Crosscutting

Crosscutting

Crosscutting or parallel editing is when the editor mixes two events that are happening at the same time in different locations. It is used to establish suspense or to show events unfolding. It can also help build the scene up and make it more dramatic.

Example:
A little girl is skipping down the street.
A car is driving along the road, the driver is applying lipstick.
The girl crosses the street.
The driver gets close to the girl.
The little girl screams.
The driver sees the girl last second and swerves out of her way.
The car mounts the curb and smashes through the bridge.
It falls off the bridge and crashes into the water.
The little girl carries on skipping.

Inception:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmptU7vEkNU

American Sniper:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQgtu2rEGvM