Research: Editing- Miss Begum

 

                             Editing

 

What is editing and why is it important to use it in films?
 

Editing is the use of modifying shots that have been filmed, the shots are combined to create a final clip. In order to edit a clip digital technology  such as a laptop must be used in order for a film clip to be professional and realistic fitting together. It is important to use editing in films in order for proper sequencing to achieve a smooth flow of narrative. Films are joined together at certain points which is known as the speed of editing, the length of each shot determines the pace of the film and helps to determine the mood. The use of editing encourages tension to build for the audience through the transfer from one shot to another, the speed of the editing also has an effect on the audience. slow editing adds to suspense for the audience and emotional connection with the audience is made. on the other hand, fast editing creates adrenaline and excitement leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. An example is 'The shower scene' from the film 'Psycho' when slow editing is used at the beginning when the females actions are shown heightening the tension which is followed by the shadow of the antagonist approaching the shower which creates excessive adrenaline and suspense for the viewers. The fast editing approaches when the antagonist begins stabbing her to death. During the fast editing the audience are left shocked and full of excitement about further events, this signifies that the action has an impact on the audience and the startled response from the audience is expected.


Refer to all the terms that you have learnt in todays lesson and provide an example from thriller films and explain its use of causing a response from the audience.

There are a variety of editing types including slow editing, fast editing, reaction shot, fade to black, shot reverse shot, straight cut, montage,180 degree rule, jump cut wipe cut and dissolve. These are some examples editing techniques and the affect they have on the audience.

• A wipe cut is when one shot slides into another, this is not very common in thriller films.

Slow editing is when clips are put together at a normal pace. Slow editing is used in this clip  from the film 'I spit on your grave' during the conversation taking place  (from the beginning of the clip until  0.40 seconds) between the two characters. The conversation is taking place at a normal pace  and creates fluency throughout. The use of the slow editing allows the audience to make assumptions on the characters and their personalities identifying whether they are protagonists or antagonists. The normal pace determines that nothing negative  is yet to happen however, this conversation may lead to further trouble for the victim therefore emphasises the importance of the conversation.
 

 

                                 

Fast editing is when clips are put together at a fast pace creating suspense. Fast  editing is used in this clip from the film 'Fast and Furious 6'  during the rescue scene. The male and female protagonist work together to stop the antagonists resulting In them having to act quickly. As the car and truck get closer to the edge of the cliff the suspense and tension is built for the audience who are unsure of whether the protagonists are going to survive. The fast editing adds to the suspense as the protagonists time is limited and they must react quickly.

A reaction shot is any shot in which a subject reacts to a previous shot. In this clip from the film 'The Grudge', a reaction shot is evident. This is seen when the female victim arrives at the bottom of the stairs and responds frightfully to the figure that passes the mirror. This symbolises mystery and messes with the audiences mind as this is unconventional to real life circumstances. Therefore it creates tension for the audience who are left on 'the edge of their seats' due to not knowing what is going to happen next to the female victim, It also creates a chilling response for viewers who fear for the victims life.  

 

Fade to black is when one shot moves into another and there is a black filter in between. A fade to black is also noticeable in this clip from the film 'The Grudge'  (at 1 minute 13 seconds) when the flash back turns back to reality and the female victim identifies the grudge at the top of the stair case. The audience react with a chilling response as they are aware that the female victim is in serious danger and she has limited time to save herself before she is the next victim of the grudge. The use of the fade to black adds tension and represents death and danger.

 

 

 

 A shot reverse shot is usually used during conversations when one shot follows another. A shot reverse shot is evident in this clip from the film 'Se7en'. This is perceptible when the antagonist confesses to the protagonist that he murdered the protagonists wife. As he explains the audience are able to see both of the characters expressions clearly as the shots go back and forth. This causes the audience to respond with a chilling response as they are able to understand how cold hearted and evil the antagonist is as he shows no remorse or sorrow. On the other hand, the audience sympathise with the protagonist as he is heart broken when hearing the news however they fear that he will be responsible for the antagonists death as he immediately holds the gun towards the antagonist and prepares to kill him.

A straight cut is when one shot moves in an edit and does not confuse the audience. A straight cut is used in this clip from the film 'Se7en' (at 0.19 seconds) when the detective discovers what's inside the box and the shot then immediately switches to detective Mills and the antagonist. This allows the audience to understand that detective Mills is yet to find out what is inside the box, however detective Somerset is to far away to notify him. The use of the straight cut allows the audience to see both situations which keep them intrigued and excited about what is going to happen next.

 

 

 

 

A montage is the speed of editing where shots are quickly juxtaposed together to create excitement. A montage is evident in this clip from the film 'Psycho' when the victim is attacked by the psychopath antagonist in the shower. The shots follow quickly one after another allowing the tension to build for the audience as they are aware that something is going to happen to the female victim. The clip begins when the victim is in the shower, this is then followed by the shadow identified by the audience and then the murder is committed. The use of the montage creates suspense and excitement keeping the viewers satisfied with the film.

 

Jump cut example from The Grudge

A jump cut is a drastic camera movement that is noticeable to the eye. A jump cut is evident in this clip from the film 'The Grudge' (at 0.45 seconds) when the female victim shuts the door then she is immediately sitting on the sofa. This allows the audience to stay intrigued as it cuts out the unimportant stuff. The audience react with a chilling response as they are aware that the victim is not safe and she is yet to suffer the consequences of the Grudges actions.

A 180 degree rule is a when an imaginary hypothetical line is drawn between two or more actors. The camera must not shoot on the other side of the line because it can confuse the audience and will disturb the consistency of the shot. The 180 degree rule is evident in this clip from the film 'The Dark Knight' when Batman and the joker are fighting (at 1 minute 30 seconds). The camera stays on the same side and allows the audience to see both the characters expressions. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they fear for the protagonists life who is hanging from a building with his life in the jokers hands.




 

A dissolve shot is when one shot disintegrates into another. A dissolve shot is used in this clip from the film 'Psycho' (at 1 minute 30 seconds) when the shot of the antagonist dissolves and a skeleton is seen. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they cannot understand the meaning of this, however may predict that it could possibly refer to him dying at the end of the film or relate to him having multiple personalities due to him being a psychopath. The use of the dissolve shot results in the audience predicting what the outcome was.

Conclusion- How has the research of editing helped you develop ideas of what you could use in your own thriller.

After researching the different editing techniques I have developed a clear understanding of what each editing technique is and how each one is used to have a particular impact on the audience. For example, at the start of the thriller during the equilibrium slow editing should be used to create fluency and allow the audience to understand the storyline and familiarise with the characters. However, during the disequilibrium there should be a wide use of fast editing to create dramatic suspense and this should be supported with montages to build tension. Important editing rules to take into consideration is for example the 180 degree rule, this is important in order to keep the film looking professional as it allows the viewers to see everything that is on screen. Furthermore, there should be also be straight cuts used during the equilibrium to keep viewers intrigued and not distracted by the insignificant things. I am going to avoid using dissolve and wipe cut editing as these are not as common in thriller films and do not look particularly professional from the audience point of view. Overall, I am able to understand what editing techniques are appropriate and essential when creating my thriller and when they should be used for particular responses from the audience.