Research: Editing

Match Cutting (graphic match)

The match cut, also called a graphic match, is a cut in film editing between wither two different objects, two different spaces, or two different compositions in which objects in the two shots graphically match, often helping to establish a strong continuity of action and linking the two different comparisons.

They form the basis of continuity editing, which aims to create a sense of reality, allowing the audience to not draw attention to the editing taken place. In the film, Lawrence of Arabia, we see a very famous editing scene, demonstrating match cutting, when as the candle is blown out, it cuts to a completely different scene, however, it is still linking the two shots together - continuing the action within the scene. 

Continuity Editing

Continuity editing is the principle form of film editing. The main purpose of using continuity editing is to allow the discontinuity of post-production editing to be smoothed over in order to establish a logical coherence between shots. Continuity editing can introduce a theme of realism and can be used to communicate the narrative of the film.

It can also be referred to as invisible editing, implying how the technique does not draw attention to the editing process. In this video, we can clearly see the man walking towards his destination, with different cuts of him opening doors and walking as he goes. This continuous follow up of the man with differentiating shots prevents the audience from becoming bored of simply just watching him move from one place to the other. 

Dissolve

Dissolve editing is a transition editing technique which is a gradual change from one shot to the other. Fade-ins and Fade-outs are types of dissolving transitions, which are often used at the beginning or end of scenes. This is different to cutting as there is no such transition. 

A dissolve overlaps two shots for the extent of the effect and can also be used for montage sequences, such as within this video. It can also sometimes be used to symbolise the passing of a long period of time and the change of that object throughout the time. 

Eyeline Match

An eyeline match is a type of edit which cuts from one character to what they have been focussing on and can be associated with continuity editing. The eyeline match will begin with a character looking at something/someone off screen closely followed by a cut to the object/person that character had been looking at. 

There's a lot of eyeline match used within this video scene. It has mainly been used to build an intense atmosphere. As the woman is smaller than the man, when there's a shot of the woman, the camera is angled at a low angle, and vise versa for when the man is in shot. 

 

Jump Cut

A jump cut is an abrupt, disorienting transitional device in the middle of a continuous shot. Two sequential shots of the same subject are taken at different angles or camera positions which vary only slightly. This style of editing gives the film an effect of jumping forwards in time, keeping the audience engaged. 

The abrupt editing prevents them from becoming bored of watching something and keeps the film interesting. Sometimes, jump cuts are considered as a violation of classic, simple continuity editing.  

Montage Editing

The style of montage editing is commonly used to show the passing of a long time period over just a few minutes of film time. It's the juxtaposition of seemingly unconnected images in order to create meaning. Montage's convey a lot of information within a relatively short period. 

Within this montage clip of the 1985 Rocky IV film, it's apparent through the montage editing that he is going through a lot of training to be a boxer. However, via the use of the montage the audience can see the juxtaposition between how Rocky is training, and how other boxer's are training.

Cross Cutting

Cross cutting is the editing technique of alternating, interweaving, or interspersing one narrative action with another. The narratives are usually in different locations or places, thus combining the two: this editing technique usually suggests parallel action. This editing style is commonly used to dramatically build tension and suspense in chase scenes or to compare two different scenes. 

For example, within this short clip of Interception, there are two different narratives occurring and the editing is cutting back and forth from these clips to show that these events are happening within the film at the same time. One narrative is of a car chase and the other is of men fighting in a hallway. 

Shot Reverse Shot Cutting

A shot reverse shot is a type of edit which switches back and forth between two characters interacting directly with each other in the shot. It's often used during a conversation, where the characters are both looking at one another as they speak. It helps to incorporate a sense of reality within the shot, as a style of a continuity editing technique. It keeps the conversation and the scene flowing smoothly.