Browse Scenes

American Sniper

by Jason Hall

During a mission briefing in Iraq, Chris Kyle and Marc Lee share a tense, philosophical moment regarding the nature of war and their motivations for fighting. Marc questions the morality and personal toll of their actions, while Chris remains steadfast in his mission to eliminate evil.

Ward 8

by Tasha Huo, Pete Letz

Anne reflects on a childhood memory of stealing a strawberry to explain her motivation for joining the organization. She explores the loss of innocence and the transition from a benign world to one where evil and consequences exist.

Breakfast on Pluto

by Neil Jordan, Patrick McCabe

Patrick is confronted by armed IRA members who are searching for a hidden cache of weapons. He uses his wit and flamboyant persona to deflect their aggression before revealing the somber, personal motivation behind his decision to dispose of the guns.

Winter's Discontent

by Paul Fruchbom, Kemper Donovan

Mike attempts to convince his seventy-five-year-old friend Herb to experience a night of debauchery at a local club. After a crude motivational speech about living life to the fullest, Mike provides Herb with an experimental enhancement pill to ensure the night is a success.

White House Down

by James Vanderbilt

John Cale interviews for a position on the Presidential Detail with Agent Finnerty, who is skeptical of his inconsistent background. Cale attempts to mask his desperation with humor while Finnerty probes into his military record and motivations. The scene highlights the tension between Cale's desire for a higher purpose and his history of being an underachiever.

Paradise City

by Dan Fogelman

President Cal Bradford interviews Agent Xavier Collins for a position as his lead Secret Service agent. The scene explores the President's unconventional, blunt personality and his specific motivations for choosing Xavier, leading to a high-stakes exchange about race, politics, and personal character.

Bad Education

by Freddy Syborn, Charlie Wernham

During a school boxing match, Warren feels defeated and apologetic toward Stephen after a loss of pride. As his opponent Lucci taunts him, Warren finds a second wind of motivation, while Stephen attempts to offer his usual brand of unconventional encouragement.

Requiem for a Dream

by Hubert Selby, Jr, Darren Aronofsky

Harry visits his mother, Sara, to apologize for his absence and gift her a new television, only to realize with horror that she has become addicted to prescription amphetamines. As he tries to warn her about the danger of the pills, Sara reveals her heartbreaking motivation: the hope of appearing on a television game show to feel seen and valued again.

Poor Things

by Tony McNamara

On a ship deck, Harry confesses his cynical motivations for trying to shatter Bella's worldview, admitting his actions were born of cruelty and bitterness. Bella rejects his nihilism, identifying him as a broken soul and choosing to maintain her own sense of hope despite his warnings about the harshness of reality.

Asteroid City

by Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola

A playwright is surprised by an aspiring actor who has hitch-hiked to his home to audition for the role of Augie Steenbeck. The two share a carton of ice cream and discuss the character's motivations, leading to an immediate creative connection as the actor begins to transform into the role.

Deadpool & Wolverine

by Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, Shawn Levy

Wade Wilson interviews for a position with the Avengers, desperately seeking a sense of purpose and a way to prove his worth to his girlfriend. Happy Hogan (referred to here as Harold Lloyd) challenges Wade's self-centered motivations, ultimately rejecting his application while encouraging him to find a more attainable place in the world.