Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts1x6uADFtM
The scene that I chose to analyze is the beginning of the climax of the film The Silence of the Lambs. It is a brilliantly edited scene and a perfect example, in my opinion, of how to utilize parallel editing to create suspense and tension. Parallel editing or cross cutting is the technique of continuously alternating two or more scenes that are happening at the same times, but are occurring in different locations. The context of this particular scene is that both Clarice Sterling and FBI director Jack Crawford are attempting to search for the same criminal (Buffalo Bill) and their separate investigations drive them to different places.
The element of sound is magnificently weaved into the scene. There are no non-diegetic sounds, such as score or soundtrack, present. However, the diegetic sound is used poignantly to create tension as well. The sounds of the FBI team, such as shuffling feet, guns, and cars is juxtaposed with the sounds that dominate Buffalo Bill's residence. The whining of the dog, the rock music lightly playing in the background, and the sounds of Buffalo Bill angrily knocking down his furniture truly add to the tension and agony of the scene. The parts with the FBI team is also relatively silent in terms of dialogue compared to the parts in Buffalo Bill's house. And, of course, who can forget the sound of the doorbell, which is what I attribute to be the perfect sound to weave these two separate scenes together. The screeching sound of the doorbell followed by the arrival of Clarice and shattering glass due to the FBI team reveal that the FBI are at the wrong residence and that it is Clarice who must now face Buffalo Bill alone. The sound-image relationship reinforces the creepiness of Buffalo Bill and how dangerous he is due to his unstable and unhinged behavior. The sounds create a sense of anxiety in the audiences.
The shots themselves seem to be simple shots. There are a couple long shots, but it is mostly composed of medium shots and close-up shots. One shot that stands out in particular is at the end where the camera zooms into Jack Crawford and the audience can immediately detect the worry in his face. This tells us that Clarice is in danger and that the upcoming climax will be inundated with tension. The image-image relationship is ultimately fulfilled by the brilliant parallel editing. The images in the different settings are juxtaposed using lighting. Buffalo Bill's scenes are largely composed of darkness and blue tones. Where as the FBI team scenes are crisp and bright, taking place in a suburban and seemingly harmless setting. The cuts make the scene ambiguous as we are led to believe that the action in Buffalo Bill's house is the same as what is going inside the house that the FBI team are ready to ambush. The rhythm is also very smooth, which also contributes to the belief that these two scenes are taking place in the same location.
Overall, the relationships between sound/image and image/image as well as the editing accomplish the goal of creating suspense and a big climactic moment that will result in a payoff at the end of the film. It is a great example of how to create tension without using a cliche horror movie trope or soundtrack.
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