Master the Hollywood Technique of Parallel Editing
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19/03/2016 Master the Hollywood Technique of Parallel Editing
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Master the HollywoodTechnique of ParallelEditing
BY JOHNATHANPAUL
FEBRUARY 24,2016
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19/03/2016 Master the Hollywood Technique of Parallel Editing
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Parallel editing is apowerful tool for lmeditors. Here aresome classicHollywood examplesof the technique thatwill show you how topull it off.
There’s one technique that tends to
stand out from the myriad editing
techniques used by pros: parallel
editing aka cross cutting. This
editing technique is the process of
alternating between two or more
scenes that happen simultaneously
in different locations within the
world of the lm. With most lms
that utilize parallel editing, the
corresponding scenes will
eventually meet or have some sort
of connecting action.
In order to learn how to utilize this
powerful technique, let’s look back
at the some of the best examples
from cinematic history. From there,
we’ll determine the value of using
parallel editing, as well as when it
should be utilized. First, a brief
history of parallel editing.
A Brief History of ParallelEditing
In just about any lm class, the rst
19/03/2016 Master the Hollywood Technique of Parallel Editing
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example of parallel editing you’ll
learn about is from 1903′s The GreatTrain Robbery. In this lm, director
Edwin S. Porter and his editor utilize
the technique of parallel editing to
build suspense and cinematic ow.
This technique was also used to give
additional exposition to the
narrative of the lm.
Image: The Great Train Robbery via
Edison Manufacturing Company
In 1915′s Birth of a Nation, director
D.W. Grif th uses parallel editing to
build dramatic tension, as well as
build the relationships of characters
within the world. The use of this
technique was incredibly well done
in the lm, and it’s widely regarded
(in terms of historical value) as it
was one of the rst lms to have
simultaneous action. However,
Grif th’s groundbreaking
techniques would be overshadowed
by the rightful criticism of the
lm’s controversial depiction of
slavery and racism.
Image: Intolerance, D.W. Grif th’s
second lm after Birth of a Nation via
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Triangle Distributing Corporation
Obviously, Grif th isn’t the only
lmmaker to use parallel editing.
Filmmakers such as John Ford,
Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick,
Martin Scorsese, and Christopher
Nolan utilize parallel editing almost
routinely today.
So, where is the value in using
parallel editing and when should it
be used? Let’s look at these two
questions and try to nd some
answers.
Where’s the Value?
The value in using parallel editing is
that the technique adds another
layer of suspense or pacing to the
narrative. A great example of this
value can be seen in the The
Godfather. Here, director Francis
Ford Coppola knew that a scene
where Michael Corleone stands
watch at a baptism could bring the
pacing of the lm to a halt.
Image: The Godfather via Paramount
Pictures
In order to showcase the contrast
between Michael’s declaration and
what he has asked his henchmen to
do, Coppola utilizes parallel editing.
This increases the pacing and tempo
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of the scene and, in turn, makes the
baptism portion of the scene so
much more powerful.
The Baptism Murder...
Video via Movieclips
When Should It Be Used?
You’re de nitely going to need a
budget to make parallel editing
happen, as it requires lming two
sets of action that work together.
You also can’t just throw a parallel
edit in a lm for no reason. Just like
with any camera composition or
editing technique, there needs to be
motivation behind it — a reason to
utilize it.
A great example of the motivated
19/03/2016 Master the Hollywood Technique of Parallel Editing
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use of parallel editing comes from
The Silence of the Lambs. In this
scene, director Jonathan
Demme utilizes the technique to
perfection as we watch the FBI raid
a house they believe belongs to
Buffalo Bill. We even see Buffalo Bill
react to the bell in his dungeon,
which correlates to the FBI agent
ringing the bell in the secondary
scene. However, when Buffalo Bill
answers the door, we realize that
agents aren’t on his front step — but
Clarice Starling is.
Example of Parallel ...
Video via Gabriel Moura
One of the most famous recent uses
of the technique is found
in Inception. Director Christopher
Nolan uses the technique
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19/03/2016 Master the Hollywood Technique of Parallel Editing
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speci cally to help convey multiple
dream states within the narrative.
Because of this speci c narrative,
nearly the entire lm is one long
series of parallel edits.
The Synchronized Ki...
Video via The Tykjen
Mastering this technique will come
in handy when you need to increase
the tension and pace of a lm, while
also giving the audience more in-
depth visual information for the
narrative.
What are your favorite uses of
parallel editing? Please share them
in the comments below!
…
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• Reply •
Tom Lim • 24 days ago
I have to work on mastering a single scene editfirst! :)
△ ▽
• Reply •
Richard Jackson • 17 days ago
> Tom Lim
Ha I was thinking exactly the same thingTom :)
1△ ▽
Michael Maher • 23 days ago
Mod > Tom Lim
Ha! You'll get there. Thanks for alwaysleaving such great comments. Do me afavor shoot me an email whenever you geta chance. [email protected]
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