Applying Principles of Continuity

Many continuity techniques are used in this sequence from "Rush  Hour 3." They help to create a seamless narrative, and give comical value. The sequence is a fight scene of Carter and Lee against a very tall man, as fight scenes can be chaotic and confusing, continuity is important, so that the audience can tell what is going on. Continuity techniques are used effectively to show this in  this sequence.

First of all, eye line match is used well, as it starts off with an OTS shot of Carter looking down on the much shorter child. It then cuts to an OTS high angled shot of the child looking up at Carter. This helps give the audience a sense of height difference between the two characters. This is also used when Carter looks up to the very tall man, exaggerating his height. It is used a third time, when Carter looks up to the master, to show that he has the power, and is important. It also helps to understand where the characters are in relation to each other.

A reaction shot is used after Carter is carried into the room by the tall man. The camera cuts to a CU of Lee, who looks up (emphasizing the height of the man) and looks scared, (making the man seem intimidating.)

Match on Action is used, when the child kicks Carter in the leg. The camera then cuts to a CU of the contact. Match on action is used throughout the fight scene, which helps the audience understand what is happening / who is winning. Match on action is also used effectively when the tall man stomps his foot on the floor. The camera cuts to a CU of his foot hitting the floor, emphasizing it, and making him seem intimidating.

Shot/reverse/shot is used when Carter is speaking to the master. The camera switches back and forth between OTS shots of the two characters with very choppy cuts for transitions. This creates pace in this part of the sequence and adds comical value.

Another continuity technique used was the fact that the diegetic sound ran on from one scene to the next, allowing us to clearly understand that the scenes follow on from one another. For example when Carter says "It's about time y'all show some respect around here," and starts heavily breathing. We can still here his heavy breathing in the next shot showing that the two scenes are linked.