In this clip of the film, The Royal Tenenbaums, one of the Tenenbaum brothers, Richie, attempts suicide after he discovers truths about his adopted sister’s (Margot) secretive life; Richie recently realized that he has fallen in love with his sister. The jump cuts in this clip preview the gradual change of Richie’s look as he removes all the hair around his head, then flashback scenes of his family and life. Despite its technical use to create flashbacks and the anticipation of his emergency, the use of jump cuts in this scene, expressed in rapid pace, is emblematic of Richie’s realization that his world had changed after his discovery about Margot.
Film still of Patricia (Jean Seberg) in car, Jean-Luc Godard, “Breathless,” 1960
Jean-Luc Godardâs extensive use of jump cuts in Breathless (Ă bout de souffle) 1960 was highly influential on the âlookâ of many later films. In a jump cut, two shots of the same subject differ in angle or composition, the disjuncture creates a visual âjumpâ on the screen. The jump cut is an example of discontinuous editing, however, the uneven transition of one shot to another is often described as an amateurish technique. Yet, Godard masterfully uses the jump cut to highlight the urban rhythm of Paris and the whirlwind pace of modern romance. Watch this clip, in which Michel (Jean Paul Belmondo) gives Patricia (Jean Seberg) a ride across town to her appointment. Note the number of jump cuts in the car sequence, in particular, the change in backdrop that frames Patriciaâs head.
For this weekâs homework, please search for the use of jump cuts in a later film. You can watch clips of a movie you like to see if jump cuts are used, or simply âgoogleâ jump cuts. Post a link to the film youâve found and describe the impact of the jump cuts in that film clip.
To complete this homework assignment, note whether you Post or Comment. For Homework #7, Clubs and Hearts will submit a Post and Diamonds and Spades will Comment (choose any of your classmatesâ posts to comment on).
Homework #7 is DUE by Tuesday April 30th.⚠Clubs and Hearts Post, Diamonds and Spades Comment, note your blog group! Please email me if you forget which group you belong in.
