In light of a parade of celebrations of legendary filmmaker Brian De Palma, one of the many facets of his cinematic techniques was the split screen. He once said he used this to help the audience. We are not sure if anyone has used it as well as he did, but it's influence is undeniable. Remember the closing segment shots of 24? Has anyone noticed the last few Olympics with athletes getting ready while the network simultaneously runs an ad?
Then you see the split screen used creatively in the second season of Fargo. In their review of Peter Greenaway's film The Pillow Book, Roger Ebert said he liked the director's use of the split screen: "Put something new up there. Challenge us," or words to that effect. It does, and if used right, it's a device that challenges the audience thoughtfully, and the number of people who enjoy that, and go out of their way to see it, should not be underestimated.
Then you see the split screen used creatively in the second season of Fargo. In their review of Peter Greenaway's film The Pillow Book, Roger Ebert said he liked the director's use of the split screen: "Put something new up there. Challenge us," or words to that effect. It does, and if used right, it's a device that challenges the audience thoughtfully, and the number of people who enjoy that, and go out of their way to see it, should not be underestimated.
