Cross- Cutting Cross cutting also known as parallel editing, is cutting between two different scenes that are happening at the same time.This technique was created and developed by D.W. Griffith. Cross-Cutting was first used in D.W Griffith's film "After many years" in 1908. The clip below shows an example of cross-cutting being used. The clip is from the film Quantum of Solace. In the scene, A man is being interrogated, the camera then cuts to another scene to show that somebody is approaching in a car. The purpose of Cross-Cutting is to show two important/relevant events in the story that are happening at the same time. Using Cross-Cutting makes the story of a film more interesting for audience. It also allows the audience to be introduced to new characters of the story.
Vendetta is a short film, which makes the format a single drama. The narrative of the film is non-linear. This is because the film starts off with the girl getting caught by one of the characters. The audience doesn't know how the character got caught in the first place. They are forced to work it out.
(1:39) The screenshot above shows the first scene of the film.The two characters are alone on the rooftop. Low contrast and high exposure lighting is used to convey this. The use of this lighting creates a sense of isolation and makes the atmosphere appear dull. The camera is also less focused on the rest of the surroundings apart from where the characters are standing. This makes it clear that, in this particular scene, the two characters are truly alone. The musical score for this scene builds tension and suspense.The music starts to play when the man holds the gun to the girl's head. This suggests that something dangerous is going to happen to the girl,most likely that she gets shot. The music is foreshadowing this. The sound of the gunshot ringing is mixed into the musical score of the scene, so that it sounds like it is a diegetic sound. This creates realism by making the audience feel like they are the character that is being shot at and that they can hear the ringing.The music in the scene is low and subtle, which creates mystery.The purpose of this is to tell the audience that the genre of the film is a thriller.One of the characters is holding a gun and fires it. This already tells the audience that the film is a thriller. Later on in the scene, the music changes to a much more upbeat and fast tempo style, to show that it has become a fight scene. The music goes back and forth, to illustrate that there is a struggle of power between the two characters.The music has been constructed this way to create a feeling of conflict to the audience and draw them in. The camera moves around to imply that the two characters are in conflict. At the end of the scene (3:29) the music stops as soon as the girl shoots the man. This is deliberately done to cut the tension of conflict and to bring the audience back.This is very effective because it signifies that the conflict is over. A medium long shot is used as a establishing shot. to show the location in the scene.
The pace of the editing is faster when the two characters are fighting. The purpose of this is to create realism in the fight scene. Like the music,the pace is trying to illustrate the power struggle between the two characters.
(5:51) This is a screenshot from the middle of the film. At the start of the scene (5:36) a group of men can be seen capturing the girl and bringing her to someone. From looking at their presence, the audience can already tell that they are the antagonists of the story.In this screenshot the audience is introduced to a new character. Low key lighting is used for this specific part of the scene. The purpose of this is to point out the significance of this particular character. It also makes the audience feel on edge because they do not know who the character is.The lighting is dark which suggests that this character is evil and bad, which tells the audience that he is the main antagonist. The audience were allowed to see the faces of the other antagonists clearly. However for this antagonist, the audience is forced to wait for him to reveal himself from the darkness. This also suggests that there is some kind of difference in status between the antagonists. This character is sitting down and eating while the other characters are standing and watching him eat. This is seen as a typical way that villains behave in thriller films. The fact that this character is seen smoking at the beginning of the scene further reinforces the point that the character is a villain. Smoking is often viewed as a bad habit, and is associated with people who are bad and up to no good. Having the antagonist smoke at the beginning of the scene creates a feeling of uneasiness for the audience.This is because the character seems very calm while smoking, this leaves the audience feeling vulnerable and unprepared for what might happen next.The audience cannot tell what his motives are.
(7:57) The point of view shot is used when the girl shoots the man.This creates realism, especially for the audience. It feels as if the audience is in the character's shoes and sees what she sees. By doing this, the audience can further empathise with character. This also creates an emotional attachment between the audience and character. The girl has just shot another character. As the audience, looking from the characters point of view, it feels like the audience have pulled the trigger themselves. All the psychological consequences that come from killing someone can now be felt and understood by the audience from this simple shot.The audience become more involved.The fact that High contrast lighting is used,further highlights the reality that someone has been killed. The only noticable thing that stands out in the shot is the red blood from the man's gunshot wound. The colour red is really important in this scene. This is because red is often a negative connotation. The colour red is normally associated with danger and caution. Having the colour red stand out indicates that something dangerous has taken place and that the audience should be prepared for something dangerous and life threatening to happen to a character.
The setting is dark, which creates a ominous mood. This leads to the audience to suspect that something threatening is going to happen.
A close up is used to emphasis the fact that the girl has been caught.
(3:15 -3:18) A slow motion effect has been used when the girl kicks the man. Slow motion is used in this scene to give the kick a dramatized effect. It is also used to show that the girl is strong and she is winning the fight.
Bird's eye-view is used to show that the antagonists are watching the girl. It implies that the antagonists are powerful and have supreme status. Almost as if they are God-like.
The screenshot above shows an extreme close up that was used in one of the scenes of the film. The purpose of using this extreme close up is to make the audience notice certain characteristics and emotions about this character, that would normally go unnoticed.
(9:05) This is a screenshot from the last scene of the film. In this scene the setting and mood has changed. The protagonist of the film has come out of the situation alive but has failed her mission to save her sister. The lighting is similar to the lighting used in the beginning of the film. Sunlight can be seen as the character is walking towards the gate. The two different lightings represent the fact that she is leaving the isolated area and walking back into reality. This is telling the audience that she is leaving everything that has happened so far behind and moving forward. This signifies that she has no regrets and she is ready to get on with her life. Even though she does not actually say she has no regrets, we as the audience can tell that she feels that way. By turning her back on the camera, she is showing that she has no regrets. At the end of the scene acrane is used to lift the camera into the sky,as the girl is walking away. The crane shot is purposely used to tell the audience that the story has ended and that the girl's journey has also ended. Short film 2: Decay (Thriller/horror)
(2:00) Depth of field is used in this medium close up shot to separate the character from the setting,making him stand out. Doing this allows the audience to acknowledge that this character is of relevance to the story. It also tells the audience that this character is alone. A medium close up is used for this part of the scene.The purpose for this is to show the facial expression on the character's face. In this scene, the character has just discovered and triggered an explosive device. The audience can see that he is nervous and panicked about his current predicament.
A High angle shot is used to show that the character is in a vulnerable position. In this scene the character has just been blown away by an explosion. A ringing sound that has been caused by the explosion (diegetic sound) can be heard. This alone, makes the scene more realistic.The audience feel as if they can feel the effects of the explosion.
(3:50) In beginning of this scene, The camera pans around the character's room. Cross fade transitions are also used in the scene. The camera movement and transition effects combine to create continuity. Continuity adds more depth to the scene aswell as the whole film. By using the combination of camera movements and transition effects,the audience are able to better understand the story of the film.The pan movement creates suspense because the camera is only allowing the audience to see specific parts of the man's room. The audience can see that something bad has happened, and that it involves the character on screen. The character's clothes and most of his room is stained with blood. This leads the audience to believe that the man might have killed someone or he might be gravely injured. Because there is blood, the audience can tell that the genre of the film might be thriller or horror.The heavy breathing from the man shows that he is very panicked. This is more evidence to the audience that the man is in a bad situation.
(3:03) A point of view shot is used when the man wakes up from being unconscious. For a brief moment,The audience is able to see what the character sees. In this scene, the man wakes up to find blood on his hands. There is also a dead body not too far from him. Once again the director is hinting to the audience that this character is involved in something dangerous. Allowing the audience to the see from the character's perspective creates mystery and further adds to the feeling of suspense.
(0:41-0:46) Match on Action is used when the character opens the front door.The purpose of this is to create continuity and realism in the scene. (0:53) The movie title bumper has a horror effect. This tells the audience that the genre is horror/thriller.
The music used in the film is echoey, this creates mystery and suspense. This aids the audience in understanding the narrative of the story. It also allows the audience to know what genre the film is.
Short film 3: Red (Thriller)
(0:28) Camera tracking movement is used in the beginning of the scene. The purpose of this is to show to the audience that at this particular moment, this character is important.The tracking shot is also used to maintain and catch all of the action on screen The shot also keeps the character within the frame.The music in the scene (non- diegetic) uses a low continuous note.
