Weapons of Choice - Fatboy Slim

How does editing construct meaning in Weapons of Choice?


The video begins with an establishing shot that helps to create a sense of the scene, giving the viewer a chance to take in the surrondings. This then changes to a mid shot of a charecter in a chair, and this quick piece of editing helps us to comprehend that he is the focus of the scene. After lingering for a few seconds, it zooms in closer so we can see the charecter's sombre expression, and then quickly switches again to a cart with towels on, then back to the charecter as his expression begins to change, and then pans out so we get a long shot of his full body as he begins to dance. This is then followed by lots of quick few second shots, and this editing helps to create a sense of action and constructs the idea of the video livening up. By focusing our attention on the charecter and featuring many shots of his expression and movements, we help to create the meaning that he is coming out of his shell and developing confidence, and we are keen to watch on to see what happens.


The quick shot when he dings the bell helps to create the idea of suave and excitement in the video, and the action match shots help us to follow the action in the video and make it seem seamless and as if this is easy and a daily occurence for the charecter. The straight cuts make us feel excited as to what is going to happen next, and the short shot duration also helps to convey this as our attention is constantly switched. The few lingering shots also help to construct meaning as they convey the idea of sequence and building up in the video. There are many action match shots in the video and this helps to construct meaning as we are following the charecters dance and creates a strong sense of continuity. The combination of long and short shots also help to construct meaning, as the long shots help us to construct an idea of the charecter, whereas the short shots help maintain our interest and help us to see the scene from plenty of different angles.

Overall, the video is a key example of continuity editing, as we can easily follow the charecters actions because each shot links to the next, aiding the narrative flow of the video, meaning we see the video as story like.



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