Editing Styles

In this post I will be looking at different editing styles that can be adopted in film; fast paced editing and slow paced editing. Lets begin by establishing the difference between these two styles. Fast paced editing is where you have lots of cuts and shots do not last any longer than 5 seconds, whereas slow paced editing is where you have fewer cuts and as a result the shots are more drawn out. 

Fast-paced editing

Fast-paced editing is editing which uses many cuts and the shots do not last long. This editing style is often used in action films which require fast paced editing to add to the intensity of a situation thats unfolding on screen. These kinds of situations include a rapid car chase or scene in which the hero and villain are exchanging gunfire. Below is an example of fast-paced editing. This use of fast-paced editing and upbeat music make our hearts race faster and leaves us on the edge of our seats.

Slow-paced editing

This type of editing is evident in films when there are very few cuts used between shots, instead there are just prolonged sequences. Slow-paced editing is usually seen in romance films, where the feelings of love and the gentle scenes are accompanied by long and slow shots with very few cuts. Below is an example of slow-paced editing from the film 'Titanic'. In this scene, DiCaprio cooly waits in the first class dining suite and he waits for Rose. It could be suggested that the slow-paced editing reflects Jack and Rose's endless love for each other.