How to Use Split Screen

Here are some interesting examples of split screen that I like.

In this scene from Jackie Brown, Max Cherry goes about his evening after a date with Jackie when he realizes his gun is missing from the glove compartment. At that moment, we hear the sound of a gun cocked as Ordell (Samuel Jackson) is trying to strangle Jackie. It's a nice use of split screen for a dramatic reveal.



This scene from Indiscreet (1958) stars Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. It reminds me of Skype conversations with my girlfriend, but the split screen device was likely used to circumvent censorship laws. It provides a sense of intimacy while keeping the characters separated.



I've seen this next device from The Rules of Attraction used in a number of films in a variety of ways. Essentially the two characters start their days in split screen until they end up in the place where they meet.