FILM STUDIES – what is elliptical editing in filmmaking?
Elliptical editing is a film editing technique in which certain parts of a scene are omitted in order to create a sense of ellipsis, or a missing piece. This can be used to imply a passage of time, suggest a character’s thoughts or feelings, or create a sense of mystery or intrigue. Elliptical editing is often used in conjunction with other editing techniques, such as jump cuts, match cuts, and cross-cutting.
Some examples of elliptical editing in films include:
- “The Godfather” (1972) – The film uses elliptical editing to show the passing of time between scenes and to imply a sense of continuity between the different parts of the story.
- “Memento” (2000) – The film uses elliptical editing to tell its story backwards, with scenes out of chronological order, to give the viewer a sense of the protagonist’s memory loss.
- “Pulp Fiction” (1994) – The film uses elliptical editing to jump back and forth in time, creating a non-linear narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
- “Inception” (2010) – The film uses elliptical editing to show the different levels of the dream world and to create a sense of confusion and disorientation.
- “The Social Network” (2010) – The film uses elliptical editing to show the rapid and chaotic development of Facebook, and how Mark Zuckerberg’s business and personal relationships were affected.
These are just a few examples, but elliptical editing is a common technique used in many films to create a specific mood and tone, and to convey certain information to the audience.
How is elliptical editing used in films?
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