This is an opening sequence from the film 'Two Eyes Staring' (Zwart Water). This is a dutch horror film which I have never seen before, however I really like the opening sequence and I feel it relates to the previous idea in 'Se7en' where we are unable to see the full picture as the images are slightly blurred and zoomed in. The fact that we can only see the opening sequence through certain shapes makes it appear more interesting and restricts our view. I like the old fashioned feel to it and the variety of shots used. Although it is a horror, it challenges the stereotypical opening sequence of a horror and appears more subtle and calming whilst still having an eerie feel.

Continuity Editing Techniques

Our continuity task was to film a character opening a door, walking across the room and sitting down to then start a conversation with another person. The reason why we were given these pacific actions was because it is crucial to have continuity in these types of movements so that it looks believable and the seamless.

We were able to experiment with a range of camera angles and see what fitted the flow of movement best; however we had to include match on action, eye line match, 180 degree rule and a master shot throughout our film. Match on action was used in the first part when I walk through the door. I found this the most difficult of all the techniques mainly because whilst filming, each shot had to seem like it was one flow of movement, instead of various shots being put together. Also we had to cut the movements so that they ended at the same point as when the next shot began. Whilst editing we realized that we had gone wrong, in one shot I raised my right arm to open the door, but in the next shot I pushed it with my left. During the time we were editing we were able to hide this and cut our shots at certain points so it is unnoticeable.

Before the conversation started between the two characters, we included a master shot to set the scene, by doing this the audience are then aware of the surroundings and it helps tell the story. It also shows the position of the characters in the shot. The master shot was a mid-long shot of the two characters sitting at the table before starting a conversation.

Eye line match was used throughout this conversation. We showed one character talking and asking questions, with their eye line match at another person, then another shot of that person who they are talking to. This helps the audience understand what is going on and it allows them to see each person’s reactions and response after each bit of dialogue which also helps the audience understand who they are as a character and the role they play. If we was to redo this task I feel that we could of included more eye line matches that are unlike shot reverse shot.

The other technique we used during our film was the 180 degree rule. Throughout the whole time of filming, we made sure the camera always stayed on the right, filming the right sides of our body. This is mainly shown during the conversation that the two characters have. We didn’t switch over because by doing that it would confuse the audience and become unrealistic.