The Psychology of Film — How Editing Styles Influence Our Emotions
Every great movie has a secret. At its core is the art of film editing. In our overloaded world, the true power of a film doesn't just lie in what we see, but also in how it's presented to us. Editing goes beyond joining clips it is about moulding our emotions and guiding us through each scene. The rhythm of a film, akin to the beat of a song, influences our feelings. Slow and contemplative scenes pull us into thought while fast paced sequences ignite an adrenaline rush.
Ever heard of the Kuleshov Effect? It's this fascinating trick of the editing trade, dreamt up by a Soviet filmmaker named Lev Kuleshov. Imagine we see a man with a plain, unreadable face. Then, we see a bowl of soup. Suddenly, we're convinced the guy's stomach is rumbling with hunger, even though his expression hasn't budged an inch. Switch out that soup with a child playing, and voilà, our man might seem like he's lost in a fond memory. It's all about the magic of pairing shots together and how they can toy with our feelings and perceptions.
There is also a technique called cross cutting. It's like a choreographed dance smoothly transitioning from one scene to another intensifying the tension and immersing us further into the captivating story. But editing isn't just about these editing tricks. It's also about the soul editors pour into their work. Take Asian films, for example. They often let emotions brew gently, taking their sweet time. Meanwhile, Western movies? They're all about those sharp, snappy cuts, making our hearts race and emotions spike.
Now let’s explore deeper into the impact these rapid cuts have on viewers.
According to studies, in psychology making edits in videos can increase the cognitive load on viewers requiring them to put in more effort to process the content [1]. It's like reading a fast-paced thriller where your mind is racing to keep up with every twist and turn. This heightened mental activity can intensify tension and excitement making the story more captivating. However, there's a line to tread. If you overdo it, you run the risk of overwhelming the viewer.
Editors often make use of colour grading as a tool, in their work. It goes beyond making scenes visually appealing and it serves as a medium for storytelling. In films the colour palettes are often subtly adjusted to reflect the journey of the characters or key moments in the plot. For instance, a warm colour palette featuring reds and oranges can evoke a summer evening. Also symbolize a character blossoming romance or newfound hope. On the hand, scenes dominated by blues can convey more than melancholy [2]. They can also represent a character’s internal struggles or mark the beginning of a sombre turn in the story. The connection between colour and emotion is not merely subjective. Research has proven that specific hues can elicit emotions in viewers. By incorporating these choices in grading filmmakers add depth and layers to the narrative creating a more immersive experience, for audiences.
The digital era, led by platforms like TikTok has presented editors with a challenge of making things more concise. Creating impact, in bursts requires reimagining traditional techniques. However, amidst this evolution of editing styles some things remain unchanged.
The Eye Trace, where editors direct our attention the unveiling or hiding of information and the impactful sequences that convey feelings through a series of shots. These techniques guarantee that stories connect with us on a level resonating with precision.
Film editors can be overlooked in the world of cinema. Oftentimes, it the actors and directors stealing the spotlight. However, these unsung heroes truly delve into the psychology of film editing meticulously piecing together the essence of a movie. Every cut, transition and pause are thoughtfully crafted to resonate with audiences on a level. Although we may not always consciously acknowledge it there is an appreciation that stirs within us. Whenever a film evokes an emotion or leaves an impression, on our minds it serves as a testament, to the editor’s prowess and mastery. Their subtle magic is what truly brings enchantment to the world of cinema.
Source - https://www.youtube.com/@FoldingIdeas
References:
[1] Lang, A., Zhou, S., Schwartz, N., Bolls, P. D., & Potter, R. F. (2000). Cognitive and emotional effects of media priming. In D. Zillmann & P. Vorderer (Eds.), Media entertainment (pp. 69-84). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
[2] Valdez, P., & Mehrabian, A. (1994). Effects of color on emotions. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 123(4), 394.
