Analyzing editing techniques within a short film sequence

Introduction

Editing is the way in which raw footage is pieced together into a complete and flowing sequence. Editing is used for various reasons, such as:

• Shortening- To remove unnecessary segments of the film whether it be to simulate time going by or to create pace. For example in feature length films we usually experience multiple days worth of time passing within an hour and a half. The audience would find themselves getting bored and distracted if they had to experience all of the travelling to locations in real time.
• Identification- Editing can be used in a way that helps the audience connect and identify with the protagonist/s through camera distance and shot types. For example if a particular character in a crowded location was the focus of the camera for multiple shots in succession we would know that the person was of some relevance. Close ups, extreme close ups and even track shots all are powerful techniques in which the director has at his disposal to aid with the connection of the audience to the protagonist/s.
• Pace- Connected to shortening, pace allows us to subconsciously change moods and emotions about a particular scene. This technique is extremely effective in portraying: action, unrest and on the flip side relaxed. Quick cuts are used to create an action based pace in which many things will happen in a short space of time. We tend to know when action is over once the shot lengths draw out again. A slower cut pace can be used in order for the audience to feel significantly more relaxed and during slow cuts we tend to experience a higher volume of dialogue. Since we are more relaxed the information relayed within the dialogue is more digestible to its audience.

Editing Techniques

Match On Action

Match-on-actions are used to make sure that action flows well between cuts and shot changes and since they flow so well they tend to fade into the background. Essentially at their core MOA's are created by starting with a shot at a medium distance in which multiple details are in frame and then s someone for example goes to pull out a knife and halfway from completing the action the camera cuts to a close up of the knife as to provide the viewer with a distinct insight on what is happening and with high detail, in some cases such as this introduction the camera actually zooms out in order to capture more detail on what is happening. Without matches on action either details or therefore understanding could be lost and the audience could become distanced from the film or there would be really choppy and jagged action scenes which would again alienate the audience.

Eyeline Matches and Reaction Shots

A reaction shot is essentially involves an action or something happening and then the camera cuts away to show someone's reaction of said action and sometimes the camera cuts back to what is going on. This doesn't always have to contain any dialogue of any sorts as made apparent by the intro scenes. There is very limited speech apart from the odd ‘beat it’ and instead we see many reactions forming through either the Jets or the Sharks actions within the scene. The reaction shots are placed in as a kind of way as to break apart action scenes and also to convey feelings through actions instead of words.

Screen Time

Screen time tends to be used to dictate those that are of major importance to the scene, however since both gangs are comprised of many key members each tends to have an equal amount of screen time, at least within the introduction. Instead initial screen time here is used in order to distinguish the key members of the gangs. To elaborate the first member of the Jets we see clicking in the opening shots appears prominent and since he is placed in front of the rest of the group we can identify him as the ‘leader’ of the Jets. Again the very first member of the Sharks we see also sticks out as the leader and in the following scenes he walks down the street and rallies the troops together. Another way in which screen time dictates major players is the use of close ups and extreme close ups. Upon further inspection it becomes apparent that both leaders of the gangs have substantially more close ups than the other members, especially the leader of the Sharks. The more we see a certain character the more we learn about them and understand them and so to start with it is hard to differentiate between the protagonists and antagonists since the pace is fast and the characters are varied.

Establishing Shot

 

This is used to show the audience exactly where in the world or otherwise we currently are, establishing shots are used at either the begining of a scene or when transitioning between locations instantaniously in order to prevent confusion. From this we know exactly where we are as in a large hardcourt in the middle of the day.

Cutting to the track

 

Cutting to the track is essentially when the non-digetic sound matches the digetic actions we see onscreen seamlessly. Cutting to the track is great at emphasising movement, power and pace also. The entirety of the opening to West Side Story is cutting to the track and it is used to it's maximum effect. A gorgeous example of the way in which it is used is at the 2:08 mark in which the Jets are moving with big powerful motions to the track simultaniously. When they stop still when they meet face to face with the leader of the Sharks then the track stops in unison.