Eisenstein's montage theory

Eisenstein's montage theory emphasizes that editing—in the way scenes are cut and combined—can create new meaning beyond individual shots. By juxtaposing contrasting images, the editor evokes emotional responses and conveys ideas that aren’t explicitly shown. For example, placing a peaceful scene next to a chaotic one can intensify the impact or suggest a deeper message. The theory sees editing as an active process that can generate intellectual and emotional connections, shaping viewers' understanding and provoking thought through the deliberate sequencing of images.