The Split Screen — The Ultimate Guide for Filmmakers

Filmmaking is an art form that constantly evolves, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual creativity. Among the many techniques employed by directors and cinematographers, the split screen shot stands out as a unique and powerful tool for conveying multiple perspectives, enhancing character relationships, and exploring new narrative possibilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of split screen cinematography, exploring its definition, types, and various creative applications. From iconic cinematic moments to experimental films that challenge traditional formats, we’ll uncover the secrets behind this versatile technique and how it can elevate your filmmaking prowess.

What is a Split Screen?

A split screen is a cinematographic technique that simultaneously presents two or more shots or images within a single frame. The technique can be categorized into two forms: visible and invisible split screens.

1. Visible Split Screen: In this form, the division between the two or more images is clearly visible to the viewer. The frame is visually separated, creating distinct sections that showcase different perspectives or scenes simultaneously.
2. Invisible Split Screen: This form involves seamlessly combining two or more shots or takes to create a single, unified image. It is often used when an actor is playing multiple roles or when combining the best performances from different takes.

Chapter 1: Multiple Perspectives

One of the most powerful applications of the split screen is its ability to represent multiple perspectives within a single frame. By juxtaposing different scenes or viewpoints, filmmakers can create compelling contrasts, draw parallels, and encourage audiences to consider the connections and disparities between the presented images.

In the 2019 action film “Hobbs & Shaw,” the split screen effectively contrasts the lead characters’ morning routines side by side, further accentuated by distinct color palettes. This visual comparison not only highlights their contrasting personalities but also sets the stage for their eventual collision.

Similarly, the music video for Radiohead’s “No Surprises” uses the split screen to starkly contrast the lives of two children from different economic backgrounds, amplifying the disparity and encouraging viewers to reflect on societal inequalities.

Split screens can also be used within a single scene to enhance the emotional impact and create a sense of chaos or omnipresence. In the climactic scene of Brian De Palma’s “Carrie,” the split screen presents multiple vantages simultaneously, making Carrie’s destructive power feel inescapable and overwhelming the viewer with different frames to process.

Chapter 2: Character Relationships

Beyond presenting multiple perspectives, split screens can also inform and enhance character relationships within a film. By bringing characters together on a shared screen, even if they are physically apart, filmmakers can create a sense of intimacy and connection that transcends spatial boundaries.

One of the most famous examples of this is the split screen phone call sequence in “Indiscreet” (1958). The framing of the two characters makes it appear as if they are lying in bed together, despite being in separate rooms. This technique not only tightened the intimacy between them but also cleverly worked around the Hays Code’s prohibition of depicting unmarried couples in bed together.

In Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream” (2000), the split screen is used to create a disorienting, surreal sense of closeness between characters who are supposed to be in the same scene. This effect allows for the insertion of close-ups and cutaways while retaining the doubled screen, further enhancing the film’s harrowing portrayal of addiction and its psychological toll.

With the advent of digital technology, filmmakers have also experimented with incorporating video calls as a form of split screen storytelling. In the horror film “Unfriended” (2014), this technique is used to heighten the scares, as characters react to terrifying events unfolding in separate frames, blurring the lines between virtual and real-world horrors.

Chapter 3: Creative Examples

Throughout the history of cinema, filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of the split screen technique, exploring new and innovative ways to incorporate it into their storytelling. From dynamic montages to experimental formats, these creative examples showcase the versatility and potential of this cinematic tool.

In Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s” series, the use of flashy editing and split screens conveys a sense of glamor and excitement, perfectly complementing the suave characters and extravagant settings. Ang Lee’s “Hulk” (2003) takes a different approach, using multiple frames to emulate the feeling of comic book panels, paying homage to the film’s source material.

Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” (2003) features a split screen montage where the two sides of the frame operate on different stylistic levels. The left side showcases mostly stationary close-ups with limited camera movements, while the right side cuts quickly and involves more action and movement. This contrast creates a palpable sense of suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The split screen can also be used to literally expand the boundaries of the frame. Abel Gance’s 1927 historical epic “Napoleon” employed three projectors simultaneously to create an ultra-wide screen experience, while also utilizing color tinting to emulate the colors of the French flag. Similarly, “How the West Was Won” (1962) used a variation of the invisible split screen technique to project an ultra-wide image in Cinerama, combining three shots to emphasize the grand expanse of the American West.

In the documentary film “Woodstock” (1970), split screen sequences were used to visualize the music being performed, emulating the stereophonic sound technology of the late 1960s, which spread instrumentation across two speakers, creating a more dimensional sound experience.

Mike Figgis’s experimental film “Timecode” (2000) takes the split screen concept to its ultimate conclusion, presenting the entire film through four continuous channels running simultaneously. The overlapping shots and prioritized audio cues encourage the audience to actively engage with the multiple storylines and find hidden details within the frames.

Conclusion

The split screen is a versatile and powerful technique that has been used by filmmakers for nearly as long as cinema itself. From conveying multiple perspectives and enhancing character relationships to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, this cinematic tool offers endless possibilities for creative expression and narrative exploration.

Whether you’re a seasoned director or an aspiring filmmaker, mastering the art of the split screen can elevate your work and open up new avenues for captivating audiences. By understanding the various applications and creative examples presented in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to incorporate this technique into your own films, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the silver screen.

So, the next time you find yourself considering how to convey multiple perspectives, deepen character relationships, or simply experiment with new visual formats, remember the power of the split screen. Embrace its potential, and let your creativity soar.