Editing, the connectives in Film Language
Think of cut as connectives in a sentence….
…so, and, then, but, however, meanwhile…
How then does does editing create meaning if it’s just simple links in the film?
Well first of all, the cut constructs meaning in the minds of the audience. Introducing……The Kuleshov Effect
Inquiry
- Understand the nature of the cut to create meaning in the mind of the audience.
- Consider the cut from the A shot to the B shot in terms of eye line & meaning.
- Develop the analysis and consider then the reaction shot which adds meaning.
Inquiry
Source 1
Source 2
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Action
Recreate this example of the Kuleshov Effect:
Top tip – The cinematographer must be conscious of how the shots will be edited
- You must shoot from wide to close, to elevate the sense of significance of the object to the actor.
- You should be wary of discontinuity in the shoot in terms of eye line.
- If the angle of the actor’s eye line is radically different from the angle of the object the cut will not work.
- You should be conscious of discontinuity in terms of space.
- If you are shooting the two shots in very different locations (lighting) that will result in a sense of discontinuity
Editing
Please start your edit with a three second black slate, which says:
Cutting for Meaning
The Kuleshov Effect
A simple 30 second edit of the three or four different Kuleshov effects using the same footage for introduction to the character, their look and their reaction.
Reflection
Consider your footage:
- Which one of the shot, reverse shot, reaction shots works best?
- Which one of the shot, reverse shot, reaction shots works worst?
- How will this technique be used to develop your cinematography and editing skills in future projects