Which statement correctly describes montage versus sequence?

• A. A montage is a single continuous shot.
• B. A sequence is a rapid series of shots used to condense time.
• C. A montage is a rapid series of shots edited to condense time or convey events; a sequence is a continuous set of shots forming a scene.
• D. Both terms are interchangeable.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how montage differs from a sequence in film editing helps you see how editors shape time and narrative flow. A montage is a rapid series of shots edited together to condense time or convey events, often driven by rhythm, music, and visual juxtapositions. This approach lets a lot of action or a passage of time pass in just a few moments, without showing every detail. A sequence, on the other hand, is a continuous set of shots that form a single scene or a coherent part of the story, focusing on keeping time and space connected so the audience experiences actions in a more straightforward, ongoing way.

That makes the statement about montage accurate: it describes a rapid sequence of shots edited to condense time or convey events. And it describes a sequence accurately as a continuous set of shots forming a scene. The other explanations miss key ideas: montage isn’t a single continuous shot, so that first alternative is off; a sequence isn’t defined by rapid cutting to compress time, so the second alternative is off; and the two terms aren’t interchangeable, so saying they’re the same doesn’t fit.