Film Terms #3 Editing: Manipulation of Time and Space

Cutting to Continuity

A condensed editing style that preserves fluid action through brief shots rather than showing everything in real time.

Jump Cut

Two spliced shots that don’t match in time or place, creating a jumpy, abrupt effect.

Establishing Shot

The opening shot of a sequence that shows location and sets tone, time, or mood (often long or extreme long shots).

Reestablishing Shot

A return to the establishing shot to remind the viewer of the overall physical setting.

Classical Cutting

A technique emphasizing dramatic/emotional intensity by splitting action into fragmentary shots using mainly long, medium, and close shots.

Parallel Editing

Alternating shots of one scene with shots of another scene happening in a different location.

Cross-Cutting

Moving back and forth between two (or more) scenes to show simultaneous time; developed by D.W. Griffith.

Thematic Montage

Editing that links shots by theme or idea instead of narrative, creating an intellectual concept for the viewer.

Flashback

A shot/scene showing action that occurred before the present time in the film.

Flashforward

A shot/scene showing action that will occur in the future beyond the film’s present time.

Cutaways

A cut away from the main subject to something equally or more relevant; often used to compress time or show reaction shots.

Cutaway to Fantasy

A cut away to reveal a character’s imagined or psychological thoughts.

Close-Up (CU)

A shot showing a specific detail (face only, hands only, etc.).

Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

A very detailed close-up (eyes, mouth, etc.).

Dissolve

A transition where one image fades out while another fades in, often signaling a change in time or place.

Continuity Clues

Hints such as location, action, dialogue, etc., that help the viewer recognize a return to a previous scene.

Fade In

A shot that begins in darkness and gradually brightens to full exposure.

Fade Out

A shot that begins at full exposure and gradually fades to black.

Freeze-Frame

Holding/fixing the action at a specific moment by printing a frame repeatedly.

Long Shot (LS)

A distant shot that frames a subject so the whole body is visible.

Medium Shot (MS)

A shot that frames a subject from about the waist up.

Reverse Cutting

Alternating over-the-shoulder shots between characters speaking (commonly used in dialogue scenes).

Sequence Shot

An entire sequence filmed as one continuous shot with no edits.

Example of Cutting to Continuity

= Unobtrusive Condensation, the editing can consists of five brief shots:

1. She enters a corridor as she closes the door to her office.

2. She leaves the office building.

3. She drives her car along a highway

4. Her car turns into her driveway at home.