A "match cut" is a film editing technique that creates a seamless transition between two scenes by matching similar visual elements. This can involve matching shapes, colors, or actions, allowing the viewer to connect the two images thematically or narratively. For example, a scene might cut from a spinning basketball to a spinning planet, suggesting a relationship between the two.
This technique is often used to enhance storytelling and maintain visual continuity. Famous examples include Stanley Kubrick's use of a match cut in 2001: A Space Odyssey, where a bone thrown into the air transitions to a spacecraft, illustrating the evolution of humanity.