This chapter looks at the various editing techniques and styles, one of which was continuity editing. When filmmakers plan how a scene will be shot they work around an axes of action also known as 180 degree rule. This axes is an invisible line that creates a semi circle in which the camera is positioned to capture the shot. This ensures that the characters seen on camera will remain either on the left or right side of the frame. By crossing the axes of action the shot is essentially flipped which means the characters would change sides. This can be disorientating or confusing for audiences. As a result, numerous filmmakers choose to follow this 180 degree in order to make it easy for audiences to understand.

This technique is used in numerous fims including David Fincher’s 2007 Zodiac. One example of a scene which uses this 180 degree rule is the scene where Robert Graysmith reads the first code which was sent into the news paper by the Zodica. In this scene Robert Downey Jr is sitting on Roberts desk to his left. The camera always stays in front of the characters looking at them face on. The exception to this would be the point of view shot from Robert’s perspective looking at the code. This type of camera positioning and editing is seen all throughout the film.

Although this is not the only type of editing. An alternative to continuity editing, would be graphic and rhythmic possibilities. This involves joining shots based on graphic and rhythmic qualities.