Internal rhythm

In filmmaking, internal rhythm is created by whatever appears or occurs within the shot of a moving picture. It can change within a scene (film) and from scene to scene. For example, in Citizen Kane the internal rhythm of the scene in which Kane, Leland, Bernstein, and the movers take over the offices of the Inquirer differs from the rhythm of the scene in which Kane demolishes Susan's bedroom or from the scene in which Kane and Susan spend an evening at home at Xanadu.

The scene in the newspaper office begins slowly and quietly but gradually speeds up until the action becomes frantic. The demolition of Susan's bedroom starts off at a slow pace, becomes chaotic, and then slows once more when Charles finds Susan's snow-scene paperweight. The rhythm of the scene between Kane and Susan at home is heavy and static, yet filled with tension. It represents a duration where the action unfolds like a dance.