Action and thriller films are often sprinkled with scenes showing people extracting information from others. As plot points, interrogations can vary from tense or darkly humorous to jaw-clenchingly violent. Here’s my roundup of some of the most memorable examples that cinema has to offer.
Inglourious Basterds
The opening scene of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds is something to be admired – a 20-minute interrogation between Hans Landa, the head of the Nazi SS, and humble Frenchman Perrier LaPadite. Landa’s subtle intimidation tactics and the crackling tension between him and LaPadite make this an instant classic.
Casino Royale
This brutal scene in Martin Campbell’s 2006 adaptation of the 1953 Ian Fleming novel, shows James Bond (Daniel Craig) beaten repeatedly in the genitals. It makes viewers, particularly men, squirm but Bond reveals nothing to the villainous Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen).
The Usual Suspects
Bryan Singer’s The Usual Suspects just has to appear in this list, considering that the whole film is crafted around one. Roger ‘Verbal’ Kint (Kevin Spacey) is questioned about a drug heist that he and his friends may or may not have committed.
Basic Instinct
Detectives John Correlli (Wayne Knight) and Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) are hot on the heels of Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone) in a murder case that has them confused – so they interrogate her. Cue possibly the most paused moment of any film and one of the most famous interrogations in movie history.
The Dark Knight
Ah, the “good cop, bad cop” routine – well, not exactly. The Gotham police force step aside and watch from the sidelines as Christian Bale’s Batman and Heath Ledger’s deliciously villainous Joker face off in a locked room. It’s a mesmerising mixture of intensity and terror.
Are there any other interrogation moments that have stuck with you? Let me know in the comments below.
Charlie Green is on Twitter: @CharlieGreenCG
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