In a film each scene may last a matter of seconds, or it could continue for minutes but the length of each sequence establish the pace of the film moving the action along. The speed of editing will help to determine the mood of what is taking place on screen.
If the audience is to feel anxiety and suspense the editing will be quick- the scenes/shots changing frequently. For example in an action sequence. For example 'The Bourne Ultimatum'.
If a relaxed mood is desired, the scenes last longer and changes less frequently. For example in a romantic comedy 'The Notebook'.
Nevertheless a film need not have any editing. The film Russian Ark was filmed in one take using a steadicam and a digital camera. This required split-second timing and organisation.
View the extract from Psyco where Marion (Janet Leigh) has checked into the Bates Motel and is about to take a shower...
scenes at the beginning of a film- as it begins to tell its story- must be long enough for us to be able to understand where we are and what is going on. It is also slow to introduce the characters. As the film progresses scenes may become shorter as the editing cuts between telling two or more story lines at the same time.
For example- compare the pace in the opening sequence of Casino Royale.
Try to gauge the average length of shot in each sequence.
Cross cutting
To cross-cut is to edit together two sequence that the audience need to know are connected in some way. Something is happening at the same time in different locations. A character reliving a memory.
Developing Drama
cross cutting can be used to very effectively develop a scene of drama. The death of Casey in the opening of scene of scream is made more dramatic by the cross cutting to her parent approaching and almost making it time to call her.
The explanations in this post are too brief, they need more detail and analysis about why the different techniques are effective.
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