Eyeline Match
An eyeline match is a fundamental technique in continuity editing. Its purpose is to create a seamless link between two different shots. This edit shows a character looking at something. It then cuts to a shot of what the character is looking at. This simple but powerful technique preserves spatial logic. It allows the audience to intuitively understand where characters and objects are in relation to each other. Proper eyeline matching is a cornerstone of “invisible” editing. It keeps the viewer immersed in the story without calling attention to the cuts.
How the Eyeline Match Works
The eyeline match typically involves a sequence of at least two shots.
| 1. The Gaze Shot | The first shot establishes a character looking at something. This subject is usually located off-screen. The direction and angle of the character’s gaze are critically important. |
| 2. The Object Shot | The second shot immediately shows what the character sees. This could be another person, an object, or a specific detail in the environment. |
When the editor cuts these two shots together, our brain makes a logical connection. We assume we are seeing the world through the character’s perspective. This second shot is often a point-of-view (POV) shot. A POV shot shows the scene from the character’s exact vantage point. However, the second shot does not have to be a true POV. It simply needs to show the object of the character’s gaze from a believable angle.
The Eyeline Match in Dialogue
Filmmakers constantly use eyeline matches during dialogue scenes. The classic shot/reverse shot technique relies entirely on this principle. Imagine two characters, A and B, talking to each other.
First, the camera films a shot over Character A’s shoulder. In this shot, Character B appears on the left side of the frame. Character A’s eyeline is directed toward Character B. For the reverse shot, the camera moves to a position over Character B’s shoulder. Now, Character A appears on the right side of the frame. Crucially, Character B’s eyeline must be directed toward Character A. When these shots are cut together, their eyelines match perfectly. It creates the seamless illusion that they are in the same space and making direct eye contact.
Connection to the 180-Degree Rule
The eyeline match is directly connected to the 180-degree rule. To maintain consistent screen direction, filmmakers imagine an invisible line (the axis of action) between two characters. The camera must stay on one side of this line. By staying on one side, the 180-degree rule ensures that Character A will always appear to be looking screen right. Character B will always appear to be looking screen left. This consistency makes the eyeline match possible. If a filmmaker were to break the 180-degree rule, the characters’ eyelines would no longer match. They would appear to be looking in the same direction, which would disorient the audience. Together, these rules create a stable and coherent cinematic space.
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