Elliptical Editing

Elliptical editing is a type of editing that cuts unnecessary actions from a sequence. This means the sequence is shorter than real time and so doesn't last as long. This can be a positive because if a scene last (for example) a few hours it would cut it down to only a few minutes. However, it does have to be done properly or it would look too much like jump cuts and might start to get confusing for the audience.

This sequence is an example of elliptical editing in Citizen Kane. The shots are connected by dissolves and often with sound bridges as well. The scene communicates, rather ironically, the deterioration of Kane's first marriage with Emily. There are also two types of monotony in this sequence, one thematic and one formal: the monotony of the marriage foregrounded by the repetitiveness of their life together, and the monotony of the elliptical editing itself.

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Unrestricted and Restricted Narration Research

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