Signature Editing Techniques

The thriller genre is also known for certain editing techniques and certain types of editing - all of which tend to have the same aim; to build tension and suspense for the audience. I am going to research editing to see what is often used within the genre, to give me inspiration for when I must choose what editing to use in my work. 

Cross cutting

This clip from the popular 2010 sci-fi thriller film 'Inception', throughout the scene the camera switches between  two separate action sequences constantly and therefore gives a continual sense of action, building tension and not allowing any time for the audience to relax, it is a full on sequence. This is a prime example of cross cutting, cross cutting can cut between two different shots, it can happen very swiftly or like this example there may be longer between each shot. Cross cutting is often used within the thriller genre and is key in adding to the feeling of chaos that is present in many thrillers.

  Jump cuts

This extract is from the 1960 french thriller film, 'Breathless', within the sequence the director, Jean-Luc Godard has used multiple jump cuts which mimic the movement of the car on the road, creating a jolty feel which connotes to the reader the chaos of the situation and the character's state of mind. Moreover, jump cuts disorientate the audience which creates tension and a sense of uncertainty, implying the characters may be in danger.

Fast paced editing

Fast paced editing is crucial for thriller films and is often used. The effects of fast paced editing is to massively increase tension for the audience and to convey a sense of disorder and anarchy. Within this clip the fast paced editing is evident as there is no break in the action, not allowing any time for the audience to relax and sustaining a high level of tension, keeping the audience on edge. The extract is a montage of various camera angles and editing techniques which all give a sense of the character's frustration at the danger posed by the antagonist and a frantic sense of their trying to escape. 



Sources: Youtube, Wiki, Google Images, http://www.slideshare.net/bobsled/conventions-of-thriller-films-3300791, https://sites.google.com/site/worldofvisualeffects/editing-techniques