Two shots of the same subject, separated by a small gap in time. The subject appears to jump forward. That is a jump cut, an editing technique that creates a disorienting break in continuity. It violates the standard rules of editing, which aim for smooth, continuous motion. The jump cut is abrupt. It draws attention to the edit. It can be jarring, or it can be energizing.

Jump cuts were pioneered by Jean-Luc Godard in Breathless, where he used them to compress time and create a sense of restlessness. The technique was initially seen as a mistake. It became a hallmark of the French New Wave and a tool for modern filmmakers. It is used in music videos, commercials, and vlogs. It is used to show the passage of time without a transition. It is used to create a sense of fragmentation or unease. It is used to break the fourth wall and remind the audience that they are watching a film.

Jump cuts can be subtle or aggressive. A small jump cut, where the subject moves slightly, can be almost invisible. A large jump cut, where the subject moves across the frame, is impossible to miss. The effect depends on the gap and the content. A jump cut in a conversation can show a character's changing emotions. A jump cut in a landscape can show the passage of seasons. The technique is versatile. It is not just a mistake. It is a choice.