Cross-Cutting

 

Using Cross Cutting to Tell the Story

One of the most important editing techniques used in the opening of How We Used to Be is cross cutting. Cross cutting is an editing technique where the film switches back and forth between two different scenes that are happening at the same time. This technique helps build emotional connections between characters while also keeping the audience engaged in multiple parts of the story.

In the opening sequence, cross cutting is used between the male character walking through town and the female character sitting alone in her bedroom. After the breakup text message is shown, the film cuts between the two characters as they process the situation in different ways.

While the male character walks through town, appearing lost in thought, the film cuts to the female character who is sitting in her room feeling upset and isolated. These cuts allow the audience to see both perspectives of the breakup, which helps create a deeper emotional understanding of the situation.

The cross cutting also becomes important when the male character walks past the ice cream shop. As he stops and looks inside, the scene briefly cuts to a flashback of the two characters laughing together inside the shop. This moment contrasts the happiness of their past relationship with the sadness of the present moment.

By using cross cutting between the present and flashbacks, the audience is able to see how the relationship has changed over time. It visually shows how memories of the past continue to affect the characters in the present.

Overall, cross cutting helps build emotional tension throughout the opening sequence while also giving the audience insight into both characters’ experiences. This technique allows the story to unfold in a more dynamic and cinematic way rather than simply showing events in a linear order.