Continuity Task 2 BLK

In this clip from the film, The Imitation Game, continuity is created by using shooting and editing techniques.

The first shot is a two shot of Alan Turing (character A) and Hugh Alexander (character B) talking to each other. In the second shot, Joan Clarke (character C) puts her pen down and waves to A and B. Continuity is created in this shot through the use of a sound bridge of A talking and the diegetic sound of the pen dropping onto the desk. This creates the illusion that these two events are occurring simultaneously.

In shot 3, character A reacts to C finishing the test. This encourages the audience to believe that the events are happening in a continuous flow and that the characters are in the same geographical space. In shot 4, C's hand is still in the air from shot 2, but it doesn't appear stalled due to the fact that she is lowering her hand. Shot 5 is another reaction shot of A as he looks to B in amazement.

Shots 6 and 7 of C getting up from her seat is continuous. Shot 6 shows C starting to move and shot 7 shows her rising from her seat. This adheres to the 30 degree rule because the camera is moved between the setups to avoid 'jumpy' shots that disorientate the audience. This also shows a match on action. At the end of shot 6, she is shown to reach for the piece of paper and in the beginning of shot 7, she gets up with the piece of paper in her hand. Shot 7 is a wide shot of the whole room, showing the main characters in the same geographical space, as well as the other people sitting at the desk who react to C as she walks up to A and B. This is a master shot as it shows the whole of the room.

Shot 8,9,10 and 11 use shot/reverse/shot to maintain continuity. It follows A and C's conversation, showing the facial expression of the person talking and their reactions. This allows the audience to see both sides of the conversation consistently. These shots are also over the shoulder shots, placing the characters in the same geological space because the audience can see both of the characters. This also places the audience in the action; they can view the action from a certain character's perspective.

Shots 1 and 3 of A and shots 2,4 and 5 are likely to have been taken from the same setup and were edited together to make it appear as though they were happening in the same time frame. Throughout the clip, the camera stayed on one side of the room, executing the 180 degree rule. By showing the whole action from one side of the room, it doesn't disorientate the audience and makes the events easier to follow.