One Night in Miami
From straight cuts to split edits with a slow pace and some silent moments- One Night in Miami is an example of a film that executed its editing techniques to tell this powerful story! This film is a fictional account of icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown meeting in a hotel room in the 1960s. A story about civil rights, religion, careers, and friendship. Most of One Night in Miami is set in one room, so editing, sound, and transitions are essential to keep the audience entertained, and Tariq Anwar- nailed it! Fade in: We hear the sounds of a piano, setting the tone from the 1960s, followed by the sound effects of a bell as the crowd is rooting in the stands. We are in the middle of a boxing match! The camera angles, cuts, and sound effects add to the experience as a viewer. In his upbeat and highly confident demeanor, Muhammad Ali leaves the corner to continue the match. Punch after punch; straight cuts are used to display the fight- mainly cut on the action, during the fighter's movements, happening quickly, creating fast pacing for this scene and adding high energy and intensity. This technique in the opening scene makes us feel like we are sitting in the arena -watching the boxing match. We see Muhammad float like a butterfly, then boom! He was stung by a bee. He takes an unexpected hit and falls back against the ropes before hitting the ground. We see Ali looking up, and then the cut to his eyeline match; the ceiling lights while transitioning into a split edit that introduces the audience to Sam Cooke in the next scene; we can hear the atmosphere before we see it- brilliance!
These techniques set the film's tone by creating tension and engaging the audience from the intro.
One Night in Miami strategically uses sound and edits to tell this story creatively. Examples of eyeliner match cuts are also used when Malcolm looks out from the phone booth and reveals that two white men in a car are looking over at him.
This technique builds tension and puts us in the paranoia that Malcolm X is experiencing. Split edits are brilliantly utilized within the film; in the hotel room, Jim goes to the bathroom while the guys continue their conversation. An 'L cut' is used in the edit, where the audio plays after the camera cuts to Jim, creating the tension and perspective of Jim.
Sound and music are equally important in this film. Jazz is incorporated within the score, adding to the mise-en-scene and creating the period of the 60s. Songs were creatively incorporated by being sung throughout the movie or when the characters played music. During the scene, Malcolm wants Sam to sing about things important to black liberation. He plays the love songs Sam has released, and although it is a part of the dialogue, it still sets a tone, displays tension, creates a mood, and progresses the story. Another example is when Malcolm plays Bob Dylan to emphasize that he has even made a song that speaks about the oppression of black people as a white man.
The use of music within the film is a creative element, but what about the silence?
Silence is also displayed, first on the roof, after Malcolm mentions that people might want to kill him. Silence occurs before Muhammad changes the subject to lighten the mood. This silence is intentional to create impact, cause reflection, display importance, and create tension and an emotional response. Another power silent choice is used when Malcolm X finally admits that he is leaving the Nation of Islam and is starting a new group. The room is completely silent; we see Malcolm nervously fidgeting with his glasses. Sam Cooke slowly glances over from Malcolm to Muhammad, and wonder starts to build- and an intentionally anxious feeling looms over the viewer.
The film elegantly incorporated straight cuts, rapid shots during fast-paced boxing matches, and longer shots during impactful conversations- blending them to tell a lasting story. Incorporating split cuts with soft jazz within the background sets the tone. These choices enhanced the story. Because there are four main characters in one room, these techniques allow us to see each of the guys' perspectives, clearly delivering the narrative and expressing the emotions of each icon, leaving the viewer on a ride through history, a journey of emotion, and a night in Miami!