Continuity Task 2 (BLK)

The first shot of the snippet is an establishing shot which uses tracking. This immediately clarifies where the action is taking place, and who the characters involved are. The use of an arced track, or ‘dolly’, allows the audience to remain focused on the scene, reflecting the tension of the situation. Additionally, the camera remains on one side of the action so as not to break the 180° rule, and keep a consistent line of vision.

Shot 2 uses an over-the-shoulder shot of Character B, in order for the audience to empathise with Character A and view his perspective. The matched cut also creates continuity, as it helps the sequence appear as though in a continuous smooth flow.

The third shot is a wide shot which creates continuity by using a cutaway to represent the parallel action taking place and establish other characters and settings. Meanwhile the 4^th shot is a CU of Character A to emphasise his facial expression and allow the audience to clearly see his thoughts and emotions. Shot 5 then uses a motivated cut (shot/reverse shot), creating continuity through the action of A and the reaction from B.

The next shot then returns to the wide establishing shot seen at the beginning of the sequence. This master shot creates continuity by signifying the space between the two characters, and the framing creates the effect of the audience as onlookers. At the end of this shot, the diegetic sound of the phone ringing acts as a bridge, linking the two shots.

The next shots increase the cutting rate, creating the effect of tension and panic as Character C frantically realises where the phone is coming from. There is another use of shot/reverse shot to highlight the reaction of the character, and the jump in framing to a BCU emphasises her shocked expression and panicked action. The following shot uses an eyeline match for continuity and to ensure the direction of Character C’s glance remained the same. Continuity editing is used throughout the sequence to indicate an air of realism to the audience.

There is then a handheld shot following Character C as she races to reach her phone, giving a sense of immediacy and alarm. Shot 13 uses further crosscutting to introduce another character, Character D, which could foreshadow a climax between the characters.

The next shots again follow a rapid cutting rate between the main action of A & B, and that of C, contrasted with subjective time in order to prolong the effect of panic. Continuity is then created through a further sound bridge, as the audience gasps and Character C’s voice contrast and create a feeling of relief.

The snippet ends with the use of flashback on “My name is Latika”. This indicates a break in the scene’s chronological order, and establishes the significance of the relationship between Characters A and C.