Task 7: Understanding Continuity Editing

Continuity editing? 

Continuity editing is a system of editing used to maintain clear and fluent action within the film. This involved the technique known as degree shots, which means scenes must be taken from certain angles to maintain the continuity and make sense. Without this, the storyline or even the single shot following would appear out of place, breaking the continuos flow thus destroying the audiences perspective of realism.

The Techniques?

• Shot/Reverse shot: In order to achieve the illusion of two people having a conversation in a film or television programme, each shot has to be specifically angled to show their interaction. Usually one person will be facing left, and the other right, in this case a shot is taken either face on or from the side of each individual separately. However, sometimes in more complex editing, over the shoulder shots are taken which may show the person talking and the back of their opponent. In this case, the second person would have to maintain their position throughout in order for it to flow. 
• Eye-Line Match: Eye-line match is the technique of assuring that each character is looking at each other in the correct direction to show some level of communication. This is done through a cut of two shots. By doing this, it gives the audience the perspective of the characters, which makes the film more intimate to watch. 
• 180 Degree Rule: This rule is a basic guideline that states two characters in the scene should always conform to the left/right relationship. It's as though the camera passes over an invisible axis that connects the two subjects, known as 'crossing the line'. When filming like this, the camera should always be on one side of the screen so that the characters will appear to switch position on screen.
• Match on Action: This technique links two shots together, as we see the character start the activity in the scene from one shot and end from another. By doing this it ensures that the action seems like one fluent and realistic movement when the actor may have actually performed it in two halves. 

Casablanca 

The 1942 film 'Casablanca' directed by Michael Curtiz is one of the earlier examples of this technique. In order to show fluency, a series of swoop shots and wide shots are used to show multiple people interacting in one large and eventful scene. Without this technique, it would be unclear as to who was speaking to who, as the eye contact wouldn't have been established using the 180 degree rule. Also, as this scene is so busy and there's lots to see at once, without this editing skill there would be no indication of who/what the audience is meant to focus on. 

The Hangover: Part 3

The 2013 film directed by Todd Phillips is the finale in 'The Hangover' trilogy, and displays a more modern example of continuity editing. In this scene, we see character Alan driving down a highway with his new pet giraffe in tow. On his journey, he speaks to a little boy in another car and his giraffe, in which both conversations require the eye line match rule to be successful. Also, in the huge accident towards the end of the scene, fatalities occur in time with each other, however this isn't necessarily how it may have been filmed. Continuity allows the audience to see an accident happen in an instant, but also Alan continuing to drive on in one flow of filming. This scene would be jumbled and confusing without the rules, which could take away from it's humour. Warning: Contains some graphic content.