I must say again that the graph used to compare the length of sentences in the novel and number of seconds of shot in a scene, is an interesting way of analyzing film and literature. While we watched that scene in “Miller’s Crossing” again and specifically looked for the cuts in filming, I started to get a headache and my eyes hurt. I guess that’s the only downside to watching for and honing in on those elements in movies.
If a film maker wants to keep the audience interested in their movie, having multiple cuts during a scene is greatly needed. You keep the viewers on their toes, watching for everything that is happening with each character on the screen. Now, sometimes one long shot can be a very instrumental moment in a movie, and you certainly need those too if a film is going to do well in the long run. Constantly jumping from shot to shot can get a little nerve racking. But if there is to be long shot of something (a fixed shot) there needs to be great dialogue. The beginning of “Miller’s Crossing” accomplished this beautifully. Tarantino used this in Pulp Fiction with a long still shot on Bruce Willis’s face while Ving Rhames is making a speech about why he’s giving Willis money. These shots can can have an amazing impact in the movie, but they can also kill the moment. Great film makers know this little tip and can use it profoundly.