Analysis of Continuity in a Film Sequence

Analysis of Continuity in a Film Sequence

 

The scene I have chosen to analyse in terms of continuity is the face off between Master and Apprentice in Star Wars, Episode III. This sequence is full of intense action and good use of continuity techniques that let it flow excellently with no interruption.

• Lots of fast cutting (typical of action films) is featured, giving a very fast pace and rhythm to the scene. All shot changes are cuts, so no dissolves/fades etc to slow the action

• A full range of shot distances is used. This includes:
  - Closeups to show emotion and objects/images of importance, e.g. the hands at        1:46 unable to overpower the other
  - Wide shots showing both whole characters at a distance in full view, and also to show what is going on in the background e.g. at 3:47 where the buildings are collapsing into the lava
  - These are often cut between mid shots from the waist up of lightsaber action that feature throughout

• Match-on-action shots are commonly used here as the subjects move between different areas and the camera changes angle and distance; the action continues to happen as we see it from other perspectives

• Camera tracking is often used, such as at 0:26 the subjects are followed across the room they are in

• Arcs circulate the subjects like in 2:36, where an overhead arc shoots the two balancing on a thin beam

• Shot-reverse-shot is used to film both character's perspectives simultaneously, for example the OTS's at 2:45, putting the audience right in the action

• The 30 and 180 degree rules are applied here: - distance and angle constantly change drastically; not only to intensify the action but to avoid any 'jump' shots
  - Wide shots from all angles give us full view of the setting surrounding the characters, so 180 degree cuts are not confusing

• Shot order routinely edits distances together, taking the audience across the physical space of the scene, for example at 4:00 we are taken from extreme wides to LS, to MS, then to MCU

• 'Non-linear editing' has been used in this film, so that the shot order can be edited and re-edited to the film makers liking as long as they make chronological sense