What is Deus ex Machina in Film?
Film terminology often relates to the underlying actions or narratives that take place within the script. Translations that represent literary functions of film are common within the industry. With many different terms coming to light as a result of the history or background of literary critiques. One such term that has underlying meaning dating back in history is the term, “Deus ex Machina.” But what is Deus ex Machina in film? And what does it even mean?
What Does Deus ex Machina Mean?
The term Deus ex Machina is sometimes used to describe a situation that occurs in a film when there is a seemingly hopeless situation which is all of a sudden, solved by an unexpected event.
It’s like there was no possible way in the film plot for this situation to come out in a good way, and yet– in the end, somehow, someway, it ends good.
Deus ex machina is a Latin term for “a god from a machine.” In historic times, the term was used to describe the crane that then brought actors from over the stage to play Gods in Greek and Roman plays.
The Gods frequently “saved” the day. And solved the underlying problems of the story or script when all hope was otherwise seemingly lost.
How is Deus ex Machina Used in Films Today?
Today, the term Deus ex Machina is still used when it comes to scriptwriting. To define situations in which characters are stuck in an incredibly difficult plot. But the author of the script provides an unlikely, unbelievable solution.
It’s sometimes called “lazy writing”. Because the solution isn’t really something anyone would have expected. And in fact, many times it’s comedic.
In movies, Deus ex Machina can be seen in a number of films over the years. The phrase itself represents Gods coming in to save the day. And we see it play out in many films in almost the same capacity. Albeit, the actors may not come in from above.
Some films that have Deus ex Machina in their scripts include the following:
- Avatar – When the god of the plant sends wildlife to attack humans.
- Toy Story – when Pizza Place delivery saves Buzz and Woody.
- Training Day – when it’s discovered a potential executor is the cousin of the victim.
- Wizard of Oz – when the witch was “melting,” away and everyone was thus safe.
A Lack of Connection
As you can see, in many of the examples of Deus ex Machina that come up in the history of filmmaking. There is a lack of connection. It’s almost as if instead of finishing the plot of the situation. The writer said “we’ll just jump in and solve the problem, NOW.”
This is why, to some, it’s referred to as “lazy writing”. But it has also been representative of some of the most iconic plot devices to be used throughout filmmaking. And, done right — it can work.