Narrative technique · used in 1 film

Scandal Escalation

Letting one careless decision spread through media and public reaction until it takes the character's job and reputation. The pile-on shows how fast opinion turns.

Examples

Where you can see it

  1. The Square (2017) poster

    The Square

    Ruben Östlund · 2017

    The museum's ad agency releases a shocking promotional clip that Christian never watched. It goes viral, people are furious, and he ends up resigning at a press conference where journalists from both sides attack him.

    Where to see it: Viral clip and press conference: The promotional clip goes viral and draws outrage, and Christian announces his resignation to attacking journalists.

Questions

Quick answers

What is scandal escalation in film?
Letting one careless decision spread through media and public reaction until it takes the character's job and reputation. The pile-on shows how fast opinion turns.
Which films use scandal escalation?
The Square (2017).
What kind of technique is scandal escalation?
It is a narrative technique. Related narrative techniques include Comedy of Discomfort, Staged Performance Within Film, Symbolic Object.

Keep exploring

Related techniques