Task Nine - Non-Continuity

Non-Continuity editing is a style of filmmaking that was made poplar throughout the 1950's and 1960's. Filmmakers such as Jean Luc Goddard and Français Truffaut pushed the limits of editing techniques and created a new style called 'The French New Wave'. This style used a carefree editing style and did not conform to the traditional editing etiquette of Hollywood Films. 'The French New Wave' editing often drew attention to itself by it's lack of continuity. It's self-reflexive nature reminded the audience that they were watching a film rather than a portrayal of real life. They often used material that wasn't related to any narrative which kept the audience surprised and intrigued.

A Bout de Soufflé

In this scene from A Bout de Soufflé we see an example of a jump cut when Seberg picks up the mirror and then suddenly it's gone again. Jump Cut's are usually used to startle the viewer and draw attention to something, in this case the mirror in her hand.

Another example of when the filmmaker uses non-continuity editing is in the film The Shining by Stanley Kubrick where the 180 degree rule is purposely broken to create surprise and confusion within the audience. The use of this break of the 180 degree rule is effective as we can see the characters have swapped places, emphasising the idea that there is a lot of confusion and someone is in danger. The audience becomes startled but intrigued to find out what is going to happen. The breaking of this 180 degree rule is also use in The Hunger Games, by Gary Ross, again to emphasise the idea that there is danger, as if something is inevitably going to go wrong, and that possibly something bad will happen to the main character.