Equilibrium Theory: Show a story moving from balance, to disruption, to a new balance.
The opening to Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)
Proppian Characters: Ethan (The Hero), Benji (Helper), Luther (Helper) Brandt (Dispatcher), the Russians on the plane (The Villains)
Equilibrium: The equilibrium is the beginning of this scene where the characters are following their plan to retrieve the package. This scene is balanced even though it is not entirely “peaceful.”
Disruption: The disruption is when the plane takes off with the package and Ethan hanging off its side all while Benji struggles to open the doors for him. It breaks from the package/mission and focuses on the safety of Ethan, which interrupts the balance.
New Equilibrium: Is established when Ethan boards the plane and carries out the mission. It returns the scene back to balanced and order is restored.
In Media Res: This extract starts in the middle of the mission instead of giving backstory, instantly grabbing attention.
Multiperspective Narrative: Shows different layers of the same event using different perspectives from all the characters. Ex. Ethan’s physical struggle in the sky and Benji’s point of view from ground-level.
1) Applying the Equilibrium Theory
This opening uses equilibrium theory to show how fast order can collapse and be restored through teamwork. At first, the team works smoothly, but when their plan is disrupted and Ethan is in danger, everything becomes chaotic. By the end of the scene, Ethan completes the mission and restores balance as a result of them working together, which proved trust and strength are what keep their world from falling apart and it sets the new equilibrium.
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