Film

72663_2045839_FS1FilmAppreciationLec12.ppt

POV Edit

POV edit, reveals an object (or character) to the audience, as ‘seen’ by a character.
discovery is made by the character and the audience ‘simultaneously’
identification.
Narrative importance is placed on the object, or the discovery of that object.
Continuity is maintained
Open Framing
By looking out of the frame, the shot ‘requires’ another shot to complete its meaning

Elements of the POV Edit

Clip: Lord Rings

The Parallel Edit

The parallel edit consists of cutting progressive action between two or more shots, in different locations
creates the illusion of simultaneous action
Cross Cut
What is inferred is that these two ‘lines of action’ are directly related, and will come together.
Suspense is often generated
Thematic/figurative analogy

X Cut vs Inter-Cut

Inter Cutting often observes the back and forth structure of the Parallel Edit (X Cut)

HOWEVER

Inter-Cut refers to cutting between characters or progressive action in a SINGLE location

The Cutaway

Transitions

The fade, indicates a passage of time.
A conclusion, followed by a beginning.
demarcates lapses or gaps in narrative time.
The dissolve. A fade out on top of a fade in, also indicates a passage of time.
A direct connection is implied between scenes and does not have the feeling of finality associated with the fade.
The match cut: a graphic juxtaposition, using a similar shape to transition from one scene to another.
Thematic Montage: images, that contain a motif or theme, often used as ‘chapter markers’

The Flashback

The Flashback, interrupts the forward motion of time-abruptly jumps to a different location
Maintains continuity
employs a ‘conventional- editing scheme (proxemics).
reveals a character’s thoughts
Narrative information (exposition)
Mindscreen- Dream, fantasy, inner thoughts
Evolution of film language
The Flashback as ‘forerunner’ of Discontinuity Edit
‘Conventional’ use the film grammar
Disruption of time/space

The Discontinuity Edit

The Discontinuity Edit overtly violates spatial or linear continuity between shots
Challenges or defies narrative logic (cause and effect)
The discontinuity edit calls attention to itself.
disrupts the ‘flow’ of narrative pulling us out of the story
Alienation Effect (Brecht)
Formal considerations may take precedence over narrative
Style
thematic, figurative interpretation

Discontinuity Edit (cont)

Identification comes from aesthetic or intellectual evaluation.
Meaning is derived through style not performance or narrative content.
Interest may increase as we attempt to ‘figure out’ the narrative. (Memento)
Form may take precedence over Content
The discontinuity edit as a stylistic device may easily assimilate, other, ‘unconventional’ uses of cinema

The Jump Cut

A broad term, encompassing any of a number of types of edits that violate the continuity of time and space
The most prevalent form of Discontinuity Edit
The edit ‘jumps’
Moves abruptly, without a smooth transition between shots.
breaks linear/spatial continuity
calls attention to itself – disrupts narrative
Violation of ‘30 degree rule’ (classical continuity edit)
Pulls us out of the narrative
Self reflexive.
Breaking the fourth wall (Persona Bergman)
Brecht ‘alienation’
Used as a ‘stylistic’ technique
precedence to Form

Godard

Godard - French New Wave – Breathless (1958)
‘It is true, a story has a beginning middle and an end, but not necessarily in that order’
Primarily interested in Cinema as an Art Form
Defiance of traditional, accepted uses
Highly experimental
‘Revolutionary’ filmmaker
Political/Marxist
Cinema du Papa – defies Hollywood convention
Medium contains message through BOTH form and content

Clip: Breathless

Combining Editing Structures

Editing structures are often used in a variety of combinations:
Continuity Edits, combined with other types of Continuity Edits are often used together in a scene.
Discontinuity Edits may be used in combination with Continuity Edits Etc.