James Bond Goldfinger Fight Scene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDDjxa7RsKg

History of editing:

Editing has come a long way since the days of

splicing. The basic edit in film comes from when a cut was simply cutting the film
physically cut with scissors and then spliced back together.
The purpose of editing is to combine shots into sequences to be able to present a
narrative. Most media types have a clear narrative but some dont have coherent
narratives, thanks to editing though it allows ways to create meaning through
them. A good example of this is the Kuleshov Effect who used Ivan Mozzhukhin
as the subject of his experiments. Kuleshov found that a subjects appearance
can changed depending on what is placed next to it. For example Kuleshov found
that Mozzhukhin looked different when associated with a smiling young girl
rather than with a coffin.
Here you can see Mozzhukhin
closely associated with a
smiling child with a teddy bear.
This would of course be placed
in back to back frames in film
but these are only stills. If you
look at Mozzhukhin in this he
looks happier than the
example below.
Same face, different emotion
this is the key finding from
Kuleshovs effect. By placing
shots into sequences it is clear
that a narrative can be
created. This was a really key
finding in the evolution of
editing.
In the early 1900s there was no fixed way of editing for meaning. As you can see
from the above examples though the use of combining shots into sequences to
create narrative was fast becoming the thing to do. A system gradually
developed through Hollywood which would mean that the viewers didnt become
confused when watching media text, this would go on to be known as the
continuity system. This is basically a set of rules about how shots should be
combined
Editing is much different nowadays compared to the days of cutting and splicing.
In East Norfolk we use non-linear editing and edit video that has been uploaded
from either DV tapes or SD cards.

There are three different types of video editing technology in-camera editing,
linear editing and non-linear editing. In-camera editing is where you shoot the
footage in the order of the final sequence and most people start with this if they
have a low budget. This would be a good way of creating narrative without
editing software such as Premiere Pro.
Linear editing is the most out of date type of editing and involves tape to tape.
This was the most predominate type of editing until the 1990s before it was
taken over by non-linear editing which is now seen as the norm. Non-linear
editing is where you can combine uploaded footage whilst being able to instantly
access individual shots and frames without having to trawl through reels of
footage. Non-linear editing has been made possible thanks to the progression of
technological equipment.

Transitions:
Cut:

A cut is simply slicing the footage so one image ends and the next begins.
The term cut came from when film used to literally be cut to separate footage.
Cuts are the most common transition used within an edit and doesnt break the
suspension within a narrative but instead represent a continuous transition. Cuts
can often be used when there is a change in camera angle or in sections of
dialogue to employ close ups without disturbing the movement in camera.

As you can see from the above images a cut has been used in my chosen film
clip. As you can see in the first image a close up has been used of the button to
lower the lift and then in the second image a different camera angle has been
used to show the lift going down. This is a good example of a cut as most are
used for a change in camera angle or time, this does the former.

Dissolve:

A dissolve is a gradual transition from one image to another. The

dissolve overlaps two shots for the duration of the effect usually at the end of
one scene and the beginning of the next. Usually dissolves are used to help
indicate that a period of time has passed between two scenes. Dissolves can be
used for different time lengths and shorter ones may be used to soften jump cuts
when this may startle the viewer.

A good example of the dissolve is shown above in this sequence from The
Butterfly. I have shown the first image in the sequence which then dissolves into
a new setting and shows that time has passed a perfect example of the
dissolve.

Fade:

A fade is where a shot gradually fades to or from a single colour which is

usually black or white. Usually a fade signifies the beginning or end of a scene.
Much like the dissolve the fade could also connote a change in time; the amount
of time that has passed depends on the speed of the fade. A quick fade to and
from black could indicate a time change of a few hours whereas a long fade
indicates a much bigger change.

An example of a fade can be found in these pictures above. The full film can be
found here. The fade in this example is a long one and stays on the black screen
for a while; it signifies a progression in time and is the end of one scene and the
start of another.

Wipe:

This is a transition where one shot replaces another by travelling from

one side of the screen to another. George Lucas made this transition famous
thank to his work with wipes in his Star Wars films.

Much like the other transitions the wipe transition can be used to show the
passing of time, especially the clock wipe although its not commonly used due
to some viewers finding such transitions tacky.

Visual Analysis from my extract:

In this section of this assignment I will be looking at different techniques used in
my media extract which is where James Bond fights OddJob in Goldfinger.

Continuity:
This is a system that has been developed to help the audience understand the
relationships of shots and avoids confusion when watching. This system consists
of the following:

Establishing Shots:
Usually an establishing shot is the first shot in a scene designed to allow the
audience to see where the scene is taking place. The best suited camera shot for
this is a
long shot or an extra-long shot.

As you can see above this shot is taken from 0.37 and is an establishing shot so
viewers know where the following fight scene is about to place. This is important
as without it viewers may get confused as to where scenes are happening, if the
start of the scene was to go straight into a close up viewers would feel
disorientated and it would go against the continuity system.

180 Degree Rule

In media, film makers use an imaginary line which you cannot cross and this is
called the 180 degree rule. If you cross this line it creates confusion and
distortion for the viewer. Crossing the line basically means that you shoot from
different sides in consecutive shots which create distortion. You rarely see any
continuity errors in media but one example is the Mikado Advert which breaks
the 180 degree rule.

Here you can see that the man in the cream tank top is
approaching from the right hand side.

has been
now coming from
broken the 180

As you can see here though the 180 degree rule

broken and the man in the cream tank top is
the left. This means that the creators have
degree rule and evidently created distortion.

In Goldfinger they do not make such a mistake though and instead follows the
rule so the viewer is not confused.

This clip can be found at 2.37 and is the perfect example of the 180 rule
executed properly. Due to the camera being placed on the same side of the
imaginary line for both shots there is no confusion for the viewer.

Match Cut On Action

This is another hugely important piece of the continuity rules and helps viewers
over the edit smoothly. The way this rule works is an action starts in one scene
and then ends in another which creates a smooth transition. It basically creates a
visual bridge that helps distract the viewer from the cut in the film.

This clip can be found at 2.06 and it sees Oddjob throw his hat in the first shot
and then his hat hit the electricity cables in the second shot. The match cut on
action provides a smooth transition and creates that visual bridge that you need.

Shot-reverse-shot
Due to Oddjob not speaking throughout the James Bond films the chance of a
conversation in the scenes he is in is pretty slim. That doesnt mean there arent
any shot-reverse-shots though. I used the same example in the 180 degree rule
but the shot-reverse-shot rule also applies in this same shot. By using this rule
correctly it means that you dont have to have both people in the frame and
instead film one character talking to the other in one way and then the other
character in the opposite direction.

As you can see above the shots are just reversed which still complies to the
continuity rules but makes it much easier to capture conversations or where two
characters are interacting.

Motivated Editing Eye line match cuts

Motivated editing is where shots are carefully chosen to push a story along and
make the audience believe what they are seeing. For example if a character is
walking around it usually cuts to their viewpoint so you get a feel of the
character. Normally the latter shot is a POV although this isnt always the case.
As the character gets closer the connection with the subject also becomes closer.

In the above example we see Bond approach a security guard that has been
chucked off the top level by OddJob. Bond first of all identifies the guard and then
you can see him look inquisitively towards the guard. The next shot is then a POV
of the guard which then zooms to the guards pocket where a key is visible. This
is a great example of a motivated edit- in this case an eye line match. The
audience gets to feel like Bond as they can see in his viewpoint.

Identification with the main protagonist or other characters:

Screen Time:

To be able to connect to the protagonist and realise that they

are a main character they need to be on screen for most of the film. In my
particular clip James Bond and Oddjob are on screen for pretty much 100% of it,
that is of course because the fight scene is between the two of them. Oddjob is
one of the villains in Goldfinger so isnt on screen as much as James Bond
throughout the film.
This is one of the main parts of
the fight scene
where Bond
realises
that
Oddjob will
not be
physically beaten as he gets hit with a gold bar and simply smiles. From this fight
scene alone and the screen time both of the characters get it allows the
audience to be involved and identify them as main characters,

Close-ups:

Close ups are vital within film so you can connect with the
protagonist. There are some fantastic close ups from the fight scene I have
chosen and it allows the audience to connect emotionally and almost feel like
you are with them.
In this particular scene it is vital that the audience connects with how the
characters are feeling throughout one of the most important fight scenes. Here
we have two close ups that would suggest Bond is beaten, and physically he
was. Bond was no match for Oddjob physically but mentally he was stronger- of
course. After being punched in the face by Bond, Oddjob simply smiles showing
once again that he does not feel pain and the close up of Bond shows his
tiredness and dismay to being seemingly beaten by Oddjob. This scene and
these close ups are also vital for the whole film itself in a sense of connecting

with the

characters.
The close ups show key emotions that carry out through the film, Bond has wit
and is mentally stronger than any of his enemies while Oddjob is one of the
strongest henchman Bond has ever seen with all of his communication coming
through facial movement.

Reaction Shot:

A reaction shot is one that cuts away from the main scene in
order to get a reaction from another character. Normally reaction shots are used
to capture emotion so they work best with close ups. Usually reaction shots dont
include dialogue either with simply facial expressions being captured to portray
emotion.

Here we see Bond reacting to missing Oddjob with his own weapon the bladed
hat. Bond does not speak in this clip and the emotion shown is done just through
body language. The shot is also quite close up which means the audience can
distinguish the emotions he is showing easier meaning the connection towards
the protagonist is more straightforward.

Point of view shot:

Point of view shots are where the shot cuts to what the character is looking at
making identification with the protagonist much easier. If you are able to see
what the protagonist is seeing you can relate with the scene more and feel more
involved.

Here we can see a POV of

Bond looking at the bomb he has been
strapped to which he is trying to escape from. If this POV wasnt used then the
scene wouldnt be as connectable as you wouldnt be able to place yourself in
the viewpoint of Bond. James Bond is the main character in this film and when
the POV is based on him the audience sees events through the leading actor's
eyes, as if they were experiencing the events themselves. This whole process
simply makes the identification with the main protagonist as easy as it can be.

Generating appropriate involvement in the storyline, pace,

tension and suspense:
Its all well and good having a main protagonist but the audience are only going
to be interested if something exciting happens to them. To be able to show this in
film the construction of the storyline and how suspense and excitement is shown
is paramount.

Providing and withholding information:

This is closely linked to

restricted narrative. This is where a filmmaker limits what the viewer can see by
framing shots. This can either be done when shooting the scene or in the edit
depending on what works best. Restricted narrative is a popular technique used
by directors in James Bond films to create a mysterious feeling to the scene. A
good example of this is the opening scene of On Her Majestys Secret Service.
Bond has always been portrayed as a secretive character and this is proven in
the opening scene of this movie.

As you can see all you can see is the back of Bonds head in silhouette form
making the feeling mysterious. The viewer may not even know its bond which
adds that extra element of surprise to the scene. This technique allows
filmmakers to create interest in the protagonist by giving extra information or
taking it away to add an extra element to the overall narrative.

Montage:

Is an expressive use of juxtaposing shots. Juxtaposition is the

positioning of two shots in order to compare of contrast them. This is a very
popular way amongst filmmakers to provide viewers a way of comparing the
relationships between the main protagonists. In my chosen scene which includes
OddJob and James Bond the director positions two shots closely next to each
other to compare the
two

characters.

As you can see from the above shots the differentiation in facial expressions and
body posture shows some key characteristics with the protagonists. Bond is seen
laying down which proves he is the weaker one when it comes to strength but
makes up for that with a quick and clever thinking brain. On the other hand
Oddjob is far superior that Bon when It comes to strength but is fairly dopey and
smug which is shown through his swagger and smile. By placing these shots
consecutively in the scene it allows the audience to become involved in the
relationship and storyline.

Cutaways:

A cutaway is when a scene will cut to a separate shot in what is

otherwise a continuous flow. For example if the scene cuts to a danger of death
sign this would connote a negative atmosphere, on the other hand cutting to a
butterfly would connote a positive feeling.

Here we see the fight scene

cut to the bomb which is located in
the same room. The fight scene is
shot in a continuous flow except for
this one cutaway. The viewers already know that Bond is in danger but this
simply adds to the tension. It also adds a sense of urgency to the scene and
helps with the pace of the scene to keep is fast paced and concise to avoid is
becoming stale.

Parallel editing/cross-cutting:

This is where it cuts between two scenes

usually showing that they are happening at the same time and that they relate in
some way. This is used a lot in Oceans 11 when they are carrying out their plan
in separate places but at the same time. Usually this technique is used in heists
so the viewer can follow the action in different places without the pace or tension
being affected. By cutting between different places in different scenes it means
that the narrative can be easily followed by the viewer.

Jump-cut:

Jump cuts are when two shots are placed next to each other but change very
slightly giving the effect of a jump forwards in time. This kind of cut is very
abrupt and is mainly used to show the audience that time is moving and links
closely to the pace of the narrative. It is used a lot in fight scenes that Guy
Ritchie produces and the above pictures are from Snatch which is full of abrupt
jump cuts to show the passing of time. If you notice though the camera angle
does not really change and when it does filmmakers very rarely break the 30

degree rule which theorists say is the maximum angle you can move the camera
angle for it to look seamless.

Shot Variation: Shot Variation is the technique used in filming to create a

sequence of images using movement; these types of shots include a wide shot
as this type of shot is commonly used at the start of a sequence to set the tone
of the scene as well as enabling the audience to grasp the concept of the scene.
Long shots are used to enable the focus of the audience to remain on a certain
character; this is commonly used to introduce main characters. Medium Shots
are primarily used in dialogue scenes or action scenes to enable the audience to
follow the narrative. Variations of this shot are a two shot or a three shot. Using a
Close Up means the camera is concentrating on a certain item or character. In
my chosen scene all of the above are used in different ways to set different tones
and provide an exciting sequence for the narrative.

Extra Wide Shot

Medium Shot

By combining all of these different shots it allows the narrative to be followed in

the most effective way and engage the audience. It also helps the pace continue
as one shot that stays the same slows down the pace, this is a technique that
can also be used when long stints of dialogue may be necessary.

Editing Rhythm:

Editing rhythm is the speed of succession in cuts to meet

the pace of the narrative. If the storyline is moving quickly then a quick

succession of cuts will be needed to keep up and translate the fast narrative to
the audience. If it is moving slightly less quick then more subtle transitions such
as fades may be used or the cuts will be slower in succession to translate a slow
narrative to the viewer. The rhythm is key as this is what the viewer will see and
how they will follow the storyline.

Cutting to soundtrack:

This is an editing technique used to match the

speed of the visuals with the speed of the soundtrack. This is most often found in
music videos and TV commercials. By cutting to soundtrack it provides a better
experience for the viewer as they have visuals and sound in sync. Sometimes it
is better in terms of structure to have the audio first and then add the visual.
Alesha Dixons song Drummer is a great example of this with quick succession of
cuts in the beginning of the video to match the pace of the audio. Again this
technique is all about pace of the storyline and it interests the audience more
than a plain cut which is out of sync with the audience. As I said earlier its rare
to see this technique in film but is more commonly used in music videos due to
the more frequent changes in pace with audio.

Multiple points of view:

This really is what it says on the tin. Sometimes in

scenes it is shown through both of the protagonists. This can mean the viewers
can follow the scene through both characters which can cause and interesting
effect.

As you can see above the scene I chose has been shot from multiple points of
views from the main protagonists. By doing this it allows the audience to follow
the action through both viewpoints which creates that extra bit of excitement.
The storyline is also easier to follow as there is more than one view point and
creates the contrast between good/bad in this particular scene.