editing styles

Continuity editing is the predominant style of film editing and video editing in the post-production process of film making of narrative films and television programs. The purpose of continuity editing is to smooth over the inherent discontinuity of the editing process and to establish a logical coherence between shots.

In most films, logical coherence is achieved by cutting to continuity, which emphasizes smooth transition of time and space. However, some films incorporate cutting to continuity into a more complex classical cutting technique, one which also tries to show psychological continuity of shots. The montage technique relies on symbolic association of ideas between shots rather than association of simple physical action for its continuity.

Discontinuous editing describes the deliberate or accidental violation of rules of continuity when editing films. As a deliberate technique, it may be used to connote authenticity or to create alienation. The viewer's expectation of continuity can be violated by such methods as changing image size or tone between shots, changing direction or changing shots before the viewer has time to recognize what is happening.It is also known as montage editing, and employs a series of often rapid and non-matching cuts which creates a style the audience is conspicuously aware of, or alternatively that create uneven and unpredictable rhythms and emphasize the rapidity of movement between images.

Knowing that i'm creating a short film, i realise that i should captivate an audience, whether it's through the presentation of enigmas, or drip feeding them a bit of what they like (or not). It is indeed true that discontinuous editing can be put to great effect when referring to short film. I mean, you can jam as much information as you desire within the piece. But i don't believe it would be very adequate for mine and Paddy's desired plot.

Our idea involves the story of a young super human being, leading a somewhat 'normal' life in a normal community. Now how can we present this 'blending in' of culture through editing? Perhaps a more linear narration would suit....