Ever struggle to find a fitting scene transition? At times, this can be a difficult task. Luckily, there are professional techniques available, one of which is called the match cut.
The match cut is a creative transition often hidden in plain sight. When executed well, viewers feel naturally carried from one scene to the next without realizing it.
In this article, we’re going to discuss what they are, why they’re used, where you’ve seen them, and factors to consider when integrating them into your edit.
So without further ado, let’s dive into this creative editing technique.
What is a Match Cut?
Simply put, a match cut in film is a creative transition that uses similar visual or audio elements from one scene to the next. It’s all about the art of hiding the edit while adding layers of subtext.
Here are the 3 main types:
- Graphical Match Cut
- Match Move
- Sound Bridge
Also, these types can be used individually or in combination for added effect.
Graphical Match Cut
Firstly, we have the graphical match cut. This is achieved when the placement of an object or shape is matched between two shots. Graphical match cuts also use outlines, compositions, or colors as visual anchors from one scene to the next.
You can see an example of a graphical match cut from the opening scene of Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Arc (1981). First, you see the Paramount logo in front of a mountain range, then it cross dissolves seamlessly to an identical mountain, which is the actual beginning of the movie.
Match-Move
Next, we have the match move. This is when the direction of the action from the first shot continues to the next, hence the name match move. As a result, the viewer’s eye follows one direction between two shots creating visual flow. They are also a great way to generate narrative momentum.
Another form of a match move is the pass-by effect. Usually, a car or person passes in front of the camera while transitioning to a new location. A director famous for this technique is Edgar Wright. Check out this informative video essay that dissects his detailed usages of the match cut in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010).
Sound Bridge
Another great way to transition between scenes is by using a sound bridge. A sound bridge is created by adding sound design, dialogue, or music, at or around the transition point. This is a very effective way to connect two disjointed shots with ease.
Sound Design Match Cut
A single sound can be used to represent the action of two separate shots. For instance, you could have a car door slam at the end of one scene, which pairs directly with the closing of an office door in a new location.
Dialogue Match Cut
Another form of a sound bridge is using a single line of dialogue between two shots. Watch this example from Napoleon Dynamite (2004) when Pedro responds to Napoleon’s question about what kind of bike he has. The scene transitions from the hallways of high school to the exterior bike rack for comedic effect.
Lastly, we have L-Cuts and J-Cuts. These audio editing techniques help to create flow.
L-Cuts
First, the L-cut is where the sound from scene A, plays under scene B. This essentially extends what we hear from scene A, even though we no longer see the visuals that generate the sound.
You will see this often during an explanation of an event, starting visually on a character, and then cutting to what that person is talking about.
J-Cuts
Next, you have the J-Cut. This is where you see visuals from scene A, but you hear sound from scene B. Simply put, you hear scene B before you see scene B.
This way, the audio leads the viewer into the next scene. For example, you see this often in dream scenes when you hear someone say “wake up, wake up” while visuals of a dream sequence are shown before you see the character saying “wake up, wake up”.
Pro-Tip: When writing a J-Cut into your script, the proper formatting name is PRE-LAP. Write this in parentheses next to the character’s name.
Remember, the power of sound is not to be underestimated, it’s 50% of the viewer experience.
Why Use A Match Cut?
The match cut conceals the edit and helps you tell a stronger story. This tool helps communicate more than what’s being shown. As a result, the viewer participates in the story in a deeper way.
Main reasons to use the Match Cut:
- Transition Between Scenes
- Visual Continuity
- Conceal the Edit
- Show Passage of Time
- Add Subtext
- Provoke Thought
- Show Similarity or Contrast
- Smooth Jarring or Jumpy Cuts
Depending on the goal of the transition, a match cut can be very basic or complex. Either way, try to make it convincing and seemingly effortless. These subtle nuances make your film feel like one cohesive unit.
Movie Examples
Below you can see a variety of scenes that use the match cut to great effect.
Titanic (1997)
In this scene from Titanic, we see an elderly Rose telling her story of boarding the Titanic. While the camera dollies to the right, we see the dark resting place of the aged ship at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Then, the scene uses a match cut transitioning to a brand-new Titanic in full glory, ready to embark on her first voyage. This transition rewinds time in a graceful but exciting way.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
In this iconic example from Lawrence of Arabia the match cut is used to connect visuals, ideas, and colors. The blowing out of the match represents the end of Lawrence’s familiar post in Cairo, and the rising sun represents the beginning of a grand adventure, where unknown possibilities await.
Tommy Boy (1995)
During the opening of Tommy Boy, a match cut is used to show the passage of time with Tommy missing the bus as a child and as an adult. This scene transitions with identical compositions and smoky exhaust to reveal no changes in character regardless of time.
Forrest Gump (1994)
In this example from Forrest Gump, we see an adult Forrest talking to a woman about the significance of shoes. While reliving a part of his story, we see him squint his eyes just as he did when he was a youngster getting freshly fastened leg braces. This graphical match cut shows the audience the same person at two different stages of his life.
As you can see from these examples, there are many ways to utilize the technique. Now, let’s get into how you can use it for your next project.
How To Create A Match Cut
To get started, ask yourself a few questions. This will help you discover the creative direction of your transition.
- Does the match cut fit into the established film language?
- How does it support the narrative?
- What is the tonal objective? (This helps define the subtext of the transition)
- What new information can I communicate from a combination of two shots?
- Is the transitional effect more distractive than immersive?
- Am I overdoing the amount of match frame transitions in total?
Remember, an artful combination of shots has the power to convey new ideas.
A Few Quick Pro-Tips
To achieve a great match cut, follow these steps:
- Choose the transition point between two shots
- Decide the type of match cut you want
- Storyboard shots A & B
- Create an overlay of shot A or B for the camera monitor
- Film test shots
- Key-frame alignment of shots in post
- Add sound design to supercharge the effect
Here’s a very useful how-to video that walks you through an example from start to finish.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, as you can see, match cuts are essential for any filmmaker looking to level up their editing toolkit.
So with a little forethought, experimentation, and planning, you can create really cool transitions. As a result, you establish a signature style and a cohesive story.
Lastly, try to use each scene transition as an opportunity to be inventive and thought provoking. Now, get out there, practice and discover new ways to communicate your ideas!
