continuity in film - Shot reverse shot

Shot reverse shot is a editing technique used when a conversation is taking place between two people or they are looking at an object.

It is used to show what the character is supposing to be looking at and is usually used followed by the 180 degree rule. This is done to show continuity and does not disturb the audiences sense of location of the characters.

The camera usually goes from a long or medium shot straight into a close up. By doing this, it helps the audience to focus on this specific behaviour that the character is doing but it also emphasises the scene.

In the first video shown above, the camera focuses on a two shot to build up the tension for the target audience. It then moves into the shot reverse shot and so the audience are able to see how the scene is built up and how the tension builds throughout the scene. It them moves back into the two shot and so the audience are able to see how the scene ends and they can focus on what they had just watched.