In a world of elaborate costumes, set decore, and mood lighting, storytelling through shot selection is still the key to bringing it all together and engaging the audience’s emotions. One powerful technique that has stood the test of time is the Kuleshov Effect. Named after the pioneering Soviet filmmaker Lev Kuleshov, this editing technique has the remarkable ability to manipulate emotions and meaning through the juxtaposition of images. In this article, we will delve into what the Kuleshov Effect is, how it is used in filmmaking, and what editors should consider during post-production. To learn even more about the Kuleshov Effect see Lesson 2 in the Art of Filmmaking – Intermediate course on EditMentor and refer to this help article for further guidance.
What is The Kuleshov Effect?
The Kuleshov Effect is a natural occurrence that takes place when assembling a sequence of shots. Three connected shots create a new meaning, different than any single shot can do on its own. Film editors are aware of this occurrence and intentionally arrange shots into a meaningful sequence to influence the viewer’s interpretation and emotional response. The Kuleshov effect suggests that meaning is created not just from the individual shots themselves, but from the context in which they are presented. By juxtaposing different shots, the filmmaker can manipulate the audience’s perception and thus their emotional experience.
Lev Kuleshov first demonstrated this effect in the early 1920s by conducting an experiment. He took the same neutral shot of an actor’s expressionless face and combined it with three different shots: a bowl of soup, a child playing, and a casket. The audience, believing they were witnessing a genuinely emotional performance, interpreted the actor’s expression as hunger, joy, or sorrow, depending on the preceding shot. This experiment showcased the power of editing and how context shapes the viewer’s understanding of a scene.
Usage of The Kuleshov Effect as a Technique in Filmmaking
Understanding The Kuleshov Effect is fundamental knowledge for editors, used in a wide variety of ways to tell powerful stories and convey emotions. Some common applications include:
1. Emotional Manipulation: Filmmakers can evoke specific emotions by pairing shots that complement or contrast each other. A happy scene followed by a sad one intensifies the sadness, while a tense scene followed by a relief shot heightens the sense of release.
2. Establishing Relationships: The Kuleshov Effect helps establish connections between characters, objects, or settings. By juxtaposing two shots, the audience perceives a relationship even if there isn’t any direct interaction between the subjects.
3. Implying Time and Space: The technique allows filmmakers to convey the passage of time or shift between locations seamlessly. This is especially useful in montages or transitions.
Should we really be calling it the Kuleshov Effect?
An interesting point of note is that some would argue that it shouldn’t be called the Kuleshov effect, since he was merely describing what women had been doing for decades – editing! The video below, created by Sven Pape from the This Guy Edits Youtube channel, had a guest speaker, Dr. Karen Pearlman, who argues it should be called The Editor’s Effect. If you want to learn how to make amazing and engaging Youtube video, visit Sven’s Youtube Kickstarter course on EditMentor.
The Kuleshov effect is not a tool to be used, ather, it is a phenomenon to be understood. No editor can “use it”, per se, in a drama but not in an action movie. As a matter of fact, the phenomenon is ever-present. Anytime there are three shots next to each other, the Editor’s effect is happening. Keep that in mind the next time you assemble a video.
What should editors take into consideration about The Editor’s Effect during post-production?
Editors play a crucial role in implementing the Kuleshov Effect during post-production. Here are some considerations for effective use:
1. Contextual Consistency: Ensure that, when building a sequence out of shots not intended to go together originally, the shots selected maintain consistency in lighting, camera angles, and shot composition to reinforce the intended meaning without tipping off the audience.
2. Emotional Consistency: By knowing how important the reaction shots they pick are to the meaning of a sequence of shots, editors should . carefully choose reaction shots to evoke the desired emotional response.
3. Audience Perception: Understand your target audience and how they might interpret the sequence of shots. The “meaning” derived from an understanding of the Kuleshov Effects is in the eye of the beholder. Different audience members will interpret the meaning differently.
4. Collaborate with the Director: Work closely with the director to understand the intended message of the scene so you can use the Kuleshov Effect to deliver the correct meaning.
Final Notes
The Kuleshov Effect is a phenomenon that appears when multiple shots are strung together. The ability of editors to implement it intentionally has a profound impact on the art of storytelling in filmmaking. By manipulating the context and arrangement of shots, editors can guide the audience’s emotional journey and convey nuanced meaning. The Kuleshov Effect becomes a powerful tool for evoking emotions, establishing relationships, and creating a memorable cinematic experience. However, it should be employed thoughtfully and intentionally. In the hands of skilled filmmakers and editors, the Kuleshov Effect remains a magical element of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
