What is Elliptical Editing in Film?
Elliptical editing in film can be used to condense long clips. In order to improve the underlying narrative while delivering the intended details of the scene. The process includes making changes to the order of various clips. So that only those that are most valuable are saved. And those that are unnecessary are eliminated. In order to cut down the total time of the film. While equally cutting back time spent on editing. Exactly what is elliptical editing in film, though? And how is this method achieved?
What is Elliptical Editing in Film?
Elliptical editing is a method of film editing in which a long set of clips that are not entirely necessary for the overall narrative of the film are condensed and shortened to provide a more interesting finished video for the audience.
The process of elliptical editing involves making changes to the order of clips and eliminating clips that are unnecessary, while adjusting the narrative so as to provide a shorter overall film experience.
Elliptical editing may also be used to adjust the pace of the film, effectively speeding up, or slowing down. The overall pace that is achieved. So one can appropriately connect with the audience and create the desired emotional response.
How is Elliptical Editing in Film Achieved?
Elliptical editing is achieved using various techniques. It appears in almost every film as it’s incredibly rare for a film to take place in “real time.”
Thus, the elliptical editing techniques are used to reduce the total length of the filmed sequences. Removing those that are not required for the narrative.
And adjusting to provide a finished sequence that provides enough information for the audience without being redundant or overdone.
Various film editing techniques such as the dissolve, the wipe, and the jump cut are used to reduce the amount of footage and shorten the film.
Quickens the Process
Elliptical editing makes simple cuts to eliminate elements of the story that are just not required .Such as a scene in which the actor is using the bathroom.
Or getting dressed in the morning, or brushing their teeth. These details are not necessary to the underlying story and therefore can be eliminated in order to reduce the total camera time significantly.
Elliptical editing in film can effectively reduce a movie or film from several hours to under an hour, or from several minutes, to seconds.
This technique, and the various means of reducing footage through cuts, fades, and dissolves, allow the characters to logically continue their paths along the narrative without leaving the audience bored to tears as they watch mundane tasks play out.