Research into editing techniques with examples

The editing of our film has been influenced by directors of black comedy and neo-noir films, such as Quentin Tarantino and the Coen Brothers. The Coen brothers edit their own films under the pseudonym 'Roderick Jaynes'. Like the Coen Brothers we have extensively used shot-reverse-shot often with a zoom which leaves the audience trapped within the scene and forced to experience the scene as if it were themselves. This technique used by the Coen Brothers is effective for creating tension which they often contrast with their extensive use of black comedy in their film.

Shot reverse shot within our film

Shot reverse shot within 'No Country for Old Men'

This video efficiently explains the Coen brothers' use of the simple shot-reverse-shot
 

We have also been inspired by the editing techniques that Quentin Tarantino employs. To shorten our scenes and add direction to our film, like Tarantino, we have broken up our scenes into chapters like a book introducing the context of that part of the film. 

Inglorious Basterds

A still from the final chapter of our film

We have used a graphic match and think that they are an aesthetically appealing editing technique. It can be effective at contrasting the thoughts and feelings of one character in two different scenarios.situations. (waking up to the train station photos)

The grapic match from Hitchcock's 'Psycho'

A Point of View shot is a short film scene that shows what a character is looking at. We have used this as it enhances tension and the drama of a scene. The POV shot on the roof when Ross is about to commit suicide is shaky to add the dramatic effect. The one following Hooper's feet as he arrives to work is in pace and motion and adds mystery as his identity is hidden.

Other examples of editing that we have used is parallel editing. Ross gets a text from Daisy as Hooper gets to work and Karen coming into work as Ross is getting Hooper fired. We have used visible editing as there are different shots in time with the music as Hooper comes into work whilst Rosss is already at his desk, they then look back and forth whilst the dramatic ironside music plays. Similarly, the shot of Dr Parkes running up the stairs to Ross and Ross awaiting his arrival is visible editing as this occurs three times. This is inspired by the visible editing in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail Sir Lancelot running scene