Timing - Final Project

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Blog #4: Braveheart - As It Matters In Battle

Braveheart: “As it Matters in Battle” Scene

 The comedic rock throwing scene with William Wallace and his childhood friend Hamish is a perfect example of how seamless editing can completely manipulate the way we view a moment. This scene is less than two minutes long, yet it's composed of seventy-seven shots! The shots blend into one another using classic continuity editing techniques such as the match on action, eye-line match, POV sequences, and shot reverse shots. One example is when Hamish throws a giant rock intending to hit William. The sequence could easily be presented in one long take but instead, for greater dramatic effect, the filmmakers blended twenty-one shots together. (1:02-1:27) In between Hamish throwing the rock they include shots of the audience cheering him on, an example of eye-line match as the crowd looks out of the frame at something and the next shot is of Hamish which indicates they are cheering at him. They also include Williams determined expression which is composed in a shot reverse shot. (1:17-1:19)
       One edit that's perfectly seamless is when William throws his tiny rock at Hamish and hits him. (1:28-1:33) The sequence begins with a medium close up of William squinting toward the right of the frame which is followed by a MCU of Hamish glowering to the left of the frame. This is an eye-line match and indicates to the audience the two are looking at one another. The sequence jumps to an extreme long shot of William lobbing the rock from the left side of the frame to the right at Hamish from a considerable distance. But before the rock makes contact with his face, there is cut to a MCU of Hamish. The rock hurtles into the frame from the left side continuing it's left-to-right trajectory and very clearly bops him in the face. This match on action gives the audience the perfect combination of experiencing the vast space between the two men and everything going on around them while also bringing them up close and personal when Hamish gets whacked in the face. One seamless cut such as this makes this moment satisfying and hilarious.
       The duration of the shots creates a specific rhythm that guides the scene. During the moments where the scene peaks emotionally (i.e. when the two men take turns throwing the large rock as far as they can and again when Hamish throws the rock at William) the shots become much shorter, some only lasting a fraction of a second. This builds the viewers excitement and expectation. At the same time that the shots are shortening, the cheering of the crowd becomes louder and there's more movement within the frame. This combination of quick cuts, building volume and rapid movement allows the viewer to experience the excitement of the scene.
      The scenes rhythm produces a steady up and down effect; during the low points, the shots blend together juxtaposing the feeling of the high points. The duration of the shots increases so viewers get their bearings and relax, the volume tapers down to a single casual conversation and the movement within the frame is minimal. For example, when William is challenging Hamish to hit him; (33-58) each shot is around three to five seconds in length. The cheering and background noise completely fades out which increases the dramatic effect of the conversation and the two men stand side by side keeping very still. The shots in this scene work to create a unnoticeable rhythm that builds the audience's curiosity and excitement so they can feel like a part of the crowd in the scene itself. This seemingly simple scene was carefully crafted to help tell the story in a more visceral and entertaining way. The seamless editing techniques are what make such storytelling possible.