Short Cuts and the Battle for Attention

[Loki]

Back to the thread topic - fast cutting isn't inherently a bad thing. It's just another technique. Like most techniques, it can be overused or abused.

It's fairly obvious that modern audiences are able to take in information far quicker than in cinema's infancy. We're all soaked in the developing language of cinema.

My biggest problem with fast cutting is that if it's used almost exclusively, it becomes monotonous, and also starts drawing attention to itself. It's also a bit lazy - the long take takes more effort and planning from everybody involved.

Also, without cuts, it has a certain "verite" feel that choppy editing lacks. Another tool in the director's armoury which should be used more!

Don't forget... a film with fast cuts can feel extremely slow and really long.. it all depends on the pace, and the flow... and likewise, a film with long takes and fewer cuts can whiz by.. people tend to forget about the pacing of a film.

Next time you are watching a DVD maybe try and count the number of cuts... you might be surprised. Fast cutting for sure ups the kinetic pace of the scene/film but it also heavily depends on what is happening on screen.

 

[ericyoung]

Absolutely Loki. But I think that would be another topic about the quality of the content in films, not about fast cutting specifically?