Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 120 (click to see context) from:
* In ''Film/TheHobbit'', Gandalf and Radagast are convinced that the Necromancer is Sauron or at least someone as dangerous as him. But members of the White Council are either not convinced (Saruman)(Later events in LOTR show he actually was convinced but already scheming to acquire the One Ring for himself) or powerless to do anything about it (Elrond). Galadriel is the only one who senses something genuinely sinister is happening and puts her faith in Gandalf.
to:
* In ''Film/TheHobbit'', Gandalf and Radagast are convinced that the Necromancer is Sauron or at least someone as dangerous as him. But members of the other White Council are either members, Saruman is not convinced (Saruman)(Later events in LOTR show he actually was convinced but already scheming to acquire the One Ring for himself) or and Elrond is powerless to do anything about it (Elrond). anything. Galadriel is the only one who to avert the trope; she senses something genuinely sinister is happening and puts her faith in Gandalf. Gandalf.
** Saruman is actually a subversion, as ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' shows that he's plotting to obtain the Ring for Sauron.
** Saruman is actually a subversion, as ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' shows that he's plotting to obtain the Ring for Sauron.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''Film/TheAmazingColossalMan'', the driver of a delivery truck asks the soldier on guard duty why he's delivering large quantities of food to the military base. The guard tells him it's for the 30-foot giant they have living on the base; guard replies with a sarcastic "Sure you do" and drives off.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''Film/KickAss'': Frank's guys saying they got robbed a man in a costume isn't believed early on, resulting in him punishing them horribly.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 142 (click to see context) from:
* In the movie version of ''Literature/ErIstWiederDa'', Fabian figures out the Adolf Hitler he has been spending time with and has helped become a media sensation is the real Adolf Hitler, instead of just a particularly talented comedian who refuses to ever break character like everyone assumes. He ends up in a straitjacket and padded room when he tries to convince others.
to:
* In the movie version of ''Literature/ErIstWiederDa'', Fabian figures out the Adolf Hitler he has been spending time with and has helped become a media sensation is the real ''real'' Adolf Hitler, instead of just a particularly talented comedian who refuses to ever break character like everyone assumes. He ends up in a straitjacket and padded room when he tries to convince others.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 120 (click to see context) from:
* In ''Film/TheHobbit'', Gandalf and Radagast are convinced that the Necromancer is Sauron or at least someone as dangerous as him. But members of the White Council are either not convinced (Saruman) or powerless to do anything about it (Elrond). Galadriel is the only one who senses something genuinely sinister is happening and puts her faith in Gandalf.
to:
* In ''Film/TheHobbit'', Gandalf and Radagast are convinced that the Necromancer is Sauron or at least someone as dangerous as him. But members of the White Council are either not convinced (Saruman) (Saruman)(Later events in LOTR show he actually was convinced but already scheming to acquire the One Ring for himself) or powerless to do anything about it (Elrond). Galadriel is the only one who senses something genuinely sinister is happening and puts her faith in Gandalf.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* Many of the abuse victims in Film/{{Spotlight}} had been trying to make their concerns known for years without success. One even [[spoiler: had sent information to the Globe several years before, and the team's leader published and buried it in the Metro section without following through on the lead.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''Film/TrueConfession'', Helen is a pathological liar, so her husband doesn't believe her when she says that she didn't kill a man. She's innocent, but since he doesn't believe her, she plays along with his theory of why she killed the man.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In the movie version of ''Literature/ErIstWiederDa'', Fabian figures out the Adolf Hitler he has been spending time with and has helped become a media sensation is the real Adolf Hitler, instead of just a particularly talented comedian who refuses to ever break character like everyone assumes. He ends up in a straitjacket and padded room when he tries to convince others.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 97 (click to see context) from:
* Poor, poor Andy just doesn't seem to get a break in the ''Film/ChildsPlay'' original trilogy. He tells people that Chuckie's a killer doll and no one believes him until it's too late. His mom goes through the same thing in the 2nd movie before the main detective believes him after Chuckie tries to kill him while driving his car.
to:
* Poor, poor Andy just doesn't seem to get a break in the ''Film/ChildsPlay'' original trilogy. He tells people that Chuckie's a killer doll and no one believes him until it's too late. His mom goes through the same thing in the 2nd first movie before the main detective believes him her after Chuckie tries to kill him while driving his car.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''Film/TheWholeTownsTalking'': Jones looks so much like the gangster Mannion that the police don't believe him when he assures them he's not the notorious gangster.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 4 (click to see context) from:
** The song, "I Saw a Dragon" from ''Disney/PetesDragon'' is nothing but this trope.
to:
** The song, "I Saw a Dragon" from ''Disney/PetesDragon'' ''Film/PetesDragon1977'' is nothing but this trope.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
** In ''Film/StarTrek'', Kirk attempts to get Pike to stop the ''Enterprise'' as he's put two and two together and realized the ship that destroyed the U.S.S. ''Kelvin'' is at Vulcan and is the cause of the "natural disaster" on the planet. However, seeing as this was done after Kirk's little ''Kobiyashi Maru'' stunt, Pike doesn't believe a word he's saying and Spock is more than happy to want to toss him out of the bridge on his ass. However, when Uhura starts to back up his claims, Pike at least has the sense to raise shields and go to red alert. However, Kirk's claim ultimately is proven true when they drop out of warp and they're greeted with the debris field that was once a fleet of ships.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 133 (click to see context) from:
* ''Film/TheyLive'' has the protagonist stumble upon a plot to keep humanity under the control of an alien race. Surprisingly he only tries to tell one person, his only friend, who believes he has lost it. Not helped by the fact the two end up in a fist fight over him insisting to put on a pair of magic sunglasses. Eventually he does and the two spend the rest of the movie fighting against the invaders.
to:
* ''Film/TheyLive'' has the protagonist stumble upon a plot to keep humanity under the control of an alien race. Surprisingly he only tries to tell one person, his only friend, who believes he has lost it. Not helped by the fact the two end up in a fist fight over him insisting to the friend put on a pair of magic sunglasses. Eventually he does and the two spend the rest of the movie fighting against the invaders.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 61 (click to see context) from:
** And in the ''same movie'' there was the scene during the Battle of Yavin where Moff Tarkin brushed off an advisor's suggestion that the Rebellion's attack actually posed a danger, and refused to consider having his escape craft prepared. He paid for that mistake with his life. Vader took the threat seriously when Tarkin wouldn't. He tapped two TIE fighter pilots for wingmen and delved into the dogfight himself in attempts to thwart any more runs on the exhaust port. Naturally, his foresight made him one of only ''two'' survivor of the Imperial Forces in that battle (other than five defectors who escaped before it was destroyed).
to:
** And in the ''same movie'' there was the scene during the Battle of Yavin where Moff Tarkin brushed off an advisor's suggestion that the Rebellion's attack actually posed a danger, and refused to consider having his escape craft prepared. He paid for that mistake with his life. Vader took the threat seriously when Tarkin wouldn't. He tapped two TIE fighter pilots for wingmen and delved into the dogfight himself in attempts to thwart any more runs on the exhaust port. Naturally, his foresight made him one of only ''two'' survivor survivors of the Imperial Forces in that battle (other than five defectors who escaped before it was destroyed).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''Film/TheHost'', nobody but Gang-du's family believes that his daughter is still alive after being taken by a giant monster from the Han.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 25 (click to see context) from:
* In ''[[Film/{{Ghostbusters}} Ghostbusters II]]'', the attempts of the Ghostbusters to warn the mayor that a [[DemonicPossession demonically possessed]] painting is plotting to destroy the city at 12:00 AM New Year's Day sees them institutionalized, which given how they were right about the events of the first movie, may seem a little harsh (although it was partly due to the machinations of the mayor's scheming aide). In a minor subversion, Peter -- who is GenreSavvy enough to see that his colleagues' attempts to struggle against their captors [[YouHaveToBelieveMe whilst ranting about demonic paintings and the end of the world]] just makes them look even crazier -- merely goes along with it in a calm and reasonable fashion until someone wises up and lets them go.[[note]]He's also GenreSavvy enough to appeal to the mayor's political side by claiming that, if they succeed, the mayor will have been partly responsible for saving millions of ''registered voters''.[[/note]]
to:
* In ''[[Film/{{Ghostbusters}} Ghostbusters II]]'', ''Film/GhostbustersII'', the attempts of the Ghostbusters to warn the mayor that a [[DemonicPossession demonically possessed]] painting is plotting to destroy the city at 12:00 AM New Year's Day sees them institutionalized, which given how they were right about the events of the [[Film/{{Ghostbusters 1984}} first movie, movie]], may seem a little harsh (although it was partly due to the machinations of the mayor's scheming aide). In a minor subversion, Peter -- who is GenreSavvy enough to see that his colleagues' attempts to struggle against their captors [[YouHaveToBelieveMe whilst ranting about demonic paintings and the end of the world]] just makes them look even crazier -- merely goes along with it in a calm and reasonable fashion until someone wises up and lets them go.[[note]]He's also GenreSavvy enough to appeal to the mayor's political side by claiming that, if they succeed, the mayor will have been partly responsible for saving millions of ''registered voters''.[[/note]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''Film/ThrillSeekers'': Of course the FBI are not going to believe Tom's crazy story that [[TimeTravelForFunAndProfit time-traveling tourists from the future]] are the reason he hijacked a plane and forced the pilot to set it down. They just think he's a lunatic who's responsible for the disasters that he's actually [[SetRightWhatOnceWentWrong trying to prevent]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* Inverted by ''Film/TheProfessional'' - Mathilda's cover story [[spoiler: to the headmistress of an orphanage]] isn't believed because it's too generic, but she's believed when she reveals she's the SoleSurvivor of a family murdered by a [[DirtyCop corrupt DEA agent]] who was adopted by an assassin.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 35 (click to see context) from:
** In ''Series/TheSarahConnorChronicles'', the [[TheOtherDarrin same psychologist]] responded to the evidence in ''T2'' by moving out of the city and going as far off the radar as possible.
to:
** In ''Series/TheSarahConnorChronicles'', ''Series/TerminatorTheSarahConnorChronicles'', the [[TheOtherDarrin same psychologist]] responded to the evidence in ''T2'' by moving out of the city and going as far off the radar as possible.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 85 (click to see context) from:
* A similar example to the above happens in ''Series/CharliesAngels'' with Creator/DrewBarrymore's character.
to:
* A similar example to the above happens in ''Series/CharliesAngels'' ''Film/CharliesAngels'' with Creator/DrewBarrymore's character.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 76 (click to see context) from:
* Played with in ''Film/TrueLies'', where Arnold's character has been placed under the effects of a truth serum whilst handcuffed and immobilised. He's half-drunk from the drug, and the doctor administering the truth drug begins to ask questions...
to:
* Played with in ''Film/TrueLies'', where Arnold's character has been placed under the effects of a truth serum TruthSerum whilst handcuffed and immobilised. He's half-drunk from the drug, and the doctor administering the truth drug begins to ask questions...
Changed line(s) 84,86 (click to see context) from:
'''Harry Tasker:''' I picked them. ''(holds up the handcuffs; events transpire as predicted)''
* A similar example happens in ''Series/CharliesAngels'' with Creator/DrewBarrymore's character.
-->Wait, wait, wait! I have something to tell you. By the time this is over...all of you will be facedown on the floor...and I'll moon-walk out of here. You're not listening to me. First, you're going to help me [[BenchBreaker out of my chair.]] Then I'll leapfrog over you...before I break his nose. Since my trusty lighter...isn't working, I'll do all this WithMyHandsTied behind my back.
* A similar example happens in ''Series/CharliesAngels'' with Creator/DrewBarrymore's character.
-->Wait, wait, wait! I have something to tell you. By the time this is over...all of you will be facedown on the floor...and I'll moon-walk out of here. You're not listening to me. First, you're going to help me [[BenchBreaker out of my chair.]] Then I'll leapfrog over you...before I break his nose. Since my trusty lighter...isn't working, I'll do all this WithMyHandsTied behind my back.
to:
'''Harry Tasker:''' [[BreakingTheBonds I picked them. them.]] ''(holds up the handcuffs; events transpire as predicted)''
* A similar example to the above happens in ''Series/CharliesAngels'' with Creator/DrewBarrymore's character.
-->Wait, wait, wait! I have something to tell you. By the time this is over...all of you will be facedown on the floor...and I'llmoon-walk [[MoonwalkDance moon-walk]] out of here. You're not listening to me. First, you're going to help me [[BenchBreaker out of my chair.]] Then I'll leapfrog over you...before I break his nose. Since my trusty lighter...isn't working, I'll do all this WithMyHandsTied behind my back.
* A similar example to the above happens in ''Series/CharliesAngels'' with Creator/DrewBarrymore's character.
-->Wait, wait, wait! I have something to tell you. By the time this is over...all of you will be facedown on the floor...and I'll
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* Mary Smith's employers in the film ''Film/EasyLiving'' don't believe that a random man threw a sable coat, gave it to her, and then bought her a hat to match.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''Film/TheMadMissManton'', Melsa Manton finds a dead body, calls the cops, but then it disappears, so they think she’s crazy at first, but then a prankster because she’s prankster, Melsa Manton.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 115 (click to see context) from:
* Happens to John P. Merrick in ''Film/TheDevilAndMissJones'' when he's caught by the police, pawning his watch so he could make a call to his chauffeur and get him home. They don’t believe him since he's wearing a swimming suit (he couldn’t find the bathhouse which he put his clothes and rented this swimming suit from), and has no shoes on. They don't believe him.
to:
* Happens to John P. Merrick in ''Film/TheDevilAndMissJones'' when he's caught by the police, pawning his watch so he could make a call to his chauffeur and get him home. They don’t believe him since he's wearing a swimming suit (he couldn’t find the bathhouse which he put his clothes and rented this swimming suit from), and has no shoes on. They don't believe him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* Happens to John P. Merrick in ''Film/TheDevilAndMissJones'' when he's caught by the police, pawning his watch so he could make a call to his chauffeur and get him home. They don’t believe him since he's wearing a swimming suit (he couldn’t find the bathhouse which he put his clothes and rented this swimming suit from), and has no shoes on. They don't believe him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''{{Film/Spotlight}}'' has RealLife survivor of clerical abuse Phil Saviano, who reported the rampant abuse to the Globe years before the events of the film but was not taken seriously. When Pfeiffer tells the rest of the Spotlight team that she plans to interview him, they're very skeptical because of his zeal. Naturally, as it becomes more obvious that he was telling the truth, he's very frustrated that it took everyone that long to listen.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 127 (click to see context) from:
* In ''Film/RobotHolocaust'', [[DarkChick Valeria]] tells [[TheBigBad The Dark One]] that the power source has been compromised but the latter doesn't believe her (despite being dependent on said energy...again, the screenplay is poorly thought out).
to:
* In ''Film/RobotHolocaust'', [[DarkChick Valeria]] tells [[TheBigBad [[BigBad The Dark One]] that the power source has been compromised but the latter doesn't believe her (despite being dependent on said energy...again, the screenplay is poorly thought out).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''Film/ADogsTale'', the sheriff's deputy continues to scoff at the professor who discovers the wishing star until the professor turns the deputy into a donkey with his one wish.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 113 (click to see context) from:
* This is the entire premise of the 1939 Ginger Rogers comedy ''Bachelor Mother''; at the beginning of the movie, Rogers sees a woman abandoning a baby outside an orphanage. Problem is, everyone from the orphanage to Rogers' boyfriend to her landlady and to her boss thinks the baby really is hers, no matter how much she tries to convince them otherwise.
to:
* This is the entire premise of the 1939 Ginger Rogers Creator/GingerRogers comedy ''Bachelor Mother''; ''Film/BachelorMother''; at the beginning of the movie, Rogers sees a woman abandoning a baby outside an orphanage. Problem is, everyone from the orphanage to Rogers' boyfriend to her landlady and to her boss thinks the baby really is hers, no matter how much she tries to convince them otherwise.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* Almost every live-action Disney film ever.
** Jack Sparrow even lampshades this in ''Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanTheCurseOfTheBlackPearl'' when he tells the two guards exactly why he wants to get onto the ship in Port Royal. He trusts that they will disbelieve him because the truth seems very outlandish and sneaks by them while they're arguing over whether he is or is not lying.
** In ''Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanDeadMansChest'', Norrington is surprised to learn that Jack was telling the truth about Davy Jones' heart. Jack states that he tells the truth quite a lot, yet people are often surprised. Then Will points out that it's because for all the truth he tells, he still lies a lot. Jack then admits that virtually everything he's told Elizabeth up to that point had been a lie.
** The song, "I Saw a Dragon" from ''Disney/PetesDragon'' is nothing but this trope.
** ExpandedUniverse material implies that no one really believed Kevin Flynn from ''Film/{{Tron}}'' either. Then, he goes missing, and no one thinks to check the arcade for hidden doors...
* The 1994 war film ''Film/ForrestGump'' uses this when Forrest's revelation that he's the owner of the wildly successful Bubba Gump Shrimp Company sends one listener off in unbelieving hysterics. The old woman was unbelieving at first, until he shows her a picture of him and Lieutenant Dan on the cover of Fortune.
* A 1980's Disney kid's ghost film "Mr. Boogedy" used this trope in the first film ("Kids, ghosts just don't exist, you're imagining things"), but reached facepalm dimensions in the sequel ("Kids, we sealed the ghosts in the 9 pits of Hades, they can't be back, you're imagining things")
%%* Played straight in ''Film/{{Gothika}}''.
* In ''Film/HomeAlone 3'', the cops don't believe Alex's claims that burglars are breaking into neighborhood houses. Somewhat justified in that the cops came in three times. It's just that the industrial spies breaking in to houses were pretty good at running away and leaving no traces. Alex doesn't even bother calling them when the burglars come for him, realizing that he's [[CryingWolf cried wolf]] too many times. And yet, the cops do eventually show up, because of a call he made earlier to an army recruiting station.
* Nobody, not even her husband and therapist, believed Kate's accusations of sweet [[spoiler:seemingly]] nine-year-old Russian ''Film/{{Orphan}}'' Esther actually being a murderous psychopath.
* ''Film/TheGoodSon'' revolves around this trope, with the protagonist attempting in vain to warn his family of the homicidal nature of his cousin. The movie was loosely based on the novel ''The Bad Seed'', which also had a Cassandra Truth plot to it.
* ''Literature/AmericanPsycho''
** At the end, Patrick calls his lawyer and leaves a message on his answering machine where he tearfully confesses that he has killed 20 or so people, including Paul Allen (whose murder is the most important part of the plot). A few days later he sees his lawyer in a restaurant to go speak to him, and is horrified to find that he doesn't believe him, taking it all to be a strange joke.
** In a club, a woman asks him what he does, and he replies "Murders and executions". But it's loud and she's not really listening, so she thinks he said "Mergers and acquisitions".
** In fact he confesses everything to lots of people throughout the movie, but everyone's too obsessed with their '80s consumerism to notice. Or, it's all in Patrick's mind.
-->'''Patrick Bateman:''' I like to dissect girls. Did you know I'm utterly insane?
* In the Hitchcock film ''Saboteur'', the protagonist flat-out tells the crowd what the big bad's plan is at a high society party and the party goers find him amusing and laugh along.
* The ending of the original ''Film/InvasionOfTheBodySnatchers1956''. "THEY'RE ALREADY HERE!! YOU'RE NEXT!!" Actually, come to think of it, all the ''Body Snatchers'' movies.
* It's a recurring theme in the ''Franchise/ANightmareOnElmStreet'' franchise, for obvious reasons. No one except other teenagers is willing to believe that an undead serial killer is haunting their dreams.
** In ''Film/ANightmareOnElmStreet1984'', no one believes Nancy when she tells them someone is after her in her dreams. Double subverted in that it's later revealed they are fully aware who Freddy Krueger was and that they personally buried him after he murdered their children, they just don't believe he could come back from the dead.
** Done to the most deadly effect in ''Film/ANightmareOnElmStreet3DreamWarriors'' where the survival of teenagers against someone in their dreams is set in a psychiatric facility. The teenagers now have to get around the stringent rules and regulations of the staff as another obstacle whilst trying to defeat their worst nightmare who is actually real and trying to kill them, but since other people can't see Freddy as he exists in dreams, they are deemed delusional and end up sedated. This is the opposite of a good treatment concerning the aforementioned danger it puts the teenagers into, despite the fact many of the staff actually want to help the teenagers but just don't understand the root of the problem. This lack of understanding, however friendly, can end with death.
* ''Film/FridayThe13thPartVIJasonLives'': Due in part to his past institutionalization, hardly anyone believes Tommy Jarvis when he attempts to warn everyone that Jason Voorhees has come BackFromTheDead.
* Dr. Ian Malcolm in the first two ''Franchise/JurassicPark'' movies, but the second in particular; the only character present who experienced what could go wrong when humans and dinosaurs interact, his warnings only seem to be finally taken seriously when the two tyrannosaurs attack the camp, much to his irritation and, well, too late. No amount of Cassandra Truth stops Malcolm from remaining a {{Jerkass}}.
* In ''[[Film/{{Ghostbusters}} Ghostbusters II]]'', the attempts of the Ghostbusters to warn the mayor that a [[DemonicPossession demonically possessed]] painting is plotting to destroy the city at 12:00 AM New Year's Day sees them institutionalized, which given how they were right about the events of the first movie, may seem a little harsh (although it was partly due to the machinations of the mayor's scheming aide). In a minor subversion, Peter -- who is GenreSavvy enough to see that his colleagues' attempts to struggle against their captors [[YouHaveToBelieveMe whilst ranting about demonic paintings and the end of the world]] just makes them look even crazier -- merely goes along with it in a calm and reasonable fashion until someone wises up and lets them go.[[note]]He's also GenreSavvy enough to appeal to the mayor's political side by claiming that, if they succeed, the mayor will have been partly responsible for saving millions of ''registered voters''.[[/note]]
-->'''Peter Venkman:''' Don't look at ''me''. I think these people are completely nuts.
* A common theme in the ''Film/FinalDestination'' series. Frequently, the initial visions of the hero are only believed by a small number of people. The hero will then try to warn people about death's machinations but will be ignored.
* In ''Film/GrossePointeBlank'', Martin Blank tells everyone at his class reunion up front that he's an assassin, and everyone assumes he's joking. That is, until he is found having killed another hitman using only a pen.
-->'''His girlfriend's father:''' Good for you, son, it's a growth industry.
* In ''Film/{{Nighthawks}}'' a handsome man picks up a stewardess and goes home with her. She asks him what he does as his profession, and he tells her the truth. "I'm an international terrorist wanted in 19 countries." "Well, maybe someday you'll quit the jokes and tell me what you do for a living."
* ''Franchise/{{Terminator}}'' franchise:
** In ''Film/TheTerminator'', the psychologist doesn't believe Reese's story about the future and deems him a paranoid schizophrenic.
** Sarah Connor started out ''Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay'' in an institution for largely the same reasons after being caught trying to blow up a Cyberdyne facility, although admittedly she ''did'' [[ShellShockedVeteran have actual issues]] by that point. In one cut of the film, we see the therapist carted off in a straitjacket and ranting madly after witnessing proof of Sarah's "delusions" come after her.
** In ''Film/Terminator3RiseOfTheMachines'' he has a rant about seeing impossible things indicating he no longer even believes his own memories, then freaks upon seeing the Terminator validating his own memories of events.
** In ''Series/TheSarahConnorChronicles'', the [[TheOtherDarrin same psychologist]] responded to the evidence in ''T2'' by moving out of the city and going as far off the radar as possible.
* Referenced by Mike in ''Film/EightLeggedFreaks''. After escaping the giant mutant spiders' lair and coming across the town sheriff, he is reluctant to tell his story. This is with physical evidence of a giant spider leg that he managed to take with him. After much prodding, he eventually provides a long-winded, detailed [[GenreSavvy explanation of the trope]] along with what he saw. To his annoyance, he predictably isn't believed.
* ''Film/IndependenceDay''
** David figures out the aliens have [[spoiler:embedded their countdown to destroying humanity]] in the global satellite network. His coworker believes him but is panicky and in no condition to do anything. David's father believes him and takes him all the way to Washington DC, where David's ex-wife blows him off thinking him paranoid. But David is right, and his father wastes no time in reminding people who try to treat David like an idiot. It's really a subversion, because when the president hears him, he believes him immediately.
** Russell Casse suffers under this every time he talks about being abducted. He even elicits eyerolls from Major Mitchell when he mentions it at the pilots' briefing before an attack on the HUGE ALIEN SHIP! Even so, it is left ambiguous as to whether he actually was abducted by the aliens or was simply crazy. The eyeroll can be seen as a reflexive reaction from someone who had just learned aliens were really real a couple days before. The way Russell says, "I'M BAAACK!" would imply he believed what happened was real.
* ''Film/TheSumOfAllFears'':
-->'''Jack:''' Oh... I had a date tonight, so I had to call and cancel...\\
'''Cabot:''' Well, don't be stupid! Tell her where you're going. In fact, tell her who you work for. She'll be impressed.\\
'''Jack:''' ''(to Cathy, over the phone)'' OK. I work for the CIA, and the Director asked me at the last minute to come with him to Russia with him to do a nuclear arms inspection. Hello?\\
'''Cathy:''' That is so lame.\\
''(she hangs up; Cabot and the other experienced CIA officers laugh)''
* In ''Film/BackToTheFuturePartIII'', Doc Brown has decided to return to 1985 from 1885 and goes to tell his girlfriend Clara the truth about the time machine and when he's from. She is enraged and tells him that it would have been better to just say that he doesn't love her.
** Also, later Doc tells the locals at the saloon about what life is like in the future, all of it true despite their mockery and disbelief.
* ''Film/InvisibleInvaders'' Everyone made fun of Dr. Penner's warning about an AlienInvasion by invisible enemies.
* ''Franchise/StarTrek'':
** In ''Film/StarTrekIVTheVoyageHome'', Admiral Kirk reluctantly explains to Dr. Taylor that the reason he needs her whales is that he's a time traveler from the future. Naturally, she thinks he's nuts. (This is understandable, because Kirk does only a passable job of blending in to the 20th century.) Eventually circumstances force her to turn to him as her last resort, proving once again that if it's crazy but it works, it's not crazy. When the subject is ''first'' brought up, it's kind of funny:
-->'''Taylor:''' ''(after Kirk tries to broach what is obviously an awkward subject)'' Don't tell me. You're from outer space.\\
'''Kirk:''' ''(oozing charm)'' No, I'm from Iowa. I just work in outer space.
** In ''[[Film/StarTrekFirstContact First Contact]]'', Commander Riker and Troi have traveled back to 21st Century Montana and try to convince Zefram Cochrane, inventor of human warp flight and the man responsible for humanity meeting the Vulcans, of the importance of his flight, and why the Borg are trying to stop him.
-->'''Cochrane:''' So... [[LetMeGetThisStraight lemme just make sure that I understand you correctly]], ''Commander''. A group of cybernetic creatures from the future have traveled back through time to enslave the human race, and you're here to stop them?\\
'''Riker:''' That's right.\\
'''Cochrane:''' Hot damn! You're heroic! ''(laughs in Riker's face)''
* In a word, [[Film/ANewHope Darth Vader]]. He had serious doubts that the Death Star was as invincible and foolproof as everyone thought it was, and while he might have had more success convincing the Rebellion about that, the warning he gave in ''this'' scene was ignored by everyone listening (not just Admiral Motti, who Vader infamously had to Force-choke into line to prove a point):
-->'''Vader:''' Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
** And in the ''same movie'' there was the scene during the Battle of Yavin where Moff Tarkin brushed off an advisor's suggestion that the Rebellion's attack actually posed a danger, and refused to consider having his escape craft prepared. He paid for that mistake with his life. Vader took the threat seriously when Tarkin wouldn't. He tapped two TIE fighter pilots for wingmen and delved into the dogfight himself in attempts to thwart any more runs on the exhaust port. Naturally, his foresight made him one of only ''two'' survivor of the Imperial Forces in that battle (other than five defectors who escaped before it was destroyed).
* Happens in ''Film/TheManWhoKnewTooLittle'' when Wallace is given a TruthSerum:
-->'''Boris:''' Who you are working for?\\
'''Wallace:''' Blockbuster Video, Des Moines, Iowa.\\
'''Boris:''' Who you are working for?\\
'''Wallace:''' Blockbuster Video, Des Moines, Iowa.\\
'''Boris:''' Damn, [[MistakenForSpies they trained him so well]].
* In ''The Wedding Date'', Debra Messing's character hires a gentleman escort as her date, so that the rest of her family and her ex-fiancé will be jealous. Later, when the groom asks him how he knows so much about women:
-->'''Nick:''' I'm a hooker.
* ''Film/TwelveMonkeys'': Not only does nobody believe James Cole when he tells people he's from the future and trying to gather information about a worldwide epidemic, but his time-traveling shenanigans and insane rantings may have very well [[YouCantFightFate inspired said epidemic]] to begin with. Reversed by mid-movie; his therapist convinces him he IS an insane homeless person; by the time he tries to seek mental help and turn himself in, she's found corroborating physical evidence (a WWI-era bullet in his body and a history text showing his face in the trenches.) She has trouble convincing him he's ''really'' from the future. Ironically, said therapist has written a book and given speeches on this trope.
* ''Franchise/DieHard'' has one of the most amusing examples of this trope. Protagonist John [=McClane=] is attending a Christmas party on the 30th floor of a skyscraper which suddenly gets taken over by terrorists. He pulls the fire alarm in an attempt to get the attention of the authorities, which winds up being canceled by one of the terrorists. He then steals a radio and tries to contact the police that way. Despite audible ''gunfire'' in the transmission, the police dispatcher is still unconvinced and informs John he's broadcasting on a restricted channel, prompting the infamous line, "No fucking shit, lady! Do I sound like I'm ordering a pizza?!" It gets even better when she informs him it is illegal to file a false report and he then ''begs'' her to send police to arrest him. According [[WordOfGod to the script,]] this scene was inspired by a recording of ''a real 911 call.''
* Early in ''Literature/NightWatch'', a police officer asks Anton if he's been drinking, and Anton says "only blood". The cop doesn't believe him -- at least until he starts vomiting it up.
* In the ''Film/{{Gremlins}}'' series, the authorities do not believe that a horde of little monsters that can't be fed after midnight are terrorizing the local movie theatre and sporting good store.
* [[AffectionateParody Played for laughs]] in ''Film/KillerKlownsFromOuterSpace'': In most of the movies on this page, the police refuse to believe that something is going on because the only person telling them is some random nut. In this movie, however, ''everyone in town'' calls the police to report the strange goings-on. The police decide that ''everyone in town must be pranking them.''
* Averted in ''Film/FightClub'', where [[spoiler: the Narrator tries to confess his alter ego's crimes,]] and is believed, only to realize that everyone in the room is in on it.
* Played with in ''Film/TrueLies'', where Arnold's character has been placed under the effects of a truth serum whilst handcuffed and immobilised. He's half-drunk from the drug, and the doctor administering the truth drug begins to ask questions...
-->'''Samir:''' Now, then, is there anything you'd like to tell me?\\
'''Harry Tasker:''' Just that you're going to be dead soon.\\
'''Samir:''' Really?\\
'''Harry Tasker:''' Yeah. First I'm going to grab you, and use you as a human shield,Then I'm going to kill this guard over here with the [[EyeScream Patterson trocar]] on the table. And then I was thinking about breaking your neck.\\
'''Samir:''' ''(smiling disbelievingly)'' And how is that going to happen?\\
'''Harry Tasker:''' You know my handcuffs?\\
'''Samir:''' Yes?\\
'''Harry Tasker:''' I picked them. ''(holds up the handcuffs; events transpire as predicted)''
* A similar example happens in ''Series/CharliesAngels'' with Creator/DrewBarrymore's character.
-->Wait, wait, wait! I have something to tell you. By the time this is over...all of you will be facedown on the floor...and I'll moon-walk out of here. You're not listening to me. First, you're going to help me [[BenchBreaker out of my chair.]] Then I'll leapfrog over you...before I break his nose. Since my trusty lighter...isn't working, I'll do all this WithMyHandsTied behind my back.
* ''Film/{{Octopussy}}'', when Bond tries to warn a US general about a [[TimeBomb nuclear bomb]] hidden in a circus cannon. [[AllPartOfTheShow Then again, being disguised as a clown probably didn't help matters either]]. [[spoiler:It's a good thing Octopussy believed him.]]
* ''Film/BigFatLiar'' is based around this.
* in ''Film/LiarLiar'', Creator/JimCarrey (who CannotTellALie) manages to avoid disasters via InsultBackfire and [[AndThatLittleGirlWasMe referring to himself in second person]].
* One of Walken's last leading roles, ''Film/TheDeadZone'', is also based around this. He is a Cassandra figure.
* In ''Choose Me'' Keith Carradine's character Mickey keeps telling different outlandish stories about his past to other characters and appears to be a compulsive liar. During the movie, the other characters start cross-checking the various different things he's told them and accuse Mickey of lying to everyone. But at the end of the movie, it's revealed that everything he said to everyone was true.
* In ''Film/SmallSoldiers'', Christy tells the police about the attacking action figures. The police don't believe her, at which point she realizes that they will come to the house anyway to arrest her for making a prank call. Instead, [[PoliceAreUseless they hang up]].
* In ''Film/TheLadykillers'' (2004 version) the old lady tries to tell the police that she's found the money from the casino robbery, but the cops don't believe her, instead telling her to donate the money to Bob Jones University.
** In the original version she tells the police she's got the money from the robbery but the robbers have mysteriously vanished. The constable, thinking it's another of her crazy dreams tells her she can keep it -- much to her surprise and delight.
* Poor, poor Andy just doesn't seem to get a break in the ''Film/ChildsPlay'' original trilogy. He tells people that Chuckie's a killer doll and no one believes him until it's too late. His mom goes through the same thing in the 2nd movie before the main detective believes him after Chuckie tries to kill him while driving his car.
* ''Film/{{Troll 2}}'': Nobody believes Joshua about the goblins until it's too late.
* In the ''Film/{{Apocalypse}}'' film series movie ''Tribulation'', when Tom Canboro's brother-in-law Jason Quincy (Howie Mandel) is being manipulated by future One Nation Earth agents who want to prevent him from spreading the truth before the world is ready for it, neither Tom nor his wife Susan are willing to believe him due to their past dealings with him that lead to their belief that Jason is mentally unstable. However, Tom's sister Eileen somehow senses that the agent has been in Jason's hospital room and is more willing to believe him, though Tom doesn't believe his sister due to her being a born-again Christian who takes the Bible very literally.
* In ''Film/{{Bedazzled 2000}}'' when Elliot tries to tell the police about his DealWithTheDevil.
-->'''Elliot:''' I'm telling you, the Devil gypped me for a hamburger!\\
'''Officer:''' So, do you have a copy of this contract?\\
'''Elliot:''' No. I told you, she keeps it in her office.\\
'''Officer:''' At this nightclub in Oakland?\\
'''Elliot:''' Yes, at a nightclub, and no I can't tell you where it is.\\
'''Officer:''' Because you promised the Devil you wouldn't.\\
'''Elliot:''' No, because she drove, that's why!
* In the ''Franchise/{{Halloween}}'' series, Dr. Loomis' entire career in regards to Michael is this. No one ever listens to his warnings about the danger Michael poses to society...even after the dead bodies start piling up.
* In ''Film/CloakAndDagger'', from the beginning no one believes David G. Osborne until near the end when his house has been banged up, two dead bodies have been found, and his eight-year-old friend has been kidnapped. Even then, people don't exactly believe him, but they know something is up.
* The police refuse to investigate the two dead bodies in ''Film/MysteryTeam'', simply because the main character is an amateur detective.
* In ''Film/TheChroniclesOfRiddick'', Riddick tells the prison guards that he will kill one of them with his teacup. The guard, not believing him, rushes Riddick with a knife, and is promptly impaled on the cup. Riddick then places a tin can key where the cup previously sat. The other guards glance at it, then at Riddick, before hastily leaving.
* In ''Film/Zombi3D'', we get this little gem from General Morton as his soldiers burn someone infected with the Death One virus:
-->'''Dr. Holder's Assistant''': Hadn't it ever occurred to you that the ashes, assimilated into the air, could fall back to Earth again?\\
'''General Morton''': That's ridiculous, pure ScienceFiction!
* In ''Film/GhostRider'', Johnny Blaze awkwardly explains to his OldFlame Roxie that he is the devil's bounty hunter, which she believes is merely a ridiculous excuse.
* ''Film/TheFugitive'': Richard Kimble's story of a one-armed breaking into his house and killing his wife. The cops clearly don't believe him from the get-go (in all fairness, in such an investigation, the husband is the prime suspect), and the bizarre detail such as the attacker being a one-armed man all but confirm their (inaccurate) suspicions.
* In ''Film/FerrisBuellersDayOff'', the police unaccountably don't believe Jeannie when she calls about Rooney breaking into her house.
* This is the entire premise of the 1939 Ginger Rogers comedy ''Bachelor Mother''; at the beginning of the movie, Rogers sees a woman abandoning a baby outside an orphanage. Problem is, everyone from the orphanage to Rogers' boyfriend to her landlady and to her boss thinks the baby really is hers, no matter how much she tries to convince them otherwise.
* In ''Film/TheHobbit'', Gandalf and Radagast are convinced that the Necromancer is Sauron or at least someone as dangerous as him. But members of the White Council are either not convinced (Saruman) or powerless to do anything about it (Elrond). Galadriel is the only one who senses something genuinely sinister is happening and puts her faith in Gandalf.
* In ''Film/MidnightMovie'' [[spoiler: Timmy]] tries to tell the police about the events that occurred in the theater but no one believes him.
* In ''Film/FrightNight1985'', Charley sees his neighbor Jerry grow some fangs and the drink the blood of a helpless lady, so he starts yelling at his mom and friends that Jerry is a vampire without any evidence. Then he calls his police and tells them that the lady was murdered by Jerry, but when the police find problems with Charley's story he immediately falls back to the vampire explanation.
* In ''Film/NowYouSeeHimNowYouDont'', after Dexter and his friends discover that A.J. Arno and his flunkies plan to use the stolen invisibility formula to rob the bank and make the money invisible, Dexter and Schuyler try to warn the bank president and the police about this, only to be blown off about it, until the crime has actually been committed.
* Inverted in ''Film/{{Troy}}''. The priests always give the ''wrong'' advice, and are always believed.
** Played straight when first Hector, then Paris call the priests out for their bad advice, and are ignored. Particularly when Paris warns his father not to take the horse into the city.
* ''Film/TheLadyVanishes'' has shades of this early in the second act, as Iris tries desperately to convince everyone that Ms. Froy (the eponymous vanished lady) really exists.
* In ''Film/HappyAccidents'' Sam tells a group of people, including a famous actor, what the future is like. They take it as improv.
* ''Film/TuckerAndDaleVsEvil'' showcases this with the eponymous duo trying to explain the situation to the police officer [[BlackComedy while dragging the lower-body of a college student who'd dived head-first into a wood-chipper]].
* In ''Film/TinCup'', Molly doesn't believe Roy that her fiancee David is an asshole who hates "old people, children, and dogs", thinking it's just sour grapes she's dating Roy's long-time rival. She leaves him for Roy when she sees David display his dislike for all three at once.
* In ''[[Film/FreakyFriday2003 Freaky Friday]]'', Anna complains to her mother that her teacher has it in for her and is intentionally giving her failing grades. She doesn't believe it until [[FreakyFridayFlip they switch places]] and sees it for herself...and discovers [[ItsPersonal he's one of her ex-boyfriends]].
* When he's first sent back to the '70s in ''Film/XMenDaysOfFuturePast'', Wolverine wakes up in the bed of a mob boss's daughter who he has apparently slept with repeatedly, and her father's goons aren't happy. He quickly lampshades that they probably won't believe that he's traveled back in time.
* In ''Film/RobotHolocaust'', [[DarkChick Valeria]] tells [[TheBigBad The Dark One]] that the power source has been compromised but the latter doesn't believe her (despite being dependent on said energy...again, the screenplay is poorly thought out).
* In ''Film/TheIntruders'', Rose tries to convince her father that there is someone hiding in the old house they relocated into. Her dad dismisses her as developing the same illness that plagued Rose's mom. The villain is indeed hiding in the house's deep basement.
* The opening of ''Film/DraculaUntold'' features Vlad and his men coming across what remains of a group of Turkish scouts that have washed down a mountain river. Vlad soon discovers the Elder Vampire, who was the one who slaughtered them when they entered his cave. When the Janissaries arrive in Vlad's court to remind him of his tribute, they bring up the missing scouts, and Vlad replies calmly and honestly that he didn't kill them (without mentioning the true cause of their demise). The Janissaries evidently don't believe him, with their leader even bringing up his past deeds as evidence of his bloodlust.
* ''Film/TheyLive'' has the protagonist stumble upon a plot to keep humanity under the control of an alien race. Surprisingly he only tries to tell one person, his only friend, who believes he has lost it. Not helped by the fact the two end up in a fist fight over him insisting to put on a pair of magic sunglasses. Eventually he does and the two spend the rest of the movie fighting against the invaders.
* ''Film/TheHidden'': The good alien is more than aware of this and prefers to keep his human partner out of the loop concerning the body-jumping alien parasite they're both pursuing. When he does finally tell him the truth about space aliens after his cover identity is exposed as a fake, he is thrown in a jail cell because his partner thinks he's pulling his leg.
* The ''{{Film/Poltergeist}}'' remake has Griffin, the son, trying to warn the family about the weird stuff happening in the house. Not only does the family not listen to him, the mother suspects that he might be suffering from mental issues and is willing to send him away for professional help.
----
** Jack Sparrow even lampshades this in ''Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanTheCurseOfTheBlackPearl'' when he tells the two guards exactly why he wants to get onto the ship in Port Royal. He trusts that they will disbelieve him because the truth seems very outlandish and sneaks by them while they're arguing over whether he is or is not lying.
** In ''Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanDeadMansChest'', Norrington is surprised to learn that Jack was telling the truth about Davy Jones' heart. Jack states that he tells the truth quite a lot, yet people are often surprised. Then Will points out that it's because for all the truth he tells, he still lies a lot. Jack then admits that virtually everything he's told Elizabeth up to that point had been a lie.
** The song, "I Saw a Dragon" from ''Disney/PetesDragon'' is nothing but this trope.
** ExpandedUniverse material implies that no one really believed Kevin Flynn from ''Film/{{Tron}}'' either. Then, he goes missing, and no one thinks to check the arcade for hidden doors...
* The 1994 war film ''Film/ForrestGump'' uses this when Forrest's revelation that he's the owner of the wildly successful Bubba Gump Shrimp Company sends one listener off in unbelieving hysterics. The old woman was unbelieving at first, until he shows her a picture of him and Lieutenant Dan on the cover of Fortune.
* A 1980's Disney kid's ghost film "Mr. Boogedy" used this trope in the first film ("Kids, ghosts just don't exist, you're imagining things"), but reached facepalm dimensions in the sequel ("Kids, we sealed the ghosts in the 9 pits of Hades, they can't be back, you're imagining things")
%%* Played straight in ''Film/{{Gothika}}''.
* In ''Film/HomeAlone 3'', the cops don't believe Alex's claims that burglars are breaking into neighborhood houses. Somewhat justified in that the cops came in three times. It's just that the industrial spies breaking in to houses were pretty good at running away and leaving no traces. Alex doesn't even bother calling them when the burglars come for him, realizing that he's [[CryingWolf cried wolf]] too many times. And yet, the cops do eventually show up, because of a call he made earlier to an army recruiting station.
* Nobody, not even her husband and therapist, believed Kate's accusations of sweet [[spoiler:seemingly]] nine-year-old Russian ''Film/{{Orphan}}'' Esther actually being a murderous psychopath.
* ''Film/TheGoodSon'' revolves around this trope, with the protagonist attempting in vain to warn his family of the homicidal nature of his cousin. The movie was loosely based on the novel ''The Bad Seed'', which also had a Cassandra Truth plot to it.
* ''Literature/AmericanPsycho''
** At the end, Patrick calls his lawyer and leaves a message on his answering machine where he tearfully confesses that he has killed 20 or so people, including Paul Allen (whose murder is the most important part of the plot). A few days later he sees his lawyer in a restaurant to go speak to him, and is horrified to find that he doesn't believe him, taking it all to be a strange joke.
** In a club, a woman asks him what he does, and he replies "Murders and executions". But it's loud and she's not really listening, so she thinks he said "Mergers and acquisitions".
** In fact he confesses everything to lots of people throughout the movie, but everyone's too obsessed with their '80s consumerism to notice. Or, it's all in Patrick's mind.
-->'''Patrick Bateman:''' I like to dissect girls. Did you know I'm utterly insane?
* In the Hitchcock film ''Saboteur'', the protagonist flat-out tells the crowd what the big bad's plan is at a high society party and the party goers find him amusing and laugh along.
* The ending of the original ''Film/InvasionOfTheBodySnatchers1956''. "THEY'RE ALREADY HERE!! YOU'RE NEXT!!" Actually, come to think of it, all the ''Body Snatchers'' movies.
* It's a recurring theme in the ''Franchise/ANightmareOnElmStreet'' franchise, for obvious reasons. No one except other teenagers is willing to believe that an undead serial killer is haunting their dreams.
** In ''Film/ANightmareOnElmStreet1984'', no one believes Nancy when she tells them someone is after her in her dreams. Double subverted in that it's later revealed they are fully aware who Freddy Krueger was and that they personally buried him after he murdered their children, they just don't believe he could come back from the dead.
** Done to the most deadly effect in ''Film/ANightmareOnElmStreet3DreamWarriors'' where the survival of teenagers against someone in their dreams is set in a psychiatric facility. The teenagers now have to get around the stringent rules and regulations of the staff as another obstacle whilst trying to defeat their worst nightmare who is actually real and trying to kill them, but since other people can't see Freddy as he exists in dreams, they are deemed delusional and end up sedated. This is the opposite of a good treatment concerning the aforementioned danger it puts the teenagers into, despite the fact many of the staff actually want to help the teenagers but just don't understand the root of the problem. This lack of understanding, however friendly, can end with death.
* ''Film/FridayThe13thPartVIJasonLives'': Due in part to his past institutionalization, hardly anyone believes Tommy Jarvis when he attempts to warn everyone that Jason Voorhees has come BackFromTheDead.
* Dr. Ian Malcolm in the first two ''Franchise/JurassicPark'' movies, but the second in particular; the only character present who experienced what could go wrong when humans and dinosaurs interact, his warnings only seem to be finally taken seriously when the two tyrannosaurs attack the camp, much to his irritation and, well, too late. No amount of Cassandra Truth stops Malcolm from remaining a {{Jerkass}}.
* In ''[[Film/{{Ghostbusters}} Ghostbusters II]]'', the attempts of the Ghostbusters to warn the mayor that a [[DemonicPossession demonically possessed]] painting is plotting to destroy the city at 12:00 AM New Year's Day sees them institutionalized, which given how they were right about the events of the first movie, may seem a little harsh (although it was partly due to the machinations of the mayor's scheming aide). In a minor subversion, Peter -- who is GenreSavvy enough to see that his colleagues' attempts to struggle against their captors [[YouHaveToBelieveMe whilst ranting about demonic paintings and the end of the world]] just makes them look even crazier -- merely goes along with it in a calm and reasonable fashion until someone wises up and lets them go.[[note]]He's also GenreSavvy enough to appeal to the mayor's political side by claiming that, if they succeed, the mayor will have been partly responsible for saving millions of ''registered voters''.[[/note]]
-->'''Peter Venkman:''' Don't look at ''me''. I think these people are completely nuts.
* A common theme in the ''Film/FinalDestination'' series. Frequently, the initial visions of the hero are only believed by a small number of people. The hero will then try to warn people about death's machinations but will be ignored.
* In ''Film/GrossePointeBlank'', Martin Blank tells everyone at his class reunion up front that he's an assassin, and everyone assumes he's joking. That is, until he is found having killed another hitman using only a pen.
-->'''His girlfriend's father:''' Good for you, son, it's a growth industry.
* In ''Film/{{Nighthawks}}'' a handsome man picks up a stewardess and goes home with her. She asks him what he does as his profession, and he tells her the truth. "I'm an international terrorist wanted in 19 countries." "Well, maybe someday you'll quit the jokes and tell me what you do for a living."
* ''Franchise/{{Terminator}}'' franchise:
** In ''Film/TheTerminator'', the psychologist doesn't believe Reese's story about the future and deems him a paranoid schizophrenic.
** Sarah Connor started out ''Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay'' in an institution for largely the same reasons after being caught trying to blow up a Cyberdyne facility, although admittedly she ''did'' [[ShellShockedVeteran have actual issues]] by that point. In one cut of the film, we see the therapist carted off in a straitjacket and ranting madly after witnessing proof of Sarah's "delusions" come after her.
** In ''Film/Terminator3RiseOfTheMachines'' he has a rant about seeing impossible things indicating he no longer even believes his own memories, then freaks upon seeing the Terminator validating his own memories of events.
** In ''Series/TheSarahConnorChronicles'', the [[TheOtherDarrin same psychologist]] responded to the evidence in ''T2'' by moving out of the city and going as far off the radar as possible.
* Referenced by Mike in ''Film/EightLeggedFreaks''. After escaping the giant mutant spiders' lair and coming across the town sheriff, he is reluctant to tell his story. This is with physical evidence of a giant spider leg that he managed to take with him. After much prodding, he eventually provides a long-winded, detailed [[GenreSavvy explanation of the trope]] along with what he saw. To his annoyance, he predictably isn't believed.
* ''Film/IndependenceDay''
** David figures out the aliens have [[spoiler:embedded their countdown to destroying humanity]] in the global satellite network. His coworker believes him but is panicky and in no condition to do anything. David's father believes him and takes him all the way to Washington DC, where David's ex-wife blows him off thinking him paranoid. But David is right, and his father wastes no time in reminding people who try to treat David like an idiot. It's really a subversion, because when the president hears him, he believes him immediately.
** Russell Casse suffers under this every time he talks about being abducted. He even elicits eyerolls from Major Mitchell when he mentions it at the pilots' briefing before an attack on the HUGE ALIEN SHIP! Even so, it is left ambiguous as to whether he actually was abducted by the aliens or was simply crazy. The eyeroll can be seen as a reflexive reaction from someone who had just learned aliens were really real a couple days before. The way Russell says, "I'M BAAACK!" would imply he believed what happened was real.
* ''Film/TheSumOfAllFears'':
-->'''Jack:''' Oh... I had a date tonight, so I had to call and cancel...\\
'''Cabot:''' Well, don't be stupid! Tell her where you're going. In fact, tell her who you work for. She'll be impressed.\\
'''Jack:''' ''(to Cathy, over the phone)'' OK. I work for the CIA, and the Director asked me at the last minute to come with him to Russia with him to do a nuclear arms inspection. Hello?\\
'''Cathy:''' That is so lame.\\
''(she hangs up; Cabot and the other experienced CIA officers laugh)''
* In ''Film/BackToTheFuturePartIII'', Doc Brown has decided to return to 1985 from 1885 and goes to tell his girlfriend Clara the truth about the time machine and when he's from. She is enraged and tells him that it would have been better to just say that he doesn't love her.
** Also, later Doc tells the locals at the saloon about what life is like in the future, all of it true despite their mockery and disbelief.
* ''Film/InvisibleInvaders'' Everyone made fun of Dr. Penner's warning about an AlienInvasion by invisible enemies.
* ''Franchise/StarTrek'':
** In ''Film/StarTrekIVTheVoyageHome'', Admiral Kirk reluctantly explains to Dr. Taylor that the reason he needs her whales is that he's a time traveler from the future. Naturally, she thinks he's nuts. (This is understandable, because Kirk does only a passable job of blending in to the 20th century.) Eventually circumstances force her to turn to him as her last resort, proving once again that if it's crazy but it works, it's not crazy. When the subject is ''first'' brought up, it's kind of funny:
-->'''Taylor:''' ''(after Kirk tries to broach what is obviously an awkward subject)'' Don't tell me. You're from outer space.\\
'''Kirk:''' ''(oozing charm)'' No, I'm from Iowa. I just work in outer space.
** In ''[[Film/StarTrekFirstContact First Contact]]'', Commander Riker and Troi have traveled back to 21st Century Montana and try to convince Zefram Cochrane, inventor of human warp flight and the man responsible for humanity meeting the Vulcans, of the importance of his flight, and why the Borg are trying to stop him.
-->'''Cochrane:''' So... [[LetMeGetThisStraight lemme just make sure that I understand you correctly]], ''Commander''. A group of cybernetic creatures from the future have traveled back through time to enslave the human race, and you're here to stop them?\\
'''Riker:''' That's right.\\
'''Cochrane:''' Hot damn! You're heroic! ''(laughs in Riker's face)''
* In a word, [[Film/ANewHope Darth Vader]]. He had serious doubts that the Death Star was as invincible and foolproof as everyone thought it was, and while he might have had more success convincing the Rebellion about that, the warning he gave in ''this'' scene was ignored by everyone listening (not just Admiral Motti, who Vader infamously had to Force-choke into line to prove a point):
-->'''Vader:''' Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
** And in the ''same movie'' there was the scene during the Battle of Yavin where Moff Tarkin brushed off an advisor's suggestion that the Rebellion's attack actually posed a danger, and refused to consider having his escape craft prepared. He paid for that mistake with his life. Vader took the threat seriously when Tarkin wouldn't. He tapped two TIE fighter pilots for wingmen and delved into the dogfight himself in attempts to thwart any more runs on the exhaust port. Naturally, his foresight made him one of only ''two'' survivor of the Imperial Forces in that battle (other than five defectors who escaped before it was destroyed).
* Happens in ''Film/TheManWhoKnewTooLittle'' when Wallace is given a TruthSerum:
-->'''Boris:''' Who you are working for?\\
'''Wallace:''' Blockbuster Video, Des Moines, Iowa.\\
'''Boris:''' Who you are working for?\\
'''Wallace:''' Blockbuster Video, Des Moines, Iowa.\\
'''Boris:''' Damn, [[MistakenForSpies they trained him so well]].
* In ''The Wedding Date'', Debra Messing's character hires a gentleman escort as her date, so that the rest of her family and her ex-fiancé will be jealous. Later, when the groom asks him how he knows so much about women:
-->'''Nick:''' I'm a hooker.
* ''Film/TwelveMonkeys'': Not only does nobody believe James Cole when he tells people he's from the future and trying to gather information about a worldwide epidemic, but his time-traveling shenanigans and insane rantings may have very well [[YouCantFightFate inspired said epidemic]] to begin with. Reversed by mid-movie; his therapist convinces him he IS an insane homeless person; by the time he tries to seek mental help and turn himself in, she's found corroborating physical evidence (a WWI-era bullet in his body and a history text showing his face in the trenches.) She has trouble convincing him he's ''really'' from the future. Ironically, said therapist has written a book and given speeches on this trope.
* ''Franchise/DieHard'' has one of the most amusing examples of this trope. Protagonist John [=McClane=] is attending a Christmas party on the 30th floor of a skyscraper which suddenly gets taken over by terrorists. He pulls the fire alarm in an attempt to get the attention of the authorities, which winds up being canceled by one of the terrorists. He then steals a radio and tries to contact the police that way. Despite audible ''gunfire'' in the transmission, the police dispatcher is still unconvinced and informs John he's broadcasting on a restricted channel, prompting the infamous line, "No fucking shit, lady! Do I sound like I'm ordering a pizza?!" It gets even better when she informs him it is illegal to file a false report and he then ''begs'' her to send police to arrest him. According [[WordOfGod to the script,]] this scene was inspired by a recording of ''a real 911 call.''
* Early in ''Literature/NightWatch'', a police officer asks Anton if he's been drinking, and Anton says "only blood". The cop doesn't believe him -- at least until he starts vomiting it up.
* In the ''Film/{{Gremlins}}'' series, the authorities do not believe that a horde of little monsters that can't be fed after midnight are terrorizing the local movie theatre and sporting good store.
* [[AffectionateParody Played for laughs]] in ''Film/KillerKlownsFromOuterSpace'': In most of the movies on this page, the police refuse to believe that something is going on because the only person telling them is some random nut. In this movie, however, ''everyone in town'' calls the police to report the strange goings-on. The police decide that ''everyone in town must be pranking them.''
* Averted in ''Film/FightClub'', where [[spoiler: the Narrator tries to confess his alter ego's crimes,]] and is believed, only to realize that everyone in the room is in on it.
* Played with in ''Film/TrueLies'', where Arnold's character has been placed under the effects of a truth serum whilst handcuffed and immobilised. He's half-drunk from the drug, and the doctor administering the truth drug begins to ask questions...
-->'''Samir:''' Now, then, is there anything you'd like to tell me?\\
'''Harry Tasker:''' Just that you're going to be dead soon.\\
'''Samir:''' Really?\\
'''Harry Tasker:''' Yeah. First I'm going to grab you, and use you as a human shield,Then I'm going to kill this guard over here with the [[EyeScream Patterson trocar]] on the table. And then I was thinking about breaking your neck.\\
'''Samir:''' ''(smiling disbelievingly)'' And how is that going to happen?\\
'''Harry Tasker:''' You know my handcuffs?\\
'''Samir:''' Yes?\\
'''Harry Tasker:''' I picked them. ''(holds up the handcuffs; events transpire as predicted)''
* A similar example happens in ''Series/CharliesAngels'' with Creator/DrewBarrymore's character.
-->Wait, wait, wait! I have something to tell you. By the time this is over...all of you will be facedown on the floor...and I'll moon-walk out of here. You're not listening to me. First, you're going to help me [[BenchBreaker out of my chair.]] Then I'll leapfrog over you...before I break his nose. Since my trusty lighter...isn't working, I'll do all this WithMyHandsTied behind my back.
* ''Film/{{Octopussy}}'', when Bond tries to warn a US general about a [[TimeBomb nuclear bomb]] hidden in a circus cannon. [[AllPartOfTheShow Then again, being disguised as a clown probably didn't help matters either]]. [[spoiler:It's a good thing Octopussy believed him.]]
* ''Film/BigFatLiar'' is based around this.
* in ''Film/LiarLiar'', Creator/JimCarrey (who CannotTellALie) manages to avoid disasters via InsultBackfire and [[AndThatLittleGirlWasMe referring to himself in second person]].
* One of Walken's last leading roles, ''Film/TheDeadZone'', is also based around this. He is a Cassandra figure.
* In ''Choose Me'' Keith Carradine's character Mickey keeps telling different outlandish stories about his past to other characters and appears to be a compulsive liar. During the movie, the other characters start cross-checking the various different things he's told them and accuse Mickey of lying to everyone. But at the end of the movie, it's revealed that everything he said to everyone was true.
* In ''Film/SmallSoldiers'', Christy tells the police about the attacking action figures. The police don't believe her, at which point she realizes that they will come to the house anyway to arrest her for making a prank call. Instead, [[PoliceAreUseless they hang up]].
* In ''Film/TheLadykillers'' (2004 version) the old lady tries to tell the police that she's found the money from the casino robbery, but the cops don't believe her, instead telling her to donate the money to Bob Jones University.
** In the original version she tells the police she's got the money from the robbery but the robbers have mysteriously vanished. The constable, thinking it's another of her crazy dreams tells her she can keep it -- much to her surprise and delight.
* Poor, poor Andy just doesn't seem to get a break in the ''Film/ChildsPlay'' original trilogy. He tells people that Chuckie's a killer doll and no one believes him until it's too late. His mom goes through the same thing in the 2nd movie before the main detective believes him after Chuckie tries to kill him while driving his car.
* ''Film/{{Troll 2}}'': Nobody believes Joshua about the goblins until it's too late.
* In the ''Film/{{Apocalypse}}'' film series movie ''Tribulation'', when Tom Canboro's brother-in-law Jason Quincy (Howie Mandel) is being manipulated by future One Nation Earth agents who want to prevent him from spreading the truth before the world is ready for it, neither Tom nor his wife Susan are willing to believe him due to their past dealings with him that lead to their belief that Jason is mentally unstable. However, Tom's sister Eileen somehow senses that the agent has been in Jason's hospital room and is more willing to believe him, though Tom doesn't believe his sister due to her being a born-again Christian who takes the Bible very literally.
* In ''Film/{{Bedazzled 2000}}'' when Elliot tries to tell the police about his DealWithTheDevil.
-->'''Elliot:''' I'm telling you, the Devil gypped me for a hamburger!\\
'''Officer:''' So, do you have a copy of this contract?\\
'''Elliot:''' No. I told you, she keeps it in her office.\\
'''Officer:''' At this nightclub in Oakland?\\
'''Elliot:''' Yes, at a nightclub, and no I can't tell you where it is.\\
'''Officer:''' Because you promised the Devil you wouldn't.\\
'''Elliot:''' No, because she drove, that's why!
* In the ''Franchise/{{Halloween}}'' series, Dr. Loomis' entire career in regards to Michael is this. No one ever listens to his warnings about the danger Michael poses to society...even after the dead bodies start piling up.
* In ''Film/CloakAndDagger'', from the beginning no one believes David G. Osborne until near the end when his house has been banged up, two dead bodies have been found, and his eight-year-old friend has been kidnapped. Even then, people don't exactly believe him, but they know something is up.
* The police refuse to investigate the two dead bodies in ''Film/MysteryTeam'', simply because the main character is an amateur detective.
* In ''Film/TheChroniclesOfRiddick'', Riddick tells the prison guards that he will kill one of them with his teacup. The guard, not believing him, rushes Riddick with a knife, and is promptly impaled on the cup. Riddick then places a tin can key where the cup previously sat. The other guards glance at it, then at Riddick, before hastily leaving.
* In ''Film/Zombi3D'', we get this little gem from General Morton as his soldiers burn someone infected with the Death One virus:
-->'''Dr. Holder's Assistant''': Hadn't it ever occurred to you that the ashes, assimilated into the air, could fall back to Earth again?\\
'''General Morton''': That's ridiculous, pure ScienceFiction!
* In ''Film/GhostRider'', Johnny Blaze awkwardly explains to his OldFlame Roxie that he is the devil's bounty hunter, which she believes is merely a ridiculous excuse.
* ''Film/TheFugitive'': Richard Kimble's story of a one-armed breaking into his house and killing his wife. The cops clearly don't believe him from the get-go (in all fairness, in such an investigation, the husband is the prime suspect), and the bizarre detail such as the attacker being a one-armed man all but confirm their (inaccurate) suspicions.
* In ''Film/FerrisBuellersDayOff'', the police unaccountably don't believe Jeannie when she calls about Rooney breaking into her house.
* This is the entire premise of the 1939 Ginger Rogers comedy ''Bachelor Mother''; at the beginning of the movie, Rogers sees a woman abandoning a baby outside an orphanage. Problem is, everyone from the orphanage to Rogers' boyfriend to her landlady and to her boss thinks the baby really is hers, no matter how much she tries to convince them otherwise.
* In ''Film/TheHobbit'', Gandalf and Radagast are convinced that the Necromancer is Sauron or at least someone as dangerous as him. But members of the White Council are either not convinced (Saruman) or powerless to do anything about it (Elrond). Galadriel is the only one who senses something genuinely sinister is happening and puts her faith in Gandalf.
* In ''Film/MidnightMovie'' [[spoiler: Timmy]] tries to tell the police about the events that occurred in the theater but no one believes him.
* In ''Film/FrightNight1985'', Charley sees his neighbor Jerry grow some fangs and the drink the blood of a helpless lady, so he starts yelling at his mom and friends that Jerry is a vampire without any evidence. Then he calls his police and tells them that the lady was murdered by Jerry, but when the police find problems with Charley's story he immediately falls back to the vampire explanation.
* In ''Film/NowYouSeeHimNowYouDont'', after Dexter and his friends discover that A.J. Arno and his flunkies plan to use the stolen invisibility formula to rob the bank and make the money invisible, Dexter and Schuyler try to warn the bank president and the police about this, only to be blown off about it, until the crime has actually been committed.
* Inverted in ''Film/{{Troy}}''. The priests always give the ''wrong'' advice, and are always believed.
** Played straight when first Hector, then Paris call the priests out for their bad advice, and are ignored. Particularly when Paris warns his father not to take the horse into the city.
* ''Film/TheLadyVanishes'' has shades of this early in the second act, as Iris tries desperately to convince everyone that Ms. Froy (the eponymous vanished lady) really exists.
* In ''Film/HappyAccidents'' Sam tells a group of people, including a famous actor, what the future is like. They take it as improv.
* ''Film/TuckerAndDaleVsEvil'' showcases this with the eponymous duo trying to explain the situation to the police officer [[BlackComedy while dragging the lower-body of a college student who'd dived head-first into a wood-chipper]].
* In ''Film/TinCup'', Molly doesn't believe Roy that her fiancee David is an asshole who hates "old people, children, and dogs", thinking it's just sour grapes she's dating Roy's long-time rival. She leaves him for Roy when she sees David display his dislike for all three at once.
* In ''[[Film/FreakyFriday2003 Freaky Friday]]'', Anna complains to her mother that her teacher has it in for her and is intentionally giving her failing grades. She doesn't believe it until [[FreakyFridayFlip they switch places]] and sees it for herself...and discovers [[ItsPersonal he's one of her ex-boyfriends]].
* When he's first sent back to the '70s in ''Film/XMenDaysOfFuturePast'', Wolverine wakes up in the bed of a mob boss's daughter who he has apparently slept with repeatedly, and her father's goons aren't happy. He quickly lampshades that they probably won't believe that he's traveled back in time.
* In ''Film/RobotHolocaust'', [[DarkChick Valeria]] tells [[TheBigBad The Dark One]] that the power source has been compromised but the latter doesn't believe her (despite being dependent on said energy...again, the screenplay is poorly thought out).
* In ''Film/TheIntruders'', Rose tries to convince her father that there is someone hiding in the old house they relocated into. Her dad dismisses her as developing the same illness that plagued Rose's mom. The villain is indeed hiding in the house's deep basement.
* The opening of ''Film/DraculaUntold'' features Vlad and his men coming across what remains of a group of Turkish scouts that have washed down a mountain river. Vlad soon discovers the Elder Vampire, who was the one who slaughtered them when they entered his cave. When the Janissaries arrive in Vlad's court to remind him of his tribute, they bring up the missing scouts, and Vlad replies calmly and honestly that he didn't kill them (without mentioning the true cause of their demise). The Janissaries evidently don't believe him, with their leader even bringing up his past deeds as evidence of his bloodlust.
* ''Film/TheyLive'' has the protagonist stumble upon a plot to keep humanity under the control of an alien race. Surprisingly he only tries to tell one person, his only friend, who believes he has lost it. Not helped by the fact the two end up in a fist fight over him insisting to put on a pair of magic sunglasses. Eventually he does and the two spend the rest of the movie fighting against the invaders.
* ''Film/TheHidden'': The good alien is more than aware of this and prefers to keep his human partner out of the loop concerning the body-jumping alien parasite they're both pursuing. When he does finally tell him the truth about space aliens after his cover identity is exposed as a fake, he is thrown in a jail cell because his partner thinks he's pulling his leg.
* The ''{{Film/Poltergeist}}'' remake has Griffin, the son, trying to warn the family about the weird stuff happening in the house. Not only does the family not listen to him, the mother suspects that he might be suffering from mental issues and is willing to send him away for professional help.
----
