Research: Editing - Miss Begum

Editing

On its most fundamental level, film editing is the art and technique, of assembling shots into a coherent and chorological sequence. It is when a shot in a scene is cut to and to show the next image fluently. This reflects the action you see on screen. There are many different ways of editing which all have different effects on the viewer.  The first editing technique used is the speed of editing as it’s the stage where films are joined together at certain points.  The length of each shot determines the pace and mood of the film.

Straight cut:
A visual transition created in editing in which one shot is instantaneously replaced on screen by another.
                                                                         Psycho

This scene from psycho consists of straight cuts all throughout. The straight cuts in this scene are so fluent, the audience is unaware they are taking place, also they are unconscious of the scene changing due to the fluency. Hitchcock is well known for his use amazing cinematography techniques and has changes the whole history of film making. Moreover the extreme close up into the eye not blinking shows the audience the character is so intrigued by what he sees he isn't blinking.


Shot reverse shot: Usually used for conversation scenes, this technique alternates between over-the-shoulder shots showing each character speaking. It jumps from one character to another using an over the shoulder shot.
                                                               Silence of the Lambs

This is a scene from 'The silence of the lambs.' Once again. the shot reverse shot establishes that the two characters are engaging in a conversation. Also the shot being a medium shot allows the audience to differentiate the facial expression of the two characters; as one looks innocent and weak, whereas the other looks evil and looks as if he dominates the conversation.


Jump cut: Is a cut that seems to be an interruption of the scene. Rather than between the scenes, a jump cut occurs within a scene. It creates lack of continuity by leaving out parts of the scene where the jump cut is used, this is commonly a action scene.

                                                                          Snatch

The above clip is the action opening sequence of snatch by Guy Richie. It obtains many editing techniques including the wipe shot, but has many examples of jump cut. The jump cut consummates the audience in missing the action scenes as the jump cut is used when the major action happens. It jumps into a reaction shot to show viewers the victims facial expression.

Fade to Black: Fade to black is when a scene fades into a black frame. It is commonly used in trailers as the frame proceeds into a new scene.

                                                               Now you see me

The trailer for 'Now you see me' uses a lot of fade to blacks at a very fast pace which excites the audience as it is difficult to see what's happening in every scene. The viewers end up  curious and wondering, as not too much has been given away due to the fade to black interruption.


Reaction shot: This is when the characters reaction is sharply and closely captured on camera when a significant scene occurs. Reaction shots help the audience see the characters facial expression to infer their emotion in the current scene.



This is the no the ‘no escape’ scene in ‘The Grudge,’ a reaction shot was used where the subject reacted to the previous scene, this caused the audience to react along with the subject as the audience was as shocked and wasn’t expecting it. Before the reaction was used a medium close up shot was used which was shoulder and upwards to show the audience the surrounding of the subject. This is to help the audience realize the grudge at the back for the reaction to occur.

Montage: Montage is a series of images or small shots edited together. It doesn't necessarily have to make sense to the current scene, but can be used to create a sense of confusion and mystery, commonly used in crime thrillers.
                                                                           Se7en

After the non diegetic sound has started a series of montage is used all through the opening scene of 'Se7en' Although the audience is intrigued by the images and short shots, they feel fear as the things the character is doing causes danger, i.e. cutting off his finger tips.


Further analysis:

I have decided to furtherly analyse the iconic scene from shower scene from 'Psycho.' A wide range of editing techniques are used in one scene. While she is in the shower, a shot reverse shot is displayed between her and the shower sprinkler. This may indicate that instead of the water, something else is bound to leak, i.e. her blood, which we later on find out is true. Moreover the damsel in distresses facial expression looks calm and relieved which shows the audience she isn't expecting anything and is unaware of the coming events. Also a reaction shot is used to show her fear and surprise when the shower curtains are opened by the antagonist. Further more, once again, a shot reverse shot is used when the antagonist is violently stabbing the damsel in various parts of her body. This is to signify the difference between the characters, as the protagonist is dominant and is hiding his identity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, my research on editing techniques will help me in my final thriller opening scene as now I will be able to use a variety of editing techniques. I also now know, that all editing techniques work in certain scenes. for example, a jump cut works best in action scenes.