EXIT - Part 5

Director's notes - 5

Through my research, I found out that the interrogation process is a long drawn out, dry and monotonous one. I wanted to simulate that by nearly not move the camera at all.

The whole introduction of Ben putting the cigarette into his mouth, walking to the chair and looking to the mirror is to accustom the audience to where everything is. I planned the interrogation to be foreplay between Ben and Sam. The cigarette signifies the phallic symbol of over compensation on the part of the men in the film and cigarette is also the key for Ben in connecting with Sam.

Ben starts to reveal about himself in order to gain trust from Sam. Manipulation is the key word. He reveals that his private part does not function anymore due to an injury during the Vietnam War. Sam starts to converse when Ben sounded to her that she is pretty, like all men do with an agenda in mind when they are with a woman. She is aware about the camera behind the two-way mirror and compels Ben to prove to her that there is no camera there. We have reached to the midpoint of the film as Lindley and the technician have to get out of the room. Once it is revealed with multiple cuts of the light in the room being switched on, the interrogation really begins after Ben puts the tape recorder on the table. Now, did he press the record button? Another turning point is the position of the camera shifted over the 180° line in order to focus on Ben.

to be continued...