The Interrogation Scene - How Tarantino, Fincher and Nolan Direct Power Dynamics
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- How to direct an interrogation scene - an analysis of how Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Christopher Nolan direct interrogation scenes with different power dynamics.
The Dark Knight Interrogation Scene Explained ►► bit.ly/dk-is
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - What is an Interrogation Scene?
01:14 - Inglourious Basterds (Transferring Power)
05:30 - Zodiac (Balancing Power)
09:28 - The Dark Knight (Subverting Power)
13:45 - Wrap Up
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The interrogation scene is all about power - who has it and who doesn’t. Much of these power dynamics are communicated via dialogue but truly reinforced by the camera. Using various techniques including camera angle, framing, and movement filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Christopher Nolan can craft scenes that rely just as much on film language as they do on spoken language. In this video, we’re going to analyze three scenes from these directors to illustrate how to direct an interrogation scene in three very different ways.
At their foundation, all interrogation scenes boil down to two sides, one seemingly with power and the other without, and a series of questions and answers. Beyond that, filming an interrogation scene can be done to match the power dynamics or subvert them completely.
In the Inglourious Basterds interrogation scene, Quentin Tarantino directs the scene to visually reinforce the transfer of power from one side to the other. After a deadly shootout, the remaining Basterds interrogate the only survivor, Bridget von Hammersmark. Lt. Aldo Raine looms over Bridget as he questions her. Tarantino uses high and low camera angles, oppressive blocking, and shot size to clearly represent this uneven dynamic. However, once Bridget reveals that she can still help the Basterds complete their mission, power is transferred to her - and the shot choices reflect that.
In the Zodiac interrogation scene, director David Fincher constructs a very neutral scene, leaving the ambiguity of the power dynamics more intuitive than observable. As the detectives interview Arthur Leigh Allen, a suspect of interest, Fincher constructs the blocking (all men sitting) and the staging (eye-level shots) to give neither side a visual advantage. These neutral visual patterns are only interrupted for moments that raise the detectives’ suspicions. Then we get a low angle showing Allen’s boot, his watch, and switching from more objective over the shoulder shots to more subject, straight-on close-ups. And yet, no matter how alarming these clues are, the detectives have no choice but to let Allen go, keeping the final balance of power equal.
In The Dark Knight interrogation scene, director Christopher Nolan subverts our expectations by using film language to present Batman in power while the actual power lies completely with the Joker. Typically, the power dynamic of an interrogation scene favors the interrogator - but that is not the case in the Joker interrogation scene. Batman attempts to dominate the Joker physically and Nolan presents these moments with camera angles that should echo this relationship. If you watched The Dark Knight interrogation scene on mute, for example, it would be obvious that Batman is in absolute control. By subverting the power dynamics, Nolan gives us a unique and captivating interrogation scene second to none.
If you’re unsure how to direct an interrogation scene, let these three examples from Tarantino, Fincher, and Nolan remind you that there are a plethora of options to show who has power and who doesn’t.
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VIDEO EDITOR: BRANDON SCULLION
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“The Fight (Dark of the Sun)” - Jacques Loussier
“Main Theme From Dark of the Sun” - Jacques Loussier
“Claires First Appearance (Dark of the Sun)” - Jacques Loussier
“Hurdy Gurdy Man” - Donovan
“Logo” - Hans Zimmer
“Bank Robbery” - Hans Zimmer
"Move the Money" - Hans Zimmer
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“Green Onions” - Booker T and the MG’s
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - What is an Interrogation Scene?
01:14 - Inglourious Basterds (Transferring Power)
05:30 - Zodiac (Balancing Power)
09:28 - The Dark Knight (Subverting Power)
13:45 - Wrap Up
My Favorite interrogation scenes are :
-Zodiac (2007)
-The Dark Knight (2008) : Good cop, Bat cop
-Inglorious Basterds (2009)
-Kill Bill Volume 1 (2003) : The Bride interrogating Buck after she awake from her coma.
-The Silence of the Lambs (1991) : Meet Dr. Lecter.
The one from zodiac gave me chills when I first watched it. When he wore a watch, called himself Leigh... The whole movie was chilling!
I was so tense watching it and that basement scene almost made me pee my pants
Fantastic scene
The way The Dark Knight was edited and shot was genius especially the interrogation scene, it had a certain rhythm to the cut which really immerses the audience in the story, also the cinematography was just top notch.
Yeah Nolan's editing is Brilliant
@@Laughnowcrylaterx2 Yes definitely, a truly brilliant artist which knows the medium of Filmmaking really well and how to utilise it for the best effect.
The music in that sequence is also a powerful tool to set up the pace. The lack of it at first, then Batman's heavy presence because of his overwhelming physical power in his entrance, only to fall flat again to the Joker's placidity to it. He starts his speech, where an uneasy but comforting melody sets in the back. Batman then loses patience and it all goes up again. It accompanies and heavily dramatizes the situation they're in and their character - Joker can't physically beat Batman, but he fights back with his words and the choice of music accompanies that statement.
@@CuT7yFlaM Yes definitely, the score does play a huge part in that scene as well, as the camera shots gets tighter and tighter and as the tension builds the score really adds that gutteral punch.
I've never recovered of my mind being blown by that movie when it came out, to this day it is my favorite movie ever
My favorite has to be the opening scening "Inglorious Basterds". Hands down. When the camera pans down to the floor boards, I almost fainted. I wish you would do a video on that one.
They did, about 2 years ago: czcams.com/video/DB5DN-nV1PM/video.html
I agree, it's an incredible opening.
@@RoadsideJourney thank you! :)
@@RoadsideJourney Appreciate the promotion :D
I love the interrogation scenes in Mindhunter (Netflix). Especially the one with Ed Kemper…just freaking terrifying.
A classic!
The one in Season1Episode10 is my favourite...
If you loved the Zodiac scene, then watch Mindhunter, it's full of those incredible scenes with fantastic dialogue and clever editing
Its sad that we won't get season 3 , mindhunter is probably best show of Netflix.
@@tarunindoriya902 best there ever will be. Gem of a one
Fincher is the best at crime mysteries!
@@EricHamm without a doubt. The way he does films are even dreams for many.
@@tarunindoriya902 They said we can get a season 3 if fans make enough noise
The dark knight is one of the greatest film ever made for me
What other films were made for you?
The dark knight was specially made by Christopher Nolan just for you?
Both of you are misunderstanding. They mean that in their opinion, 'The Dark Knight' is one of the greatest films ever made.
@@bbilal111 I was obviously joking bro.
@@jayaprakash387 Well you never know with the amount of stupid people on the internet ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
To me The Dark Knight has one of interrogation scenes in film history. Well done Studio Binder.
Cheers!
It certainly does have one the interrogation scenes in film history.
One of what?
I don’t think anyone could argue that it doesn’t have one of interrogation scenes…
@@1994mrmysteryman lololol so funny
I think why the interrogation scene in Dark knight is soo iconic is not because of the Cinematography but because of the purpose,joker was there literally to destroy the persona of Batman by breaking his strengths he completely killed batman when joker said "You have nothing to threaten me with" now Bruce Wayne is the only person left alive Batman is dead no one believes him, criminals don't fear him he's symbol of fear is meaningless and the choice of saving Rachel instead of Harvey Gothams only hope for 'order' made Batman destroyed again.
Nice analysis!
@@StudioBinder Would have been nicer with say punctuation?
Now I know why the interrogation scene in the Dark Knight always makes me feel so on edge. There's also a shepherd's note going on in that scene that adds to the over all tension but I can't hear it in your clip. Thanks for sharing StudioBinder.
Great observation!
This was so cool to watch! I cannot wait to watch interrogation scenes in movies going forward and note these techniques!!! Thank you!
Hope you find it useful!
The Dark Knight interrogation scene is my favorite scene. The camera angles and use of physical violence try to make it look like Batman has the upper hand but Joker’s theme playing the background and his line, “you have nothing to threaten me with”, indicates who’s really in control. Nolan is an expert with character writing especially with the hero and villain. That scene really sums up how much Bale and Ledger were dedicated to their roles
It isn't a classic interrogation scene but Clarice's first interview with Lector in Silence of the Lambs just does so much with so little as far as story telling, character, and world building.
Balancing power keeps you guessing, which is perfect for a serial killer murder mystery. Zodiac is a master class of cinema. Definitely my favourite of the three, with the Dark Knight scene next.
This soooo reminds me of the other video of the Inglorious First scene...the power of Hans Landa...Such a Masterpiece.
Masterful
Fincher's camera movements are like conveying a story within a story. I can immediately tell there's something up when he breaks the angle because the scene itself gives it away. I don't have to rely on any exposition to explain why. It's all hidden (and revealed) in his clever use of dialogue and acting just as the camera switches to a different perspective.
Check out his work in Mindhunter. You'll see what I mean.
Absolutely sensational director.
I have to go with subverting power. I like the look on the "hero's" face when realization happens, weather it be at the interrogation or long after realizing they were douped.
Great twists
Can we talk about the quality editing on every S.B. video?! Studio binder is just amazing. It’s always well structured, and informative video essays. And somehow avoid tany pretension, negative opinion of any other film/filmmaker - which is so common with every movie channel
This is great. I've never seen that Basterds scene analyzed before. Good job on choosing a lesser known one!
wow! first time i've heard someone refer to Inglorious Basterds as a "lesser known one", they have made several videos about it and like every movie channel in YT has at least one video analyzing it
@@LuisSierra42 The scene. Not the overall movie.
@@Dayvit78 ah, missed that word
Just trying to give the best content :)
L.A Confidential has one of the most tense interrogation scenes ever put to film!
Great pick!
While the directing, editing, and camera work all contribute to making _The Dark Knight's_ interrogation scene so memorable, for me it's Heath Ledger's Joker that pushes it over the top to the truly great. I've seen few performances where an actor has gotten so immersed in a role, and in this case, of a character with serious mental derangement.
The best Joker 💯
At 10:10, his head movement, his intonation and humming, and along with what seals the deal: his mouth’s mannerism. Just perfect. 👌
I love this analysis! While not technically interrogation scenes, the courtroom drama scenes such as in The Social Network and A Few Good Men are great examples of power dynamics shifting between opposing characters. I would love to hear your thoughts on both of those...
Power dynamics are huge in both movies 👌
You should do more of The Dark Knight Interrogation scene becuase there is much more then you think.
What else did you like about that scene?
@@StudioBinder The Joker in this scene goes further to underline their Codependence, unlike the duality between Batman and Harvey Dent where they
cannot coexist, this Duality between Batman and the Joker requires that they coexist, each extreme is defined at least partly the Nature of the opposite extreme. Also about the camera movement, Nolan slides the camera he changes the eyeline he starts a conversation with Batman of the left looking right and Joker begins on the right looking leftward but.... as The Joker talks the camera slides to the left repositioning Batman from the left side to the right side of the frame and The Joker now on the left then Nolan does it again when The Joker says "you're just freak" he slides back right shifting Batman back to the left side of the frame in The Joker back to the right now if you ask me why? I think and correct me if I'm wrong, This disorienting camera movement reflects The Joker getting in Batman's head he's leaving him questioning his morals, Nolan here violates the eyeline rule to parallel The Joker getting Batman into violating his only rule because he wants him to flip The Dark Knight from Noble Vigilante to Lawless Executioner and by that breaking Gotham's moral backbone and drag it into the chaotic anarchy he desires.
@@StudioBinder Sorry for long explanation but I'm big fan of Christopher Nolan work :)
That perfect cut at 00:45 is just the cherry on top.
Great content as always 🎥
Enjoy!
The interrogation scene in The Town was hilarious and nicely done.
Such a list of credits and acknowledgements!!! And no mention of the most important person in this piece: THE VOICEOVER GUY!!!
Such an excellent voice and delivery!
Stanley Parable level!!!
I think it was from Studio Binder that I learnt that both Roger Deakins and Denis Villeneuve have said, in separate interviews, that for them the best scene in Sicario (which is full of incredible scenes) was the scene where Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro are sitting in her apartment at a small table talking to each other. The art of filming a conversation can never be underestimated.
Deakins does mentions that in his podcast which we showed in our video!
I'd have to agree with their choice
Favourite interogations is Hans Landa's first scene in Inglorius Basterds and of Dark Knight
Top choices!
Absolute best channel on CZcams!!
💖🙏
The interrogation scene in Tony Scott's "Deja Vu" is fantastic
Nice choice!
Extremely informative! Great video, Studiobinder!
Glad you liked it!
I found your channel for study and i must say: YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST CINEMA CHANNEL ON CZcams. Thank's a lot, i'm learning a lot of things :D
You strike again!
Those interrogation scenes are awesome! I remember seeing The one in The Dark Knight or the first time... I was young and I was just wondering how did they manage to tell all those things and to build this tension...A few years later, I figure it out and now the loop is complete!
The secret is out!
It's a True Art for Filmmaker to make Interrogation scene so entertaining. Those Key Moments makes Great Scenes in Movies. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video.
I Didn't Know I Needed This Until I Got It! Thanks Again Studio Binder!
Hope it helps!
We love you guys! Thanks for all the awesome film making tips and more!
Glad you like it!
I love how Villeneuve directs interrogation scenes
What's your favorite?
@@StudioBinder Prisoners torture scene. Paul Dano and Hugh Jackman.
This is amazing. Great work!!!!
Watchmen interrogation scene was my favorite
Director- Zack Snyder
Watchmen has a lot of small gems 👌
@@StudioBinder that scene between Rorschach and doctor was terrifying
No disrespect to the other two masters but the dutch angle, portraying "imbalance" of power in Inglorious Basters just had me! I never noticed it but surely felt it. If that makes sense. Such a great tool. Tarantino is a genius.
They all provide a great sense of direction
GREAT VIDEO MASTERCLASS!!!
Excelent as always Studio Binder 🇦🇷👍
Cheers!
Can you make a video about shapes, their meanings and their usage in film?
Here is our video on film blocking! czcams.com/video/9AGaECt9j4g/video.html
Studio binder you've got a great content.i just loved 😍 it
Great to hear!
Another awesome video to help us understand directing and videos better. Thank you!! 💪🔥
Happy to help!
The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, highlights 2 interrogation scenes 10 mins+ each, great execution, one of the best imo
You did a great job breaking this down
Glad you liked it!
The dark knight is a masterpiece
Agreed!
U guys r the best, ur vids are great and informative thx heaps for making them!
Thanks for watching!
Everything is so methodical. I need to start thinking like this when planning my scenes....
Been waiting for this
Hope it was worth the wait!
very amazing EP
You made me watch Zodiac again...... Thanks for this video.
Superb video sir 🙏🙏🙏
Enjoy!
loved this video!
💕
The interrogation scene in Sicario is brilliant
Agreed!
The interrogation scene of The Dark Knight and Heat are one of the best interrogation scenes I’ve ever seen. (P.S. to those who didn’t know, the interrogation in TDK was inspired by the one in Heat).
I'm Studiobinder fan ..💓
We appreciate it!
What an awesome channel
Love this!
💖
You should do something on The Unreliable Narrator.
Maybe start with something from Fincher.
Love your content/
Thanks for the suggestion!
Its studiobinder o'clock yall
Right on time!
Awesome & Thanks :)
Thanks for watching!
Many might not see anime as a medium for reference but there's is an AMAZING interrogation scene in a short series called 'Babylon'.
I think you could also say the scenes with L and Light in Death Note are amazing with so much story and character information subtly unfolding.
Insomnia interrogation scene is very good.
It's a great one 👍
Someone else mentioned The Mindhunter interviews, those were amazing, others that come to mind for me are Mystic River and LA Confidential
Dope vid
Thanks for watching!
What about Demme o Michael Mann? The interrogation scene in Silence of the Lambs is a perfect example of power shifting, maybe even the best of all time!
Silence of the Lambs is great too!
About power , I loved "funny how?!" Scene in goodfellas.
That is a powerful scene
Great again
Cheers!
Great video! nicely explained. However, I'm surprised you missed the best Interrogation scene in the history of Cinema - complete with changing power dynamics - the Sicilian scene from True Romance. Now that's a Classic!
On second thoughts, You might be right not to show that here. I don't think the Director or the cameraman did much on that scene. It was just the fantastic script and the incredible acting of Hopper and Chris Walken,
It is a classic!
I am expecting Oppenheimer movie to be epic. The cast is already epic. Cillian Murphy, RDJ, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, etc
I am overwhelmed by the interrogation by Hans Landa. ❤
I love your vids
We love our viewers!
It's a hero interrogating a maniacal and psychotic villain, it's soldiers interrogating an agent, it's the cops interrogating a suspect. Imagine seeing all these scenes in 1 movie.
Also worth noting is the fact that von Hammersmark is interrogated on an embalming table, signifying her mortal peril. It is visible in every shot of her until the tables are turned. As Aldo goes in for the kill he inserts his finger into her wound and the dutch angle mimics one that would facilitate the drainage of her blood through the foot of the table. When power shifts to her she sits up and the table is no longer visible.
If You are running such a great channel just to advertise Your product then You clearly need more products to advertise :D
Totally love this top notch production quality and great knowledge presentation of Yours.
Advertise, educate, and entertain :)
Other Vloggers have commented but I was surprised you didn't: The interrogation scene in the 1990's Thomas Crown Affair where Rene Russo went German in dialog and circled the interviewee "like a snake... some have commented".
Fincher is very good at this, I love how he shot the FBI interviews with serial killers in Mindhunter.
Interrogation scenes suit him well haha
Superb video most powerful topic in film making I like studdiobinder
Glad you liked it!
I think you should direct a film applying all these techniques.
Our team members have done and do their own projects, but StudioBinder is about empowering our viewers to make a film ❤
#IngloriousBasterds opening scene, nothing tops that!!
one of the best openers of all time!
Heat has one of the best scene... Can't say it's interrogation scene but it is great one. Plus I like the one in Brooklyn 99, the one with Dentist.
The one between Pacino and De Niro?
that was great
Glad you liked it!
Sometimes I just want a director to come out and say " it just looked cool in my head "
Taking notes
Hey, @studiobinder can you talk about the blocking in the zodiac scene please ?does Fincher respect or break the 180^ rule for some reason?
Blocking and composition is covered in the video!
By far the best one is the legendary interrogation in Resevoir Dogs
I think Nolan shot Batman in a more powerful frame because there’s no other way to place the joker higher in the frame than Batman. He lying on the ground, so I think Nolan just went with Batman in power and therefore make it confusing (fitting the scene); which is interesting, but I’d love to see Quarentino’s take on this scene, as he did with the inglorious Bastards scene.
Both guys have a great visual style
The editting has been slowly subverting expectations all scene, so something Nolan could have done in the final cuts of the scene would be to actually have the actors switch positions for the close-up cuts, so Batman appears like he's being held up by the Joker, and Joker appears in the dominant position. You still do the wide cuts with them in the correct/logical positions, but you flip the close shots so the audiences senses just how upside down the scene feels for them. Batman is suspended in Joker's grasp, Joker's hair is hanging downward toward Batman: the subtle details would have helped visually break reality, just as the characters are experiencing the power inversion: but the audience wouldn't likely realize why it even looked flipped.
When we taught batman was in control the Joker theme music plays showing joker is control.
Great observation!
the interrogation scene from investigation of a citizen above suspicion
Sweet :)
10:50 subverting power⚡️
🔥
Not every interrogation scene is supposed to be tense. Depends on the importance of person. I mean - the "interrogation" of the blond Lady (Inglorious Basterds) is between friends. So: low tension.
True, but power dynamics are still at play nonetheless
Pls do directing style of steven speilberg
Thanks for the suggestion!
@@StudioBinder i will be waiting for that video pls upload soon
I'm all serious, my eyes are locked to the screen from the beginning watching your videos and then boom, the ending betrayed me, nice one pal 😂😂😂
Three legends
Only learn from the best!
There are four lights!
In that moment Picard gets his on screen power back, and literally after that gets his command of the Enterprise reinstated.
I like the interrogation part in "The Big Lebowski"
Lots of great scenes in that movie
Interrogation scenes in mindhunter are so good.
They're the best!
If you have seen Daredevil, this power dynamics scene is clearly shown when Karen meets kingpin.. The camera keeps shifting and u can clearly notice who has the power and when .