Match on Action

A match on action cut is a technique where the editor cuts the shot to another that matches the movement/action of the first shot. An example of this could be within Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash, where this technique is frequently used to show Miles Teller’s character playing the drums, reinforcing the idea that he is working his hardest to achieve his dream as a drummer, with abrupt, violent movements throughout each shot that work almost as a montage.

Graphic Match

A graphic match cut is a technique that uses similar elements of two scenes to transition between them – using a visual match for scenes that could be in different locations or following different plots. A popular example of this would be within Randal Kleiser’s Grease when the boys are dancing on the car, displaying their bond as a group and the idea that they will follow each other anywhere.

Eyeline Match

Eyeline match cuts are used to show the audience what a character is looking at. It can create the effect that the audience are looking through the character’s eyes themselves. An example of this is in David Yates’ Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix, where Daniel Radcliffe’s character looks up to a darkening sky, and the camera cuts to what ominous sights he’s seeing. This creates suspense and tension and leaves an audience wondering what’s behind the camera.