Relationship Between Shots - Whiplash 2014

This scene from Whiplash (2014) directed by Damien Chazelle demonstrates continuity editing through the relationship between shots and how they are united. The scene begins with a fade from back and a long shot that establishes the setting, in which the audience is presented with a hallway that ends with a drummer practicing. In this first shot the camera begins to push into the drummer slowly at first but the pace quickens as the drumming quickens, this signifies unity and rhythm. The following shots are captured as shot reverse shot, which is commonly shown in conversations. Throughout the conversation, the camera angle becomes increasingly important. For the man in all black, the camera is placed at a low angle; this shows that he wields great power. Whereas the drummer is seen through a high angle shot, giving the audience the notion that he is weak and timid. These characterizations are also enforced through the characters dialogue and mannerisms. During the shot reverse shot sequence, something changes between the characters, instead of reversing back to each one while they are speaking the camera instead focuses more on the man in back, signalling that he is in complete control over the situation. At the height of the scene, the camera continues to push in towards the drummer to a medium close up, becoming immersed in the music as well. This abruptly stops once the door slams shut and the camera pans quickly to the door where the man in black once stood. Immediately, the camera returns to the drummer in a medium shot, where he is flabbergasted at his missed opportunity. Interestingly, when the door opens the camera remains on the drummer instead of following the sound. The man in black has returned in a medium long shot to retrieve his jacket. For the final shot, the camera returns to the drummer as he is deflated and fades to back to the darkness.