Arrangement

In Memento (2000), Leonard’s fractured perception and the film’s nonlinear structure combine to determine what the viewer knows and when it becomes knowable.

Extrinsic Proofs

In Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Danny uses video evidence and Terry Benedict’s own words to reveal what kind of man Tess has trusted.

Ethos

In Contact (1997), Ellie Arroway’s account rests on whether her credibility is enough to warrant belief without evidence.

Enthymeme

In The Matrix (1999), Neo’s choice hinges on an unstated belief that truth and freedom are preferable to comfort and illusion.

Commonplace

In Jaws (1975), officials treat the summer tourist economy as essential, dismissing warnings about the shark as threats to stability.

Stasis

In A Few Good Men (1992), the case turns on whether a Marine’s death was accidental, unauthorized, or the direct result of an order.

Exigence

In All the President’s Men (1976), Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein are under pressure to verify information from an anonymous source before reporting on the Watergate break-in.