These two videos show different examples of alternatives to continuity editing. For Starters, it shows an eyeline is an imaginary line that shows where a person is looking. In films eyelines are matched when they appear to meet along the same line. They should also be matched by following the 180-degree rule. If the 180-degree rule is broken it confuses the audience which can disrupt the flow and the audience’s emotional engagement to the film because viewers may be struggling to understand the dynamics at play. Eyelines also help viewers know what to expect in the next shot. For example, if a character looks one way and then another the audience will wonder what she’s looking at. Usually, the next shot will show what has caught her attention. This way eyelines can guide viewers so they can anticipate what they will see next. An example of this as seen in rear window is when Jeffries looks through his binoculars then the camera is pointed at Thorwald’s apartment. This shows the audience Mr. Jeffries viewpoint and then it cuts back to him.
Another example is a jump cut. This shows a character or action at one point and then later cuts to another point. This can be useful for many reasons and an example can be seen in the most recent class viewing “all that heaven allows”. When Cary visits Ron’s house jump, cuts are used to show the progression of their relationship with one another. The film may cut from a scene of them together laughing and having fun to a moment where Cary is alone. This cut effectively illustrates the emotional dynamics in Cary’s life and her struggle between societal norms, which weaken her relationship with Ron, and her personal happiness. This jump emphasizes the contrasts between her moments of happiness and her internal conflict which makes it easier for the audience to follow along. Separately, jump cuts are used when Cary and Ron are driving and then cuts to them at the destination. This cut makes as opposed to a continuous shot of them driving because it skips an unnecessary detail and keep the story moving forward. It also creates a fast-paced feel and makes the scenes more dynamic and engaging. Overall, this film effectively uses alternatives to continuity editing to keep the audience engaged.
Match on action is another film editing technique that is an alternative to continuity editing that portrays a smooth transition between two shots by showing the same action from various angles. This approach helps preserve the story’s flow and enriches visual storytelling. This is seen during moments of confrontation or emotional reflection in this week’s film. This can be noticed as the film cuts from Cary’s face as she reacts to something Ron says to a shot of her turning her shoulder away or looking out the window shows her internal struggle. This helps demonstrate her feelings without losing the continuity of her action. Furthermore, during the party scene match on action is used when Cary moves from one conversation to another. It shows her mid-sentence in one shot and then cuts to another angle where she continues speaking. This keeps the dialogue flowing smoothly and maintains the energy of the scene.
Example of these film techniques and rules being broken
This clip from saving Private Ryan shows a scene of the 180-degree line being broken. Although, we shouldn’t break this rule especially during conversations because it can be confusing to the audience. Even though it is controversial and many great film makers mentioned in class like Alfred Hitchcock that don’t break this rule like I personally think there can be exceptions like for this scene. When the solider gets the news that all his brothers are dead the 180-degree line is broken, and the camera is completely flipped to the other side. This camera flip has deeper symbolism because it shows how his world has completely flipped. Furthermore, when we he hears this news there is a long pause and the dialogue is slow which doesn’t make this rule break too hard for the audience to follow. To add on, by flipping the camera and in result breaking the 180-degree rule the audience is not only stunned by the news but by the camera flip as well which adds more intensity to the story and symbolizes that the soldier’s life has completely flipped around.