What is the purpose of a crosscut in film editing?

The purpose of a crosscut in film editing is to show simultaneous narrative actions. This technique involves alternating between two or more scenes occurring at the same time but in different locations. By employing crosscutting, a filmmaker can build tension, create suspense, and emphasize the connection between separate storylines or characters. This editing style enhances the narrative by allowing viewers to understand multiple events as they unfold concurrently, ultimately enriching the storytelling experience.

The other options do not align with the function of crosscutting. Adding color correction is a post-production process that affects the visual quality rather than the narrative flow. Montage sequences focus on the juxtaposition of images to convey ideas or emotions but do not specifically deal with showing simultaneous actions. Highlighting a character's thoughts typically requires different editing techniques, such as voice-over or visual cues, rather than crosscutting between multiple scenes. This distinction clarifies why the correct answer focuses on demonstrating simultaneous narrative actions through crosscutting.