The primary difference between the editing styles of Pillow Talk and Fringe is pace. Pillow Talk was produced in 1959 whereas Fringe is a very modern programme and was last featured on tv in 2011. From this alone we are automatically able to deduce that the two films will have a dissimilar pace.
The pace in Pillow Talk is considerably slower compared to Fringe. The average time between each edit is apporximately 12 seconds. Naturally editing and filming techniques were far less advanced in 1959 compared to modern day techniques so lengthy time periods between edits and less variety in shots and cuts are to be expected but modern audiences would find the film boring and lose interest. A classic example of lengthy editing in Pillow Talk, is the restaurant scene where the camera is trained on Doris Day and Rock Hudson for around 1 minute and 38 seconds with only two edits used on the footage.
The film was very well received in 1959, the simple romantic comedy plot of arguing neighbours that fall in love would have appealed to audiences. Back then, the cinema was a form of escapism. Audiences would suspend their disbelief and immerse themselves completely in the film. The primary advantage that cinemas have over television programmes is that cinema audiences have paid to see a film and therefore will be less inclined to leave if the film is not to their expectations. Television audiences have far more choice than cinema goers, if a programme isn't to their expectations there is a huge variety of other shows on offer. So in order to maintain high viewing figures, TV producers need to ensure that every scene holds the audience's attention with fast pace, complex and exciting storylines and perfect editing.
In Fringe, the pace is brisk and accelerated. There are approximately four seconds between each edit, This demonstrates that due to advances in technology, the pace and momentum of modern films and tv programmes has increased. Fringe is a TV programme and so needs to hold the audiences attention as there is a wide variety of other shows available to them. Compared to Pillow Talk, there is less dialogue which makes it difficult for audiences to identify characters as they're not fully introduced to audiences. There is an element of mystery around the characters.
I believe that there was so much focus on the characters and their identities in Pillow Talk because they were the main focus in the film, Doris Day and Rock Hudson were extremely popular actors in that period so audiences would have gone to see the film specifically because of the actors. This completely differs to most modern day films and tv programmes, the actors are just one element of the film. The special effects and set also take centre stage. This is exactly the case in Fringe, the futuristic location and special effects are prominent here. In one shot, blimps and spaceships are in the background of the frame demonstrating that the show is set in the future.
The editing styles are also very different. In Pillow Talk a variety of edits are used. Straights cuts are used to quickly jump to and from different characters and locations within a scene. Dissolve cuts are also used in order to demonstrate the passage of time or to indicate the particular subject of a conversation as in a scene where Rock Hudson's character and a friend are talking about Doris Day's character and the scene then dissolve cuts to her. Wipes and split screens prominently feature throughout Pillow Talk, particularly during telephone conversations. This adds a more three dimensional feel and enables the audience to see both sides of the conversation and engages and involves them with the film.
Fringe mainly uses straight cuts to keep the scenes look clean, sharp and precise. The time period between edits is short which keeps the pacing of the programme fast and energetic.
There are similarities between the two. Close ups feature in both Fringe and Pillow Talk in order to display the facial expressions and emotions of the characters.
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