GlossaryCraft technique
Smash cut
Also: SMASH CUT TO
A smash cut is an abrupt, jarring transition from one scene to a sharply contrasting one (loud to silent, calm to chaos) with no easing between them. Written "SMASH CUT TO:" flush right, it is used for shock, comedy, or to slam two opposing images together for effect.
A smash cut is the opposite of a dissolve. It cuts hard on a contrast, a character saying "it could be worse" smash-cutting to it being much worse, and the violence of the join is the point.
Because it is a deliberate stylistic device, it is written explicitly as a transition, in caps and flush right, rather than left to the editor to infer.
He shuts his eyes and lets the quiet settle.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. WAR ZONE - DAY