Editing

Heat (1995) 

In the beginning the scene uses a tracking shot of the robber’s feet as well as a close up of his face to suggest that he is one of the significant characters in the scene. The straight cuts of his facial expressions along with the setting suggest that he is mindful of his surroundings and ready to proceed with the crime. This use of continuity editing allows the audience to suture the narrative together and follow the different phases of the robbery. After this a crane shot is used to establish the location (a bank), which is a pastiche of crime/thriller films that involve robbery. The scene also uses a montage of the characters in their different positions to create tension and prepare the audience for the dramatic scenes that will follow. Also, the use of non-diegetic suspenseful music adds to the tension created in the scene.

The clip also demonstrates Todorov’s theory of equilibrium as the opening scene is the existing equilibrium- a typical day in a bank. This then progresses into the disequilibrium after one of the robbers attack the guard. During this the pace of editing increases, to match the intensity of the situation. The scene also uses medium shots of the guards and the robbers to contrast their attire and signify the clear binary opposition between the criminals and the security guards. A steadicam is also used to make the visuals appears slightly shaky. This could reflect the mood of the victims and also create a sense of identification for the audience as they could possibly imagine themselves as the witnesses of the robbery. During this scene there is also another short montage of the reactions of the victims. These close ups create a sense of disorder and fear, and create an enigma, as the audience are unsure of whom the robbers are going to harass or maybe even kill.

The mise en scene of the robber placing the money in the duffel bag uses a medium shot to show the action codes e.g the money being placed inside with its protective seal being cut. The camera is then positioned at a low angle as the bag slides on the floor to somehow satisfy the audience. The smooth movement of the bag also reflects the smooth transition of the ‘’perfectly planned robbery’’.  A jump cut is used immediately after to reveal another tracking shot of the detective is walking to his office. This signifies that he is in the process of resolving the conflict and shows the audience that the robbers are going to be faced with the consequences.  A long shot of the police station is also used to reveal the reaction of the officers to the robbery that is occurring.

When the robber leaves the bank a POV shot is used to create a sense of identification. There is also an example of a shot-reverse shot to further enhance the tension created in the scene. The scene also shows us the other robbers who appear to be wearing similar attire, for example black sunglasses and a suit. They are also carrying props, such as guns, to clearly show the audience that they are antagonists. The use of diegetic sound such as dialogue also add to the dramatic mood of the scene as the sound of people screaming makes the audience feel uncomfortable.

Towards the end the pace of editing increases again at another shoot out, now with the police and the robbers. This signifies that the new equilibrium will follow after either one of the groups succeeds in the shootout. The scene is again in the form of a montage to show the different events that are occurring during the car chase. A slow motion shot is also used to capture the robber’s stern facial expression and positioning of the gun (action code).