Interrogation Scenes in Movies — How Spielberg, J.J. Abrams and the Coens Use Mind Games

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How to write an interrogation scene — a breakdown of three types of mind games screenwriters bring into the best interrogation scenes in movies.

How to Write an Interrogation Scene ►►
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:59 - Chapter 1: Good Cop, Bad Cop
04:37 - Chapter 2: External Threat
07:37 - Chapter 3: Deception
11:14 - Wrap Up/Takeaways

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Interrogation scenes in movies have one goal in mind — to get information. One side needs it and the other is typically resistant to giving it. Other than resorting to physical violence, interrogators often rely on psychological attacks, otherwise known as mind games. In this interrogation scene video essay, let’s explore three different mind games that screenwriters have been employing with great success. To do this, we’ll look at the work of filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, and the Coen Brothers.

How to Write an Interrogation Scene

In a previous video, we techniques and tips on how to direct an interrogation scene. Now, let’s talk about how to write an interrogation scene using three effective techniques: Good Cop/Bad Cop, External Threat, and Deception. Each brings a degree of psychological warfare to interrogation scenes, which are commonly presented as a battle of wills.

Good Cop/Bad Cop Interrogation Scenes

First, we have Good Cop/Bad Cop — a role-playing strategy that requires two interrogators to enact different demeanors. When the verbal or physical threats from the Bad Cop prove overwhelming for the suspect, they become much more agreeable to working with the mild-mannered and reasonable Good Cop. This type of interrogation scene in movies has been done ad nauseum but there are ways to subvert the expectations, especially for comedy.

External Threat Interrogation Scenes

Sometimes, threatening the suspect personally has little to no effect. But when that same threat is applied externally to something or someone they care about, they just might change their tune. The typical set-up includes using the life of the love interest character as a bargaining chip. This puts the suspect into a difficult situation — give up their information or watch their loved one suffer.

Deception Interrogation Scenes

The final option employs some degree of deception by the interrogators. This could be a simple lie, a fabricated piece of evidence, or an elaborate ruse that gives the suspect no option but to confess. Ethics aside, this type of interrogation scene in movies can be highly effective, both for the audience and suspect when neither is aware of the deception until the big reveal.
Interrogation scenes in movies and television are a dime a dozen but with a little twist on familiar techniques, they can be refashioned into something intelligent and entertaining.


#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

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♬ SONGS USED:

“Nine Inch Nails“ - Closer
“The Number Song“ - DJ Shadow
“Waterfalls“ - TLC
“Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive“ - Johnny Mercer
“Just Dropped In“ - Kenny Rogers
“Traffic Boom“ - Piero Piccioni
“The Man In Me“ - Bob Dylan
“Trucks In Place“ - Ludwig Göransson
“Travel Delays” - Alan Silvestri
“Masking Agent” - Michael Giacchino
“Interrogation” - - Michael Giacchino
“Knives Out (String Quartet in G Minor)” - Nathan Johnson
“Tom Sawyer” - Rush
“The Greatest Trick” - John Ottman
“A Glowing Light, A Promise” - Makeup and Vanity Set

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