Silver Screen Negotiations

Plenty of negotiations go on in Hollywood every day: between screenwriters and directors, producers and actors, agents and studios. And, there are many negotiations portrayed in the movies.

A few months ago, here on Negotiation Space, we talked about the movie Endgame. Endgame dealt with the secret negotiations to end apartheid in South Africa.

As the weekend approaches, why not watch a movie with a negotiation theme? See if the negotiator does it right. What negotiation strategies and tactics are being used? Are these portrayals at all accurate?

Following is a short list of movies that show negotiations taking place.

The Negotiator (1998) A negotiator takes hostages when he is wrongfully accused, entangling him in a negotiation with another famous negotiator.

Inside Man (2006): A bank robber, a cop and a power broker match wits to resolve a dangerous situation.

Proof of Life ( 2000) In an attempt to resolve the kidnapping of one of its executives in a South American country, the company calls in a negotiator.

Air Force One (1997) Should an American president ever negotiate with terrorists?

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (original 1974, remake 2009) A subway is taken hostage by terrorists and the transit police are forced to negotiate in order to save lives.

12 Angry Men (1957) A jury holds deliberations to decide the fate of an 18-year old boy who may face a death sentence.

Do you have a favorite movie about negotiation? Please add to our list.