I find myself drawn to continuity editing. I suppose it’s the OCD in me and the investment for perfection (when I’m enthused). The seamlessness and focus on the mise-en-scene, rather than the edit, allows the viewer to be immersed in the narrative. I find in film art and film noir for example, I critique the work rather than feel entertained. While there is merit in challenging an audience’s perspective or values, a cohesive narrative that holds their deep attention has the same if not more significance. While viewers are immersed in a film, they have a malleable thought process. It can be manipulated by changes in the characters, turning points and resolutions. Say ethical issues and solutions with no bias were installed. Viewers naturally will the righteous positive solution rather than negative. You could potentially change the problem solving methods and decisions that cultures and populations make by creating characters that represent right over wrong. Oh wait, that’s already been done in every hero-based movie ever.
But, I haven’t seen a film that has such an impact on people, that we see a positive shift in their behaviour. Hopefully I’m wrong or hopefully I’m yet to be proved wrong.