Editing lesson catch up (29/11/17)

Task 3

Psycho (1960) directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

1. Discuss the dramatic change in pace achieved by the editing.
   Dramatic change in pace is achieved by editing because the straight cuts between each clip occurs very frequently, which creates the effect of a fast pace as the film continues. This is achieved post filming by editing because the editor alternates between different camera angles in order to present various angles of the scene. The point where the editing was the fastest in the clip was when the intruder was attempting top stab the woman in the shower, where there were fast straight cut edits between each knife stroke. The pace of the action then slowed down towards the end of the clips when the wounded woman was falling to the floor; the use of editing to slow down the scene emphasised the shock and pain she was in.
2. How does the editing emphasise the action on screen?
   The editing emphasises the action on screen because the clips alternate from different angles, such as close up, extreme close ups and medium close ups. The fast pace of the editing also helps to emphasise the reaction on screen as it creates tension for the audience.
3. There were practical reasons for the huge number of edits. Can you suggest any?
   One reason may be to create tension and suspense for the audience; the fast pace of the editing as some points in the clip would have the audience on the edge of their seats and the slow paced editing allows the audience to sympathise with the character and really understand what is going on.