Theories: Vernallis

Carol Vernallis analysed editing of Hollywood films and music videos. She showed clear differences in the approach of both in terms of editing.

Music videos:

• Multiplicity of incomplete occasionally obscure paths.
• Order of shots are Unconventional as it shifts more freely between shots with different variations.
• Based on time and space the character and narrative are revealed incompletely.
• Discontinuity; a pop video draws us away from the narrative by being revealed incompletely.
• Visual hooks create continuity. Non continuous shots linked by a single feature.
• Sometimes all elements are equal and sometimes one is dominant.

 

 

Hollywood films:

• Single clear path through film's world.
• The order of shots areconventional. Typical shot order.
• There is a clear unity of time and space.
• Simple, but effective continuity as the film combines with the narrative to draw us in.