300 word analysis - Editing Techniques and Narrative Meaning

 The director, James McTeigue has used editing techniques to introduce us to the characters V and Evey. The main technique used is continual editing: the match on action. Here McTeigue presents the two views of both V and Evey getting ready in their rooms at the same time but in different places. This creates suspense for the viewer due to the fact we don't know how they will meet and when.

Secondly, another editing technique used is graphic match and parallel editing. The two images on the left show V and Evey both turning off the TV with the remote. This could convey the idea that there is a connection between both characters. The viewer has established that these characters are important and we should focus on them.

Moreover, we can see there is a relationship between both V and Evey as there is many similarities between many of these shots. McTeigue has purposely done this so the viewer gets the idea that the two characters will be together for the rest of the film. The graphic match of the two images conveys the idea that both of these characters are heading in the same direction. They are both walking at the same pace which creates a lot of suspense, and gives us a clue they are getting closer to meeting. 

Furthermore, McTeigue uses rhythmic pattern to convey the mood of the characters. As the tension builds the music gets faster/louder, which reveals how nervous Evey is when she gets caught by two men as she is out after curfew. The viewer gets the idea that V will appear any moment. As V arrives the music calms/lowers, therefore Evey's nerves calm down as she knows there is someone here to help her. Although, Evey does not know who V really is yet.

The Use of Juxtaposition in The Domino Montage:

The dominoes and the people of the city are juxtaposed in this clip. The population is symbolised as very weak and powerless just like the dominoes, and they get shot down one at a time. It's effective as the viewer can tell the shots of the people who are wearing V's mask are knocked down to mirror the actions of a domino. It could also mean V's plans are being destroyed, or his killing the people of his own kind.