How can you create excitement and action through editing in film?

1 Cut to the chase

One of the most basic and effective ways to create excitement and action through editing is to cut to the chase. This means to eliminate any unnecessary or redundant information and focus on the essential elements of the scene. By cutting to the chase, you can increase the tension, urgency, and momentum of the action, and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. For example, in the opening sequence of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Spielberg cuts to the chase by showing only the moments that matter in Indiana Jones' escape from the temple, such as the rolling boulder, the dart traps, and the bridge jump.

2 Use fast cuts

Another technique that can create excitement and action through editing is to use fast cuts. This means to shorten the duration of each shot and switch between different angles and perspectives quickly. By using fast cuts, you can create a sense of speed, energy, and chaos in the action, and make the audience feel like they are part of the scene. For example, in the car chase scene of The Bourne Identity, Liman uses fast cuts to show the frenetic and unpredictable nature of the chase, as well as the close calls and near misses that Bourne faces.

3 Vary the shot sizes

A third technique that can create excitement and action through editing is to vary the shot sizes. This means to alternate between wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups to show different aspects and details of the action. By varying the shot sizes, you can create a sense of scale, contrast, and emotion in the action, and make the audience feel more involved and invested in the outcome. For example, in the final fight scene of The Matrix, the Wachowskis vary the shot sizes to show the epic and intimate nature of the fight, as well as the expressions and reactions of Neo and Agent Smith.

4 Use parallel editing

A fourth technique that can create excitement and action through editing is to use parallel editing. This means to cut back and forth between two or more scenes that are happening at the same time but in different locations. By using parallel editing, you can create a sense of suspense, anticipation, and connection in the action, and make the audience wonder how the scenes will converge or affect each other. For example, in the climax of The Dark Knight, Nolan uses parallel editing to show the simultaneous dilemmas that Batman, Gordon, and Dent face, as well as the choices that they have to make.

5 Use transitions

A fifth technique that can create excitement and action through editing is to use transitions. This means to use different methods of changing from one shot to another, such as cuts, fades, wipes, dissolves, or match cuts. By using transitions, you can create a sense of continuity, contrast, or surprise in the action, and make the audience feel more engaged and immersed in the story. For example, in the opening scene of Star Wars, Lucas uses a wipe transition to show the contrast between the peaceful planet and the menacing starship, as well as a match cut to show the connection between the droids and the rebel ship.

6 Use sound

A sixth technique that can create excitement and action through editing is to use sound. This means to use different elements of sound, such as dialogue, music, sound effects, or silence, to enhance the mood, tone, and impact of the action. By using sound, you can create a sense of realism, emotion, or tension in the action, and make the audience feel more involved and affected by the scene. For example, in the shower scene of Psycho, Hitchcock uses sound to create a sense of horror and shock in the action, as he combines the screeching music, the slashing sound effects, and the screaming dialogue.