A montage may use overlapping images and symbols to communicate a theme
Montage is a French word meaning "assembly" and refers to a film-making technique in which existing images are blended to create a new image. Montage is a technique allowing film-makers to visually tell a story in a succinct manner.
Type of Film Editing
Montage is a type of film editing that involves creation of story, rhythm and pacing and the juxtaposition of images.
Symbols and Images
Montage often uses a variety of images and symbols to communicate a vein of the storyline, theme, emotion or a character's point of view. Montage is also used to communicate a passage of time.
Sergi Eisenstein
Sergei Eisenstein (1898-1948) was a noted film-maker that pioneered and perfected the use of montage. His first montage films were used to communicate Communist propaganda.
Dziga Vertov
Another noted film-maker who popularized the use of montage was Polish-born Dziga Vertov. Vertov's use of montage was mainly thematic, while Eisenstein's was emotionally-based.
Communication Technique
When creating a montage, a series of photographic or filmed images and symbols are laid over one another in succession to communicate specific thoughts, themes, times, or emotions to the audience.
Citizen Kane "Breakfast Montage"
One of the most noted montage scenes is found in Orson Welles' film Citizen Kane, the six scenes of the "Breakfast Montage".
