In pursuit of a spectacular shot, directors often sacrifice authenticity, inventing episodes that many of us take at face value. In seven absurd myths that have become entrenched in the public consciousness thanks to action films and thrillers, we tried to prove this.
1. Chloroform does not work instantly
In films, a few drops of chloroform on a handkerchief are enough for the hero to instantly lose consciousness. Reality, unfortunately (or fortunately), is much more prosaic.
Chloroform can indeed cause fainting, but it takes several minutes, not an instant. In addition, an ordinary handkerchief is not able to hold a sufficient amount of the substance to immobilize a person. Attempts to repeat such tricks in real life most often end in failure and problems with the law.
2. Police officers are not required to read you your rights right away
In American movies, arrests are often accompanied by the words: "You have the right to remain silent." It seems that this is a mandatory procedure immediately after handcuffs are put on. In fact, it is a myth. The Miranda rule, which requires police officers to read you your rights, applies only before the start of an interrogation. If an arrest occurs without subsequent interrogation, your rights may not be read at all.
3. A shot does not knock you off your feet
Scenes where the hero "flies" back several meters from a shot look impressive, but are completely unrealistic.
The law of physics is simple: if a bullet had such a force that it would throw a person back, it would throw the shooter back with the same force. In reality, the bullet penetrates the body, causing serious damage, but does not cause any "flying effect."
4. One phone call from the police is not a rule
Another common myth: a suspect is always allowed to make one phone call. This simplified idea of the arrest system has become so popular that even people who have never been in such situations are convinced of it's truth.
In reality, it all depends on the specific situation. If the police believe that a call can interfere with the investigation, it can be denied. Sometimes they allow more than one call, and sometimes none.
5. Firing two guns at once is a bad idea
A classic of action movies from the 80s and 90s: the hero effectively fires from two pistols, eliminating enemies with sniper accuracy. But in real life, this is more of a way to waste bullets. Shooting with two hands dramatically reduces accuracy and control over the weapon. Even professional shooters admit that it is extremely difficult to cope with the recoil of two guns at the same time.
6. You can't pull a grenade pin with your teeth
The scene where the hero furiously pulls the pin of a grenade with his teeth and throws it towards the enemies looks dynamic, but absolutely unrealistic.
The grenade pin is designed so that it doesn't fall out accidentally. It needs to be pulled with force, sometimes even with jerks. Trying to do this with your teeth can only lead to losing them and, most likely, to the failure of the entire mission.
7. Quicksand does not suck you in instantly
According to the movies, quicksand is a deadly trap that can "eat" a person in seconds. But science says otherwise. Quicksand is a mixture of sand, water and clay, in which the body behaves as if in a thick solute: the more you move, the deeper you sink. However, due to the high density of the liquid, it is almost impossible to completely drown in it.
