Match Cuts

Within my script, I have many scenes that incorporate flashbacks, especially in fast-paced sequences or montages. Since my initial draft, I knew that I wanted to utilize match cuts within my film to maneuver between the main scene and Lola's memories. I feel as if this creates more meaning than utilizing a cross-fade transition or black-and-white coloring, as a match cut can evoke a sense of unity between these scenes. Adding familiar traits to both scenes and having a seamless transition between them presents the idea that Lola in her flashback and Lola in present-day are one. 

Since Lola is early in the recovery process, it would not make sense to have her appear as an entirely different person since her assault. Though some people cope with change, this isn't the case for everyone, and many still feel as though they are the same person they were when they were violated. 

These match cuts also represent just how deep-rooted trauma can be. Lola in present-day is still united with the woman she sees in her flashbacks.

Rapecrisis.org.uk provides a list of trauma responses after sexual assault or abuse:

• Intrusive or unwanted thoughts or feelings.
• Very upsetting or painful emotions.
• Low mood, feeling upset or being irritable.
• Suicidal thoughts or feelings.
• Physical feelings, including feeling sick, sweating or shaking.
• Aches, tension or pain in parts of the body.
• Self-harm or self-harm urges.
• Alcohol or drug misuse.
• Low self-esteem.
• Sexual problems – for example, low sex-drive or pain during sex.
• Avoiding certain places or things that remind a victim or survivor of the traumatic event.
• Becoming withdrawn and isolated. Or not wanting to do things they used to enjoy.
• Feeling anxious, worried, ‘on edge’, uneasy, panicked or scared. After trauma these feelings can be extreme, long-lasting and overwhelming – what is known as 'hyperarousal'.
• Flashbacks: vivid memories of a traumatic event that feel like they are happening now.
• Sleep problems: these include insomnia (not being able to sleep) or nightmares where the victim or survivor might feel like they are reliving sexual violence.
• Panic attacks: these can be caused by anxiety. They are different for everyone but common symptoms include having trouble breathing and feeling dizzy, light-headed, sick, weak or shaky.
• Dissociation: when the brain tries to detach from reality as a way of coping with trauma. It might feel like daydreaming or an ‘out of body’ experience.

The symptoms in bold/gray present those that Lola will explicitly depict during my short film. Flashbacks is a major symptom that Lola experienced, which is defined by rainn.org:

A flashback is when memories of a past trauma feel as if they are taking place in the current moment. That means it’s possible to feel like the experience of sexual violence is happening all over again. 

Utilizing match cuts allows me to reinforce the idea that Lola is suffering from a flashback, as the similar angles and seamless transitions depicts that she feels as though her past trauma is taking place presently.

Here is my first match-cut that I have edited. I'm really proud with how this turned out, as I've never really attempted a match-cut before.