Task 9: Non-Continuity

Non-Continuity Editing is a style of film making that was made popular throughout the 1950's and 1960's. Filmmakers may choose to use Non-Continuity editing because it leaves gaps in continuity which gives emotion to a scene and gives attention to important parts of the scene.

Filmmakers such as Jean Luc Godard and François Truffaut created a new style of editing called 'French New Wave.' These films used a 'carefree' editing style and did not conform to the traditional editing etiquette of Hollywood films. 'French New Wave' editing drew attention to itself by its lack of continuity and its self-reflexive nature. They often used material not often related to any narrative which kept the audience surprised and intrigued.

The two most effective Non-Continuity editing techniques are:

• Jump Cut
• Breaking the 180 Degree Rule

Jump Cut

A jump cut is an abrupt transition from one scene to another. This technique is used to startle the viewer, draw attention to something, speed up the action and to create emergency.

One example of a film that uses a Jump Cut is 'Breathless' by Jean Luc Godard.

https://youtu.be/1ov4mQJIHhc

  

In this clip 'Jean Luc Godard' deliberately uses non-continuity editing in the form of a Jump cut when Seberg picks up the mirror and then  it's suddenly gone again. 

Breaking the 180 Degree Rule

By breaking the 180 degree rule, it creates a startling effect and conveys something is going wrong, It creates a sense of confusion. Two examples of films where this technique is used 'The Shining' by Stanley Kubrick and 'The Hunger Games' by Gary Ross.

It is done in 'The Shining' by Stanley Kubrick to create confusion within the audience. By breaking the 180 degree rule it emphasises that someone is in danger. This intrigues the audience.

It is also used in 'The Hunger Games' by Gary Ross. It emphasises the disorientation that the character is feeling and creates the idea of danger.