Film & TV Language: editing blog task

   Alezey

EDITING - blog task

The Battle of Beruna in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

750 word analysis

The Battle of Beruna in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a strong example of how editing shapes the audience’s experience of the action elements. Because the battle involves a large number of soldiers including fantasy animals fighting at once, the editing plays a crucial role in controlling pace, tension, and understanding. Through changes in shot length, cutting between different parts of the battlefield, and careful sequencing of shots, the scene feels intense without becoming confusing. Editing also works closely with sound, cinematography, and the mise-en scene to support the storytelling. 

At the start of the battle, the editing is slower and more controlled. Long shots are used to show the two armies facing each other across the grassy battlefield. These shots give the audience time to understand the scale of the conflict and where the soldiers are positioned. By keeping these shots on scene for longer, the editor builds anticipation and creates tension before the fighting begins. The stillness of these moments makes the eventual clash feel more dramatic. The wide shot of the battlefield also helps establish the setting clearly, which becomes important once the action speeds up.

Once the fighting begins, the pace of the editing increases. Shot lengths become much shorter, and the editor cuts rapidly between moments of fighting , such as soldiers charging, weapons colliding, and fighters being knocked down. This fast-paced editing reflects the chaos of battle and supports the action code by constantly signalling danger and conflict. At certain scenes, the editing becomes more abrupt, using very quick cuts between similar shots of fighting. These moments almost resemble a montage - the fragmented editing causes the battle to look unpredictable and dangerous. Additionally many cuts occur mid-action, which allows movement to continue smoothly across shots. This maintains continuity editing and prevents the scene from becoming confusing to the audience despite the speed of the cuts.

Rather than following a single character, the editing frequently cuts between different areas of the battlefield. This use of juxtaposition places multiple clashes side by side, which makes the battle feel widespread and overwhelming. By repeatedly shifting focus between humans, animals, and mythical creatures, the editor uses the scale of the conflict and supports the fantasy genre of the film. Shot size also plays an important role as the wide shots of the battlefield and close-up shots of individual soldiers shows the whole battle destruction alongside individual suffering. The audience is made to feel that violence is happening everywhere at once, increasing tension and intensity.

Mise-en-scene is also important in shaping the battle. Costume clearly separates the two sides, with the Witch’s army wearing darker, harsher armour, making them appear more threatening, while Aslan’s forces wear lighter armour. Make-up can include the animals and mythical creatures that emphasise the fantasy genre. Props such as swords and shields are used consistently, helping maintain realism. The open grassy setting allows the scale of the battle and large movements, like charges, to be clearly shown.

Throughout the battle, the editor relies almost entirely on straight cuts. There are no fades or dissolves during the action, as these would slow the pace and reduce intensity. The consistent use of straight cuts supports continuity editing and maintains concentration on the scenes, making the audience feel as though the battle is happening in real time.

A key moment in the clip involves the bird flying above the battlefield. The editing briefly switches from ground level fighting to follow the bird, creating a noticeable change in pace. This moment acts as an enigma code, as the audience questions the presence of the bird and its role in the battle. By switching the rapid cutting of combat with smoother movement, the editor draws attention to this moment without breaking the continuous speed.

When the bird later causes fire to spread among the Witch’s army, the editing connects these moments through continuity editing. Fast cuts show the impact of the fire on the enemy soldiers, increasing confusion and disruption. The rapid editing around this moment connotes the idea that the balance of power is shifting, and that the protagonist team (Aslan’s side) is going to win the battle.

Overall, Narnia; Battle of Beruna demonstrates how effective editing can shape an action scene. Through fast-paced cutting, continuity editing, and the use of action and enigma codes, the scene feels intense, clear, and engaging. The editing successfully communicates both the amount and chaos of war while keeping the audience fully involved in the narrative.