Film Editing Project

I filmed and helped come up with ideas for what edit should go with each shot, as well as where and how each shot should be set up. Since Christy wanted to learn how to work with CapCut this project, I did not edit the scenes together myself. However, I did guide her on how to create specific edits, like the jump cut and flashback. Additionally, I helped her locate and use certain features on the platform. Watching her, I was able to see features I hadn't used before myself, such as the wipe effect, which I found interesting. It was a learning experience for both of us, as I also picked up new techniques that I hadn't considered using previously. Doing this project also helped me understand what some of the edits we used, planned to use, or considered, actually look like and gave me clarification on edits that I had previously mistaken for something else. For instance, I assumed parallel editing was the same as split-screen editing, because I knew two scenes had to happen at the same time, but I didn't understand that the scenes are shown one after the other, and not side by side. However, choosing to showcase that editing technique enabled me to learn what it actually was. This process also allowed me to see how different edits can affect the flow and pacing of a video, even if they don't form a cohesive narrative. It also gave me ideas for edits that I might prefer to use for future projects. 

Parallel Editing

In this scene, parallel editing is used to show the Joker's escape happening simultaneously as Batman races to save Harvey Dent (although at that point he believes he is saving Rachel). The point of this is to heighten the tension and urgency of both situations by escalating stakes and drawing the viewer's attention back and forth between the two scenes. Parallel editing is also used to show Batman saving Harvey Dent as he screams for Rachel, while Rachel is tied up in a separate location telling Harvey "It's okay." This is used to show contrast between Harvey's desperate, frantic state and Rachel's calm acceptance of her fate. 

Fade in/Fade out

The title does not fade in until about 26 seconds in, which gives full attention to the voice-over narration that is happening over a completely black screen. The slow fade in after the voice is done speaking gives the audience a moment to briefly reflect on the narration while also allowing the title to stand on its own for a moment, giving it more significance. The fade out allows for a smooth transition into the start of the actual narrative, and helps set the tone for the film, feeling more cinematic and intentional. 

Flashback

The flashback is established by showing Deadpool in Hong Kong, a different location from the scene that he was in before the credits, with his voice-over narration providing the additional information that this is six weeks prior to the scene at the start of the film. This helps the audience understand where and when the flashback is taking place in relation to the rest of the story. This serves to eventually provide context to the first scene, showing all the events that led up to it, but starting far back enough for the audience to still not know exactly how it relates to the present.

Jump Cut

The way jump cuts are used here makes the scene feel even more unnerving than it would have been if Samara had just slowly walked up to the camera. It helps establish her as the supernatural entity that she is, being able to move closer by teleportation. Additionally, the fragmented cuts add to the glitchy TV effect, which increases the sense of distortion and discomfort of the scene. It also emphasizes her getting closer, which makes her presence feel imminent and inescapable, filling the audience with dread for when she finally appears right in front of the screen. 

Freeze Frame

The freeze frame at the end of the film emphasizes the euphoria that Harry is feeling while testing out his new broom. By pausing right in the middle of the action, it brings attention to Harry's expression, highlighting the joy and freedom of the moment. The freeze frame, though unexpected and feeling a little out of place, brings a sense of carelessness and light-heartedness. Overall, it ends the film on a note of pure, unburdened happiness. 

Wipe

It is used twice here to move forward in time, first showing Scott Pilgrim and his friends walking to the party and then transitioning into him and Young Neil standing in the middle of it and transitioning from that into Scott Pilgrim walking up the stairs. It creates a smooth sense of movement between the scenes, while also contributing to the fast-paced and energetic rhythm that the film has. It also makes the atmosphere feel more playful and comic-like, which reinforces the visual style of the film which is inspired by graphic novels.