Editing in films is essential to the flow and transitioning between each scene change. As Corrigan and White say, “editing can produce meaning by combining shots in an infinite number of ways.” Through the use of editing the audience can understand the directors intent as, “film editing conveys multiple perspectives by linking shots in various relationships.”
In the film ‘Be Kind Rewind by Michel Gondry these perspectives are explored through linking shots. In the scene where Jerry and Mike are sweeding their first film ‘Ghostbusters’, the shot changes from the real camera to the prop of the hand held camera that has a different quality of picture. This way the audience can tell that these shots are being linked by alternating the image showing the characters making their own film. This form of editing is known as ‘The Cut and Other Transitions’. As explained in ‘The Film Experience’ by Corrigan and White “a cut…renders this action in two shots,” In the scene below we see the camera cut from the actual camera to the hand held camera often throughout the scene. This use of editing the picture shows the viewer what the content of the films being made would look like if a film was put together on a low budget handheld camera.
Screenshot #1
Screenshot #2
Another use of editing towards the end of the scene is when the shot cuts to night vision. Even though this is a movie about making movies, the editing used is accurate in regards to editing techniques. The change in colour patterns (saturation in this case) aims to recreate a different time or a different setting. For this instance the characters are recreating Ghostbusters so to create an effect, they use negative colour. Through editing the significance of the shot before and after won’t lose the desired effect. Editing works to make sure that each shot has a reason and significance for being used.
Screenshot #3
Another form of editing that is used quite often is the duration and pace of each shot. As Corrigan and White state, “The quick pacing characteristic of action sequences has become more prevalent in contemporary cinema.” With Be Kind Rewind being made in 2008 the quick changes between shots is used during the scene of sweeding Rush Hour 2. The quick cutting from shot to shot along with uplifting music keeps the pace of the scene moving along fast. This way it gives the scene a modern feel and also delivers a more positive uplifting mood for the film as a whole. In this scene in the film with the re enactment of Rush Hour 2 changing from a long shot, to a medium shot and then back to a long shot, or even reaction shots, the pace of the film is kept moving smoothly through each scene and then next. This way it makes it easier for the viewer to understand the film and maintain the storyline as well.
Editing nowadays has become a film form that, “does not merely create formal patterns but associates these patterns with certain values, traditions and meanings.” Editing is a vital part of how people view films, and if it weren’t for editing then the film industry wouldn’t have evolved as much as it has been able to due to the development in technology.
References:
Be Kind Rewind, Michel Gondry, Partizan Films & Focus Features, 2008, Film
Corrigan, Timothy and Patricia White. The Film Experience: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2012. Print.
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