effect on the narrative of the story. For example short duration shots can emphasise action and urgency (e.g. a chase sequence). Long duration shots on the other hand create a slower pace and conveys intensity and intimacy within the narrative; it allows us to focus upon facial expressions and other aspects of mise-en-scene.

A good example of where short duration shots are used to reflect the narrative context of the story is in the movie "Baby Driver".



A good example of where long duration shots are used to reflect the narrative context of the story is in the movie "Titanic".




Parallel editing

The definition of parallel editing (cross cutting) is the technique of alternating two or more scenes that often happen simultaneously but in different locations. If the scenes are simultaneous, they occasionally culminate in a single place, where the relevant parties confront each other.

Parallel editing is used to create suspense and create excitement for the audience. A good example of parallel editing is used in the movie "The Godfather".




Match cut in editing

 The definition of match cut in editing is a cut from one shot to another where the two shots are matched by the action or subject and subject matter. They are used to produce a seamless reality- effect. An example of when this is used is in the movie "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows".




Jump cut

 The definition of jump cut is a cut in film editing in which two sequential shots of the same subject are taken from camera positions that vary only slightly if at all. It can be used in movies to give the effect of jumping forwards in time. An example of this can be seen in the movie "The Royal Tenenbaums".



Soviet Montage Theory

The soviet montage theory is the idea that placing together separate sections of film could create ideas or have an impact beyond the individual shots. For example:


  • Eye + Water = Crying
  • Ear + Next Door = Listening
  • Mouth + Bird = Singing
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