Task 9: Non-Continuity

Non-Continuity Editing?

Non- continuity editing, or discontinuity, is the opposite of continuity editing as it uses obvious editing to create a non realistic sequence of events. Essentially, shots are juxtaposed to show very obvious editing which is a  technique made popular throughout the 1950's and 1960's, mostly by Jean Luc Godard and François Truffaut. The time period and creation of discontinuity was known as the 'French New Wave'.

The Techniques?

• Jump Cut: A jump cut is a literal cut in film editing which takes two following shots of the same scene and alters the angle in which they are filmed very obviously, even sometimes changing surroundings completely. This could be to show a jump in time, or to bring emphasis to certain scenes that are supposed to be unrealistic. It is also sometimes used to exaggerate facial expressions.  
• Breaking the 180 degrees rule: By breaking this rule, it shows the scene from complete different perspectives and also switches the meaning of the scene which could reflect the characters emotions. 

A Bout de Soufflé - 

The 1960 film directed by Jean-Luc Godard is an earlier example of this style being used effectively and deliberately.  In this film, jump cuts are used to show a sequence happening in shorter time and in stages rather than one continuous flow. When the woman is talking to the driver, the eye line match rule is still used, however discontinuity occurs when she begins to check her appearance. There is no clear change as to when she opens her mirror, so the audience are presented with a sped up scene. Also, the surroundings indicate the change in time which is effective as it breaks flow, and occasionally the 180 degree rule.

The Shining - Stanley Kubrick

In the 1980 film directed by Stanley Kubrick, the 180 degree rule is broken when the two men are presented talking in a bathroom. 'The Shining' is a fairly modern film, so it would no longer confuse the audience by breaking flow deliberately and causing confusing situations. Throughout the conversation, the rule is broken in order to show the characters emotions and the turning of events when revelations are made, as well as make the audience rather dizzy. This technique is very common in situations where one or many characters are scared or confused, therefore appropriate here.