Airplane II: Simplifying a Confusing Set of Events for the Jury
If you’re familiar with the classic film Airplane II (starring Robert Hays, William Shatner, and Lloyd Bridges), you know it’s a masterclass in comedic chaos—not just in the skies but also in the courtroom. One scene that particularly stands out involves a prosecutor and a witness getting tangled in a web of confusion as they try to recount who was whom on a plane flight during the war. It’s a brilliant, if not absurd, depiction of how easily things can go awry when communication breaks down.
But what does this have to do with the courtroom? Our Digital Evidence Group (DEG) often sees a similar type of confusion when demonstratives aren’t designed with clarity in mind. Just like in the movie, a poorly crafted visual can leave jurors scratching their heads rather than understanding the point you're trying to make. This is why thoughtful design is crucial for making complex events crystal clear to both the judge and jury.
Take, for instance, the following graphic that our DEG team created. It’s an example of how a demonstrative can initially appear confusing or muddled. However, with the right adjustments and a focus on clarity, even the most perplexing set of events can be made comprehensible.
Original Graphic, Before ReDUX:
To see this in action: click here or below to watch a hilarious clip from Airplane II, and learn how the same principles can be applied to improve courtroom demonstratives.
And for more insights on creating effective demonstratives, check out our Trial Demonstratives page.
| Watch the clip from Airplane II here >> |
