CUT TO: PETROCELLI riffling through papers. She stops occasionally, looks toward STEVE, and nods. PETROCELLI leans back in her chair and visually confronts STEVE for a long beat. Then she gets up and goes to podium.

Question

What is Petrocelli most likely trying to do here?

1. make Steve feel uncomfortable
2. think of a good question to ask
3. take a rest before she questions Steve
4. get the courtroom audience's attention

Answer 1

Petrocelli is most likely trying to do 1. make Steve feel uncomfortable. The action of riffling through papers, occasionally looking toward Steve and nodding, followed by leaning back and visually confronting him suggests that she is attempting to create a tense atmosphere, which is often a strategy used during cross-examination to unsettle a witness.