Eisenstein's Montage Theory

As our work is based strongly around datamoshing what is essentially a montage, we thought best to research into Eisenstein, one of the most prolific names in the soviet montage movement. One of the main concepts behind is style of editing, is the lack of continuity. By breaking rules that were and still are common in mainstream cinema, such as the 180 degree rule, Eisenstein was able to create pieces of work that played more on human emotion, than something that simply follows continuity.

Eisenstein famously has 5 methods of editing in reference to montage:

1.     Metric

Cuts are made at specific intervals. A set number of frames every cut, regardless of the action on screen.

2.     Rhythmic

Cutting based on time, using visual composition. Also uses sound, and different speeds of metric editing.

3.     Tonal

Uses the emotional meaning of the shots, and not just manipulating the length of the cuts.

4.     Overtonal/Associational

The overtonal montage is the culmination of metric, rhythmic, and tonal montage for more complex meaning.

5.     Intellectual

Uses shots which, combined, elicit an intellectual meaning.

We will use a combination of these methods, in particular rhythmic and overtonal. We believe that this will work best with the glitching effect that we intend to use, and will keep a good balance between context and simply visual appearance.

However, when editing takes place, we may choose to use one of the other methods of editing and cutting, depending on what works well with what clip, at certain times.