Film Language Test: Learner Response

Feedback:

WWW- Some really impressive, detailed responses that focus on the question. Well done!

EBI- Written English is one to keep an eye on... it will hold you back from the top levels/grades, watch those very long sentences.
      -Editing needs to be revised more.

LR- Re-write Editing question on your blog

Q: How s editing used to create drama and tensions in the opening scene? (12 marks)

Firstly, one way in which editing is used to create drama and tension in the opening scene is by the use of slow motion. The use of slow motion is present during the scene when the villain releases the match stick from his hands and also when the matchstick lands in the flammable liquid. This slow motion edit is used to create shock and an un-easy atmosphere to the audience. This is because the audience are eager for the villain to be caught which makes them engaged and the slow motion effect shows how powerful and clever the villain is. The audience's perception of the villain changes as the slow motion is used in a significant shot when the audience want to see what happens next. Moreover, the use of the slow motion of the matchstick landing to the ground also is effective as it shows to the audience the sheer power and abilities of this character. The use of slow motion when the villain walks out of the shot shows how the villain doesn't want to get caught and narrates the fact that he is clever as he is burning the evidence of his presence.

Another way in which editing is used to create drama and tension in the opening scene is by the use of continuity editing. The use of continuity editing is present through-out this clip as the shots taken are all in sync with each other and transitions in a continuous style. This style of editing creates tension because it makes the audience feel engaged with what's happening and the continuity editing urges the audience to want to see more. The use of continuity editing is used to show the full visuals of a scene from one shot to the next and delivers the actions of what the characters are doing. This creates a connection to the audience as the audience want to see what happens in the next shot which makes them feel suspense. The use of continuity editing was used effectively in when the villain interacts with the hostage. This scene is an example, of how the audiences really engage with the shot transitions as in this shot the audience want to see what happens next to the character and the use of continuity editing delivers this.

Finally, another way in which editing is used to create drama and tension in the opening scene is by the use of a jump-cut. The use of a jump-cut is present when the explosion goes off. This scene is a jump-cut because it was unexpected in the audiences eyes. The shots previously to the explosion were of of the crate which suddenly jumps to the shot of the explosion which had nothing to do with the crates appearance. The jump-cut creates tension as the audience feel shock after the explosion has gone off. In addition, the use of dramatic atmosphere when the explosion goes off is key as the audience feel like the villain had cleverly thought this through and knew how to escape, which build upon the narrative of the character. As a result, the jump-cut creates an unexpected event in the narrative of what the audience is watching as the previous transitions were continuity editing then suddenly, a jump-cut appears which shifts the tone and atmosphere of the narrative and what the audience is watching.