~ Parallel Editing ~

Next, lets talk all about parallel editing. 

    The technique parallel editing, also known as cross cutting. Is when two or more scenes are put together that are happening at the same time in the film, but at different locations. So two scenes will be put together, showing two things happening at once, but at different locations with different  characters, but both scenes connect to the story line or film. The technique establishes two relationships between two events by cutting from one to the other. The technique is successful when the audience know that the two events that are cutting from each other, are happening at the same time. Instead of just helping the story line, parallel editing can be used to show contrasts between two events happening at the same time. How two subjects or events differ from each  other as they are happening. Parallel editing is mostly used to create tension between the two events happening, while linking them both to each other and the narrative. 

   The purpose of using parallel editing is to create pace. Using parallel editing in a film will make the story line flow more and make the pace more faster. Showing two events happening at once, cutting to one to the other. It saves time in the film by showing two events at the same time, that link to each other in the narrative. It helps the audience get a clear understanding of the narrative, and which events are linked to each other. Parallel editing is also there to engage the viewer by creating more tension showing two events building up to each other, to hopefully meet at the end. It makes the audience engaged to the tension between two events cutting to one to the other. Also to add expansion to the narrative, showing themes within the story line and connections to characters. Showing what two subjects are linked etc. 

     One of the first film makers to use parallel editing was DW Griffith. DW used this technique in his film Birth of a Nation; released in 1915. It shows two events happening at different places at the same time, before both parties meeting near the end. Two events happening at different places before meeting each other, two events becoming one. It helps the story line evolve, showing how each different characters or events come together to battle. Helping the narrative along for audience to understand and to be engaged by it seeing both events happen, not just one. It shows Lincoln's assassination in the Ford Theatre. DW Griffith also used parallel editing in this scene to increase tension up to Lincolns assassination. Cutting between the stage and the Presidents viewing box. It also cuts to John Wilkes Booth preparing to assassinate Lincoln. Creating tension for the audience, watching others prepare to assassinate the president, while  seeing scenes of the president in his booth, not knowing he is about to be killed. 

     Another example of parallel editing is from the film Silence of the Lambs, released in 1991. It shows two events happening at once in different locations with different characters. The scene shows Hannibal has a women locked up in his basement, as she shouts concerns about a dog, while the clip cuts to two policemen armed and ready to bust into his house and catch him in the act. It shows two events happening and how they are connected, Hannibal with a women he kidnapped; and policemen who are trying to catch Hannibal at his evil deeds. It creates tension to the audience, making them cautious and curious to see if the policemen will catch Hannibal in time. It all ends when the police run into the house, and suddenly they found that there is no one here, revealing they raided the wrong house, or did they?