5 Master Edits: Examples in Movies and Shows

Simultaneity

This scene from Season 1, Episode 1 of New Amsterdam depicts simultaneity by showing two characters on the phone talking to each other in different places at the same time. The shot cuts back and forth between the two.

Leit Motif

This scene, also from Season 1, Episode 1 of New Amsterdam, represents the use of music to show the emotion of the scene. The patient is arguing with a nurse while drums are chaotically playing over the heated conversation. These same drums continue to play whenever there are moments of intensity throughout the episode.

Contrast

This scene, from The Greatest Showman,  fades seamlessly from the fantasy of running a beautiful circus to the contrasting reality of the real world, which is barren and without the color and music of dreams.

Symbolism

Right after the contrast edit, symbolism becomes apparent as the scene transitions to the character's past, where he stands outside a shop admiring an outfit where the reflection makes it look like he is wearing the costume. The costume is a symbol of the character's aspirations.

Parallelism

In this scene, the boy and girl are both reading letters they have sent to one another in different places at different times, demonstrating parallelism.