Continuity in films

Continuity Evaluation

I decided to use the clip of Oceans 12 as I think it follows continuity rules and I also find the interaction between the characters and the techniques used with both filming and editing interesting.

• The beginning of this clip starts with an establishing LS to show clearly where the character is, in this case a hotel room so it immediately sets the scene. We also get an idea of time due to the minimal lighting through the window.
• The 180 degree rule is followed within this clip as the line of vision between the characters is not crossed and therefore we as an audience do not get confused with the placements of the characters and with what side they are on.
• Also, as the shots of the two men are MS's we get to see both the facial expression and body language of the characters. What I also find effective is that the conversation between the two are filmed over the shoulder of each other which includes the character in their conversation looking over them. With this part (which starts at 0.29), the dialogues were probably filmed separately so Brad Pitt's character would have acted out all of his lines in one go and then this would have been edited to fit in with the conversation with George Clooney.
• There is a match on action at 0.26, 0.39 and 0.44 with the door as it is open the same amount in each part avoiding continuity errors and any confusion.
• The use of shot order is effective as it fits in smoothly through the narrative in starting with a LS, having a MS from 0.27 to 0.59 and then finishing with a wide shot of the two characters. This makes everything fit into place correctly.
• There is also matching eye line as they are looking at a correct level and a matched cut as the transitions are all cuts fitting into the speed of the scenes and making each different scene flick to the next one straight away.
• Finally, the most effective continuity technique in this scene is the shot-reverse-shot with the cut between the characters and their conversation which is very quick and places the audience within the conversation making them feel a part of what is happening.

With all of these continuity rules being followed, the whole clip seems very realistic which is the main point of following these rules. Also, all of it seems to flow a lot better and has a very professional feel to it.