Blog: Discuss the framing and editing in the clip below (it’s an opening from an episode of the show Shameless). What is the scene communicating? What is happening visually? How does continuity editing help narrate the family dynamics? What are the visual anchors within the chaos of movements? How can a family gather at the table, discuss plans and eat breakfast in under 2 minutes!? No need to answer all these questions, just address what you see.
This scene captures the chaos of getting a family ready for the day, but with a twist. It opens with Fiona, the main character, wiping fog off the window. As the camera comes into focus, we’re positioned behind her, watching her reflection in the mirror. Fiona turns around, and the camera shifts to a front view, following her as she moves through the house, waking everyone up. The shot follows the 180-degree rule, and we’re now positioned behind Fiona again as she interacts with the rest of the cast. A door slams, and in a quick cut, we transition to the family sitting at the dining table for breakfast.
Breakfast is pure chaos. The electric bill is due, food and supplies are running low, and everyone is scrambling to eat. We see Fiona adding water to the milk jug, trying to make it last. The family then passes around a box, each person contributing money for the bill. Finally, there’s a match-on-action cut where Fiona catches a tossed cell phone. So much all in one!