Film
duologue
Thriller
Drama

Brooks, Box — Two weeks ago, a man was killed in

from Untraceable

Written by Robert Fyvolent, Mark R. Brinker, Allison Burnett

Untraceable

Law enforcement officials issue a desperate public plea for citizens to stop visiting a website where a reporter's life is being live-streamed.

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BROOKS

Thanks, Chief. Two weeks ago, a man was killed in cold blood on the Internet. This sadistic murder, streamed live, was facilitated by individuals who visited the killer’s website, believing, no doubt, that what they were watching was a mere stunt. I can assure you that it wasn’t.

BROOKS

Now, today, a second individual has been taken hostage, and…

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Scene Notes & Audition Tips

5 sections
About This Scene

This intense duologue from the thriller *Untraceable* thrusts characters Brooks and Box into a high-stakes public address. The scene captures the urgent desperation of law enforcement officials as they try to combat a deadly online phenomenon. Brooks, an authority figure, delivers a heartfelt plea to the public, warning them against visiting a website where a reporter's life is being live-streamed and threatened. Meanwhile, the chilling reality of the situation unfolds in real-time, creating a profound sense of helplessness and escalating tension as his words inadvertently fuel the very problem he's trying to stop.

Character Analysis

Brooks, likely a high-ranking official, is presented as a man under immense pressure, grappling with a situation beyond typical law enforcement methods. His dialogue reveals a person attempting to appeal to the public's humanity and reason, initially with a degree of composure that quickly devolves into shock and despair. Box, though a less prominent speaker in this segment, serves as a crucial observer and silent reactive force, representing the internal conflict of whether to intervene or allow Brooks to continue. Both characters embody authority, but Brooks specifically demonstrates a paternal, almost vulnerable side, as he attempts to save an innocent life from an unseen, uncontrollable enemy.

Why This Works for Auditions

This scene offers a phenomenal opportunity for actors to showcase a broad range of emotional depth within a short timeframe. Brooks’ arc moves from grave concern to urgent plea, then to profound disbelief and horror, allowing for a powerful display of dynamic emotional shifts. For the actor playing Box, the silent reactions and internal deliberation provide a chance to demonstrate compelling presence and non-verbal storytelling. The contemporary period and intense tone make it highly relevant for modern casting, particularly for projects requiring grounded, dramatic performances in high-pressure scenarios.

Best Suited For

This duologue is exceptionally well-suited for actors aged 55+ aiming for roles as Authority Figures, Detectives, or characters who embody a sense of Intense gravity. The specific age range of 60s for Brooks and 30s-40s for Box makes it ideal for actors who fit these demographics, particularly those who can convincingly portray the weight of responsibility and moral urgency. Its suitability for agent showcases, self-tapes, and general practice highlights its versatility and the strong acting challenges it presents.

Performance Tips

When approaching Brooks, focus on building the emotional intensity from a place of controlled urgency to genuine, visible anguish. Pay close attention to the impact of his words, and how the unfolding events contradict his intentions, allowing that crushing realization to play on your face and in your voice. For Box, leverage the power of silence; your reactions to Brooks' speech and the visual information are paramount. Ensure your non-verbal cues convey the internal conflict, growing alarm, and decision-making process, making your character a compelling, active participant even without speaking many lines.

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