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Continuityverses Montage

Continuity verses Montage
Film Analysis and Development 2

Introduction

In this thesis I will explore, explain, and discover the history of continuity and montage editing, the founders will be revealed and how the different editing styles influenced these two edit techniques. Battleship Potemkin and Birth of a Nation are two great films which are actually the forefathers of the films today. Taking examples from each will give us a better understanding of how these 2 different editing styles work. Touching base on the similarities and differences of the two edit forms, which are so unique in their own way.

What is editing?

Editing is basically the end part of the filmmaking process. Where you put on shot next to the other, then ending up with on complete sequence then putting those sequences together in order to tell your story.

There are selections of styles in editing, which are really basic, by explaining a few of these it will make one grasp what editing really is. There is chronological editing, cross-cutting or parallel editing, deep focus and montage.

Chronological editing, this style of edit follows a sensible narrative order and is similar to continuity editing, which I will explain later in my essay. Time and space in the edit or film is therefore logically presented, the beginning and ending of the sequences will be clear. The events/sequences flows smoothly and so naturally after each other. This style of editing is linked to Hollywood cinema. The only time this edit style is broken is when hen there are flashbacks in these sequences, these are normally showed by using swish sound effects, a fade or using black and white or sepia effect or a type of colour grade to the image.

Cross cutting /parallel editing, this type of style is very specific; it refers to linking up of two sets of actions or events that is being shown by the editor simultaneously shot after shot. These events can either happen at the same time but two different...