Shot/Reverse Shot

Shot/reverse shot is a staple of editing in dialogue sequences. It utilizes the 180 degree rule, the eye line match, and rule of change among others. First things first, a definition of what shot/reverse shot is:

A film technique wherein one character is shown looking (often off-screen) at another character, and then the other character is shown looking "back" at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer unconciously assumes that they are looking at each other.

-Bordwell, David; Thompson, Kristin (2006). Film Art: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Check out Bordwell's site for more information.

The primary elements of a shot/reverse shot sequence are derived from the three camera set up. The shots you should have for a basic shot/reverse shot are: a two shot of the two characters usually in wide or medium shot, an over the shoulder shot on character A, and an over the shoulder shot on character B.

The diagram below should give you an idea of the set up.



When cutting a dialogue scene that utilizes a shot reverse/shot remember that one characters reaction to what is being said is just as important as what is being said. Read the script carefully and gage when to cut to reaction and how that will influence the audience. Balance between the emotions of the characters and the emotions of the audience. Don't be heavy handed. Your audience is extremely media savvy. Hitting them over the head and attempting to make them sad or extremely angry through your edits is tantamount to a teenager's angry and depressed poetry. The audience won't stand for it and you'll end up with a mediocre film.

When editing a shotreverse shot consider using a L-Cut/S-Cut or as some editors might call it, a split edit.