Editing and Transitions

 

1. Whip pan (0:00-0:04)

2. Straight cuts (0:06-0:20)

3. reverse shots (0:27-0:30)

4. eyeline match (0:06 and 0:13)

5. slow motion (0:05)

6. cgi (0:05, 0:08)

7. action match (0:15-0:16)

8. jump cuts (0:06-0:12)

9. cutaways (0:27-0:29)

10. insert (0:27-0:29)

    The tv show, "The Flash" uses an intro that is monologued to explain his story and how he became a speedster and superhero. The intro makes use of many technical elements and editing that helps the audience understand his powers, backstory, and motivations. Throughout the clip, ten elements that can be noted are whip pans, straight cuts, reverse shots, eyeliner matches, slow motion, cgi, action matches, jump cuts, cutaways, and inserts. Each transition and element plays a role in contributing to meaning.   

    Fast paced cuts and transitions display the fast-paced nature of the main character Barry, and his abilities. Straight cuts are used back and forth showing the past-Barry's traumatic event, and the present as the Flash. This helps audience members see the events that show a journey and the motives that drive Barry. Audience members are meant to feel empathetic towards the main character as we see his backstory.  Jump cuts highlight and emphasizes Barrys memories between his childhood and heroic life. They rapidly show quick scenes throughout the clip. Using Inserts, a connection between Barry and His father are made when they focus on his hand. It lets us see the loyalty and bond that he still has with his dad. The insert lets audience members know what drives Barry and his motives.

    Eyeline match is used multiple times to show the reactions of Barry. In the scene where his mother was murdered, eyeline match shows fear and shock on Barrys face. This event would lead into his life as an adult as he is constantly on the hunt for answers. Graphic matches are shown before he is struck by the lightning which would change his life forever. It transitions from the traumatic life changing event as a child to the new and benefiting change as an adult.

    Another editing aspect is the use of crosscutting. Crosscutting helps show the responsibilities that Barry has and how he must juggle his personal life and be a superhero. It shows his normal everyday life as a forensic scientist and cuts to his alter ego the Flash. As the audience watches, they can feel the weight that Barry carries and his responsibilities. Cutaways are shown to give context in Barrys world. It shows friends and his dad who he shows loyalty to even after his mom was murdered. This helps audience members understand his motivations as he's trying to find the real culprit and prove his dad innocent.

Visual effects used in this intro show the audience something that isn't real and allow us to perceive it. For example, the lightning and other effects used are made with CGI to highlight Barry's unique abilities. It helps us understand that he is powerful and supernatural. Slow motion depicts how the main character sees the world. Action scenes are slowed down to show how the Flash is perceiving time. Slow motion gives Barrys perspective as everyone around him moves slowly while he moves at super speed. Whip pans and action matches both display action sequences. Whip pans shift quickly to show his speed. With action matches, audience members can see how the Flash uses his powers and the impact of them.