Cutaways

But care must be exercised - audiences presume, subconsciously, that all shots are motivated. If, in the middle of an important action, the film suddenly cuts to a detail (say, for instance an ashtray) the audience will presume the ashtray has some special significance, even if it is not meant to be.

Bernstein. S.  Film Production. P167

This is especially important to My Name Is John because cutaways are used in certain parts of the film to suggest things said by the characters. One example is during Julie's interview where it cuts to a calendar with a pair of magician's and references their marriage.

 This can, however, be used to good effect, in that seemingly unmotivated cutaways force the audience to examine the text of the film for clues as to their meaning - and thereby engage them in the action of the film.

Bernstein. S.  Film Production. P167