Researching into editing styles - Miss Georiou

Editing styles

Editing is a key part of the thriller film-making process, and it is important that it is invisible to the viewer. It allows the director to manipulate the pacing and the tone of the film, to remove any mistakes, and to join individual shots together to create a full sequence. Different types of editing styles include montage, wipe, dissolve and the 180 rule. I have chosen to analyse the editing styles that are used in this dream sequence from the thriller film Shutter Island to see how and what effects they create within the scene.
 

 

An editing technique that appears towards the middle of the sequence from Shutter Island is a shot reverse shot, which is used to show a conversation that is taking place between two of the characters. The technique will ensure that the transitions between the shot changes are smooth which will help to make the conversation between the characters flow. A shot reverse shot is needed in order to show both sides of the conversation so that the audience can see how the characters are reacting to each other. Also, this technique will make it look as though the characters are talking directly to the audience which is conventional to the thriller genre as it will make them feel more involved in the scene.

An editing technique that reoccurs in this sequence from Shutter Island is a straight cut, this is when the shot will quickly change from one viewpoint or location to another. A straight cut is used at the very beginning of the clip when the audience can see the character Teddy drifting in and out of consciousness, implying that he is struggling to fall asleep. The shot begins hovering over the character and then changes to show the audience the dream that is going on inside of his head. The use of this straight cut gives the audience a bigger insight into what is going on inside of the characters head, which builds on the narrative. In the sequence, the audience are introduced to a new character who they do not know much about which will create an enigma as they will want to know more about her, and why she is in Teddy's dream. The sudden change in shot is conventional to the thriller genre as it creates suspense due to it prolonging the sequence meaning the audience have to wait longer to see what happens next.

Another editing technique that is used in the sequence from Shutter Island is a reaction shot, which is when a subject (character) reacts to the previous shot. A reaction shot is used when Teddy is conversing with his wife towards the middle of the sequence, in order to show the audience how Teddy feels about what the other character is saying. The use of this reaction shot is conventional to the thriller genre as it will give the audience a bigger insight into how Teddy is feeling which will make the audience feel more involved in what they are watching as the character is opening up with them in a way, and allowing them to see his true emotions.

In conclusion, editing techniques are important when ensuring that a film runs smoothly from beginning to end. If used efficiently, the different editing techniques will create a consistent flow throughout the film when the shot transitions from one to another. There are also many sounds in thriller films that are added in during the editing stage and so it is important that the sound is played at the right time and corresponds with the correct action.