Master the Hollywood Technique of Parallel Editing

Parallel editing is a powerful tool. Here are classic Hollywood examples of the technique that will help you pull it off.

One technique tends to stand out from the myriad of editing techniques used by pros—parallel editing, a.k.a. 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 film.

Parallel Editing: A Brief History

In just about any film class, the first example of parallel editing you'll learn is from 1903's The Great Train Robbery. In this film, director Edwin S. Porter and his editor utilize the technique of parallel editing to build suspense and cinematic flow.

In 1915's Birth of a Nation, director D.W. Griffith uses parallel editing to build dramatic tension and build the relationships of characters within the world.

Filmmakers such as John Ford, Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, and Christopher Nolan utilize parallel editing almost routinely today.

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 good example can be seen in The Godfather.

Here, director Francis Ford Coppola knew that a scene where Michael Corleone stands watch at a baptism could bring the film's pacing to a halt. 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 of the scene.

When Should It Be Used?

You're going to need a budget to make parallel editing happen, as it requires filming two sets of action that work together. You also can't just throw a parallel edit in a film for no reason—there needs to be motivation behind it.

A nice example comes from The Silence of the Lambs. We watch the FBI raid a house they believe belongs to Buffalo Bill. However, when Buffalo Bill answers t