Storytelling and Narrative Editing Flashcards

What is a 'reaction shot' in film editing?

Answer: A shot of a character's face showing their response to an event or dialogue

A reaction shot captures a character's emotional response to what they see or hear, helping communicate subtext and story to the audience.

What is 'montage' in film editing?

Answer: A sequence of shots edited together to condense time or convey an idea through juxtaposition

Montage is an editing technique where a series of short shots are juxtaposed to compress time, show progression, or create meaning through the collision of images.

What does 'cutting on action' mean in film editing?

Answer: Transitioning between shots mid-movement to create seamless continuity

Cutting on action means making the edit during a movement so the action flows seamlessly from one camera angle to another, hiding the cut.

What is a 'plot point' in narrative film structure?

Answer: A key event that turns the story in a new direction at a structural moment

A plot point is a significant narrative event that spins the story in a new direction, typically occurring at the end of Acts 1 and 2 in classical three-act structure.

In documentary filmmaking, what is a 'talking head' shot?

Answer: A medium shot of an interview subject speaking directly to camera or interviewer

A talking head is a medium-close shot of an interview subject speaking, commonly used in documentaries and news programs.

What is the 'Kuleshov effect' in film editing?

Answer: The phenomenon where the same shot of a neutral face takes on different emotional meaning depending on the following shot

The Kuleshov effect demonstrates that the meaning of a shot changes based on what it's juxtaposed with — a neutral face appears sad, hungry, or happy depending on the preceding image.