Interrotron

But again, it does so by way of this rigged contraption that is anything but authentic.

And it's probably no accident that it's called the Interrotron, referencing like interrogations.

So basically my point here with all these examples is that cameras have always been used to produce new truths, whether to prosecute crimes or to produce exculpatory evidence that might vindicate alleged criminals.

And I think we can see both these functions working at cross purposes, I guess, and you can see everything.

And the review mentions a very specific technique for those present day interview shots.

They call it an Interrotron setup

Ah, yes.

The Interrotron

I know Errol Morris made that famous, but can you explain exactly how that works and why a director would use it for a confession? Because it has a very specific psychological effect on the viewer

Absolutely.

So the Interrotron was invented by Errol Morris, notably used in his documentary, The Fog of War

Great documentary

I'm looking him up.

Well, one of his innovations is this thing called the Interrotron, where normally in a documentary, it's like you're talking to me.

The camera's over here.

And so you're not looking directly into the camera, but he has it set up so that his face is projected on a screen and behind it is the camera.

You know, direct to camera with a different, fun, multicolored kind of background behind them.

using the technique that what's his name? Errol Morris invented the Interrotron or popularized, I shouldn't say invented it.

And so, you know, I budgeted the whole thing out.

And at a certain point in the development process, we decided, you know what, this one has a chance.