Editing in cuffs

1.T identify the term
2.E describe the example
3.AA explain, anlayse, argue how meaning is made


PREP Analyse how editing is used in the extract from Cuffs to create meaning. Refer to at least two examples from the extract in your answer. (This means that a good candidate will write fully and freely, covering more than just 2 examples, as we practised in class).
Worth 5 marks: write half a side of A4 and post on your blog tonight. If you have DoE, take an extra 24 hours.

Forms of editing include: slow-motion, different kind of cuts and transitions etc. In cuffs editing is used on various occasions to create meaning. 

In the scene when DI Felix Kane is talking to the mother of the child who is abducted by her father, a "shot, reverse shot" is used. A shot reverse shot is, like the name suggests, when the camera shows one person speaking and then cuts to the other person and shows their reaction and then their reply. In this scene the "shot, reverse shot" shows how upset the mother is and how embarrassed the detective is and how he refuses to meet the mothers eyes. 

Immediate after this scene there is a scene when DI Kane is re-watching the video of the father with the child in a hotel room. Another "shot, reverse shot" is used here and really creates meaning as the detective realises that he has found a clue whilst watching the recording. The last shot is held on the detective's face as he realises the clue and shows the realisation and almost joy on his face as he realises that he has found where the father is. The detective then rushes out of the room to go to the hotel and a shot is shown of the clue he has found on the TV. The clue he has found is the name of the hotel. 

In one of the last scenes, we see Jake training with Ryan and the others. Several cross-dissolves are used when they are running from point to point. These are used to show that a lot of time has passed and to show that they have been training very hard. It is also used to show when some of the people training get out of breath and can't run anymore. 

At the very end a chain of scenes is shown about what each of the characters and what they go home to. It is partly satisfying and partly sad as we see the contrast between what Jake goes home to and what Jo Moffat goes home to. Jake has a big happy family and Jo doesn't. We also see the Indian boy in the hospital fighting for his life. 

The editing helps further develop the emotions we will feel when watching each scene and exaggerates the emotions the characters feel.