Browse Acting Monologues & Scenes

The Pitt

by R. Scott Williams

A mother reveals to a doctor that she intentionally made herself sick to get her son into a medical facility so she could report his disturbing behavior. She expresses deep concern over her son's violent writings and social isolation, seeking professional help before he hurts himself or others.

The Pillowman

by Martin McDonagh

In a high-stakes interrogation, Ariel attempts to extract a confession from Michal, a man with a child-like intellect. Michal reveals the disturbing logic behind his crimes, linking them to his brother's macabre stories and their shared history of parental abuse.

The Tempest

by William Shakespeare

Prospero interrogates Ariel about the success of the shipwreck before a tense confrontation regarding Ariel's freedom. Prospero uses psychological manipulation and the threat of further imprisonment to remind Ariel of their debt, ultimately promising liberty in exchange for two more days of service.

Brooklyn Nine-nine

by Dan Goor, Michael Schur

Sergeant Terry Jeffords undergoes a psychological evaluation to determine if he is fit to return to active field duty. Despite his claims of being ready, his extreme anxiety about his family's safety and his obsession with death manifest in physical outbursts and morbid word associations.

Minority Report

by Scott Frank

Iris Hineman reveals the dark and tragic origins of the Precrime system to Detective John Anderton. She explains that the precogs were not lab-grown inventions but the traumatized survivors of failed genetic experiments intended to treat a neurological syndrome.

Mr. Brooks

by Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon

Detective Atwood walks through a crime scene, meticulously reconstructing the killer's movements and psychological state. She questions the logistics of the murder while attempting to understand the killer's lack of empathy and the thrill they derive from the act.

Sleepy Hollow

by Andrew Kevin Walker, Tom Stoppard

Following a traumatic nightmare, Ichabod Crane finds comfort in Katrina Van Tassel's arms as he reveals the dark origins of his cynicism and the death of his mother. The two share an intimate moment of vulnerability where Ichabod struggles to reconcile his dedication to logic with his growing feelings for Katrina.

Swordfish

by Skip Woods

Gabriel reveals his true identity and ideological motivations to a skeptical Stanley. He explains that his criminal actions are part of a larger, covert mission to protect American freedoms, justifying his violence as a necessary cost of war.

The Silence of the Lambs

by Ted Tally

Dr. Hannibal Lecter psychologically dismantles FBI trainee Clarice Starling during their first encounter. He uses his heightened senses and intellectual superiority to expose her insecurities and establish a dominant, predatory connection.

The Silence of the Lambs

by Ted Tally

Clarice Starling recounts a haunting childhood trauma to Dr. Hannibal Lecter, explaining her failed attempt to save a lamb from slaughter. She reveals that her drive to rescue Catherine Martin is a desperate attempt to silence the psychological 'screaming' that has plagued her since that night.

Looper

by Rian Johnson

Joe explains the mechanics of his profession as a 'looper,' a hitman who executes targets sent back in time by a future mob. He details the cold logic of the job and the inevitable 'closing of the loop' where a looper must eventually kill their future self.

Lincoln

by Tony Kushner

President Abraham Lincoln delivers a complex legal and moral justification for the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet. He explores the paradoxical 'slippery' logic of using war powers to seize slaves as property while simultaneously maintaining they are free men, ultimately arguing for the necessity of the Thirteenth Amendment to ensure permanent abolition.

The Hurt Locker

by Mark Boal

Specialist Eldridge confronts his military psychiatrist about the moral and survival-based dilemmas of combat. He questions the rules of engagement and challenges the doctor's lack of field experience while struggling with the psychological toll of his role in an EOD unit.

Hotel Rwanda

by Keir Pearson, Terry George

Paul Rusesabagina attempts to manipulate General Bizimungu by claiming that American satellites are monitoring the General's every move for a future war crimes trial. He uses this psychological tactic to ensure the General feels watched and remains hesitant to escalate the violence at the hotel.

Into the Wild

by Sean Penn

During a celebratory graduation dinner, Chris McCandless clashes with his parents when they offer to buy him a new car. The scene highlights the growing ideological rift between Chris's anti-materialist philosophy and his parents' traditional middle-class values.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio

On the deck of the Black Pearl, Jack Sparrow attempts to seduce Elizabeth Swann by claiming they share the same selfish nature. Elizabeth skillfully turns the tables, using Jack's own logic of 'curiosity' to challenge him to prove he is actually a good man, right before Jack is terrified by the reappearance of the Black Spot.

Avatar

by James Cameron

Jake prepares for a dangerous Na'vi vision quest while Grace attempts to dissuade him due to the physical and psychological risks. In a moment of vulnerability, Jake confesses his original mission as a double agent for Colonel Quaritch, revealing the moral conflict of being caught between two worlds.

Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey

by Stirling Silliphant

A martial arts master provides philosophical and practical combat advice to his student who feels unprepared for an upcoming confrontation. The master emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the psychological liberation found in accepting the possibility of defeat.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

by Andrew Dominik

Jesse James wakes Charley Ford to confess to the cold-blooded murder of their mutual friend, Ed Miller. The scene is a tense psychological power play where Jesse uses the confession to intimidate Charley and probe for information about Wood Hite's disappearance.

Behind the Mask: The Life of a Slasher Film Psycho-Killer

by David J Stiewe

Leslie Vernon explains the meticulous preparation and psychological philosophy behind his work as a slasher villain while applying makeup. He discusses the 'paradox' of his relationship with his 'survivor girl' and the destiny he believes he is fulfilling.

The Butler

by Danny Strong

A tense family dinner erupts into a generational and ideological clash when Louis brings home his girlfriend, a member of the Black Panther Party. The conflict reaches a breaking point when Louis insults Sidney Poitier, leading Cecil to kick his son out of the house and Gloria to deliver a stinging defense of her husband's dignity.

Black Swan

by Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, John McLaughlin

Nina confronts her artistic director, Leroy, to plead for the lead role in Swan Lake. Leroy challenges her technical perfectionism, arguing that she lacks the dangerous spontaneity required for the Black Swan, leading to a provocative physical confrontation that reveals Nina's hidden volatility.

BLACKkKLANSMAN

by CHARLIE WACHTEL, DAVID RABINOWITZ, KEVIN WILLMOTT, SPIKE LEE

Ron celebrates the success of his undercover investigation and his official KKK membership card, but the mood shifts as Flip confronts the personal toll of the assignment. Flip reveals how the investigation has forced him to confront his Jewish heritage and the psychological weight of 'passing' while surrounded by hate.

The Big Lebowski

by Ethan, Joel Coen

The Dude is interrogated by the 'Big' Lebowski and his assistant Brandt regarding a botched ransom drop-off. Despite the high stakes of a kidnapping, the Dude attempts to use his own convoluted logic to explain the situation and ask for his fee, only to be met with a gruesome piece of evidence.