Examples of Editing Techniques in Film

Contrast

The scene I decided to use to show an example of contrast is Departed's 2006 famous phone call scene.  This scene is very important because the two characters have actually never met each other in person. This scene shows the characters interacting by using contrast. The opening clip is Colin picking up the phone and calling billy. Once the two are both on the line, they don't speak. The filming jump cuts between each character on the phone but not saying anything. The two different characters and different settings make this scene a great example of contrast. 

Leitmotif

All throughout Jaws (1975), there is a reoccurring leitmotif theme. Whenever there is a scene where a shark is present, or most evidently ready to attack, and danger is nearby, there is music that gets faster and faster. In this scene, "you're going to need a bigger boat", the music starts to play when the shark is spotted, and the music speeds us as the shark gets faster and faster. Since this music plays throughout the movie at various points, it really ties the whole suspenseful feeling together.

Parallelism

A great example of parallelism in a very well known movie is in 2014's American Sniper. The opening scene of this movie switches between what Chris Kyle sees through his eyes, and what is happening on the ground battle. This is very important to the movie because it shows the significant role Chris Kyle plays and that he must stay focused on his one job while he relies on his team to do the best. Unlike contrast, the scenes are shot for a greater amount of time, and in the same setting- both in the war zone. 

Symbolism
A very famous scene known for its symbolism is in Snow White, originally produced in 1937. The scene where the little old lady, aka, an evil witch, gives snow white an apple and tells her if she eats it her dreams will come true. In this scene, the apple can symbolize the devil, because snow white falls to sin, or temptation that the old woman posses upon her. The scene is mostly focused on the apple for about five minutes. The old woman comes to the house, wanting Snow White to make apple pies, showing snow white the apple. Then she gets her to try it first, which causes her to fall to the floor and die.

Simultaneity
In 2010's hit, Inception, simultaneity is shown very well. In this scene, or few scenes, so to say, the setting changes and so does the perspective. First, we are shown a man walking down a hall, very calm, and soon we are taken to a car race. Soon this car race turns into a manhunt and fight. Then, we are taken back to the hotel hallway and the calm man, is not so calm after all. Once the action breaks out in the first car scene, the fighting breaks out in this scene as well. Long cuts give these two scenes enough time for the viewer to fully understand what is going on, even when switching between the few scenes.

5 Editing Techniques

Click here to see my 5 Editing Techniques video!

Although creating this video was a lot of fun, it took a lot of time to pick what scene we were going to use for each example. Luckily, Lily and I both came up with some great ideas. Some of our shots could be used for more than one editing technique but we tried to pick some that stood out pretty well. When actually creating the video in Premiere Pro, I had a lot of fun. I am very familiar with the program so It was very nice to know how to create the video without referring to a guide. 

Symbolism- The first shot in our video represents symbolism. A symbolism shot moves from one scene to another, including a symbolic connection between the two. For our symbolism scene, we chose to use a metal water bottle for our first shot, and a tree for our second. From this comparison, were really pushing the importance of recycling and how using a reusable water bottle can save the environment, leading to healthier vegetation. 

Contrast- The second shot in our video represents contrast. A contrast shot shows two things being compared with a clear distinction of the differences between them. For our shot, we chose to film a keyboard and pencil and paper. Over time, many people have stopped using handwriting, and now strictly rely on computers for typing, communicating, and sending messages. The back and forth filming between these two scenes really emphasize the difference between the two ways people adjust to a change in technology. 

Parallelism- The third shot in our video represents parallelism. A parallelism shot connects two different shots by comparing the differences and similarities between them. For our shot, Lily and I put our feet up against the green screen and took very small steps, almost like we were walking. The following shot, Lily and I are walking outside on the green grass. These two scenes compare the setting and color, and how even though both scenes somewhat looked like we were walking, one was on a wall, not walking at all, and one was walking on grass. 

Simultaneity- The fourth shot in our video represents simultaneity. A simultaneity shot is a comparison of two scenes that happen at the same time to cause suspense. For our two shots, I filmed a video of Donte "killing" lily, and in the other video, Lily filmed me reporting the murder on a news channel. Both these scenes are filmed in the same setting and are nearly minutes after each other, causing creepy suspense. 

Leitmotif- The final shot in our video represents leitmotif. A leitmotif shot includes music to show a reoccurring theme. In our video, we have jaws music playing to anticipate the stress there is when the time to turn in an assignment is near. 

Movie Angles

Sierra Burgess is a Loser 

Netflix Original Film 

2018

I chose to watch this movie because when I opened up Netflix, it was the first movie suggested. It is a Netflix Orginal. Although the storyline and acting were was not good, the thematic content was. The movie showed many of the camera angles and shots we have been learning in class which helped portray the "high school" theme very well. 

Establishing Shot

In the first few minutes of the movie, the focus in on the main character, Sierra, getting out of the shower and looking at herself in the mirror trying to pose in different positions, and not seeming satisfied with the way she looks. This gives a little information regarding the character and how she feels about herself and the level of confidence she has. The introduction says other people think she is weird because she is very smart, so this shows from the start that she knows she stands out a few ways she may not be comfortable with.

Point Of View Shot

This shot is from Sierra's point of view. In this scene, a boy is texting her thinking he is texting a popular cheerleader from school, but instead, he got Sierra's number as a prank. This scene shows how Sierra already thinks they have a relationship when in reality he is only texting this way to impress the cheerleader he thinks he is talking to.

Two Shot

Although there are three people in this shot, it is considered a two-shot because it is showing a conversation amongst a few people. TGhe conversation that the boys are having is crucial to the movie and by using a two-shot, the viewer thinks they are a part of the conversation. This shot worked well rather than just a basic conversation where two people are talking to each other because in this case, the boys look at the camera, which could be interpreted as looking at someone who is watching the movie.

Reaction Shot 

This is a reaction shot of Sierra and her best friend Dan when Jamey texts "I didn't want to scare you off but I know who you are". At first, both characters were confused as to how Jamey knew who he was actually texting, but they soon realized that he thought he was texting the cheerleader (Veronica), but has just realized a new side of her. Little does he know, he is texting Sierra Burgess

Eye Level Shot

This scene isn't very important, but it does relate to the common topic of Sierras English class where she succeeds highly in. This eye level shot of a girl rapping her poem about back rights was a good angle to use when filming because we can see her whole face which shows the true passion and emotion she has behind the subject. 

High Angle Shot

This high angle shot was taken when Jamey and Sierra were talking on the phone. Jamey is slowly falling in love with Sierra's voice and everything about her. Although he thinks he is talking to the varsity cheerleader, Veronica, he is talking to the sweet, smart, Sierra who he's actually never met before. 

Long Shot

This long shot shows the setting of the movie: High School. This shot really shows that it is like to walk through a high school; kids everywhere, lockers, and a few clubs trying to invite new members to join. This shot definitely gave the movie the high school feel it needed for sure. 

Week 3 Assignment: Critique

The blogs I chose to comment on were Miranda's and Mickeys. 

First, I started with Miranda's:

Full Shot- I really enjoyed Miranda's full shot of Kiley walking up the staircase.The lighting was great and made me feel safe and happy. This scene definitely looks like it is a from a movie filmed in a high school in Hawaii. The mood is very warm and very relaxed.

Reaction Shot-  Miranda's reaction shot was very fun and seemed like the viewer was really involved, almost like a point of view shot. I feel as cooper is looking into my eyes and showing me his initial reaction. I also liked how the length of the video was very short, kind of leaving the viewer wondering what exactly did Kiley do for cooper to react that way?

High Angle Shot- The high angle shot of cooper gets the job done well. The angle cooper is standing and positioned in the frame makes a nice scene. I really enjoyed this scene because it was also filmed at a diagonal angle.

Head on Shot- Mirandas head on shot of cooper what looks to be running away from something gives off a mysterious feel. It makes the viewer think, "who is cooper running from, and why?". Also having cooper not directly in the middle of the frame makes it more satisfying and not a basic shot.

Establishing Shot- The establishing shot Miranda chose to film is very peaceful. It seems like the opening scene to a movie or TV show. It sets up the environment, time frame, and setting very nicely.

Next, I reviewed Mickey's blog:

Cameo Shot- The cameo shot of cooper is very direct and straight to the point. It somewhat seems professional like an interview. I really enjoyed this shot. It was well shot and was very appropriate to describe this camera angle.

Tilt Shot-  This tilt shot is very dramatic and somewhat mysterious. I feel as if this shot could be used in a horror movie when exposing the monster or antagonist. I enjoyed how this was shot very slowly, it added nice emphasis to the fact that it was a TILT shot.

Extreme Long Shot- This extreme wide shot of cooper gives off a dark and yet again mysterious vibe. The bright yet dimness vibe/effect from the school lights make it seem like it is night time in this video, and sometimes makes the viewer ask "what is someone doing in a highschool that late?". I liked the distance cooper was from the camera and how the scene was busy, and not just of cooper himself. 

High Angle Shot- This high angle shot from the ceiling is very unique. For a high angle shot, most people focused on following the main character, or having them speak into the camera. I feel like this low-key video camera angle shot of cooper was much more interesting.