cutaways

A cutaway is a short break from the main story. It is used to show what is also happening at that time in other places or other parts in the film whilst giving a break from the action packed scenes which is mostly the main plot. Cutaway shots are normally not very long, they show what else is going off in the film quickly. They are also a key part to the film, they are important to watch or listen as it will have some sort of message of specific meaning behind the cutaway. 

Below is an example of a cutaway technique being used. Between seconds 0:51 and 0:58 the scene cuts when one character is stood on the truck in the middle of the action and the scene cuts to another character that is out of the action.