Many screenwriters are familiar with the phrase “deus ex machine” but may not understand what it means or where it came from.
Deus ex machina is a literary device that solves a seemingly impossible problem or conflict by bringing in an unexpected character, object or event. It does not necessarily have to be a machine. Deus ex Machina can refer to the sudden appearance of a character, the surprising use of magic or the realization that it was “all just a nightmare.”
Deus ex machina can be viewed as a way to get out of tense situations. Many writers want their stories to end smoothly, with all loose ends tied up and their characters having happy endings. Many writers feel they have to use deus ex machina in uk when they are stuck in a corner with no other way out but the hope of a miraculous.
It’s generally something that you should avoid and certainly not rely on in order to complete your stories. There must be a way of avoiding this plot device and a way for it to work. Answer: Yes, and yes.
Origination
Deus ex machina, a Latin expression that originated in ancient Greek theatre and literally means “god of machine,” was used to refer to plays where actors played gods. The actors would be lower from above by a device called a “machine” to a scene.
In time, this term has taken on a wider meaning. It now refers to an external force that is involved in solving seemingly impossible problems. This was often a god, goddess or other supernatural being that appeared to stop battles in traditional stories such as The Odyssey.
The term “the unexpected” is used in contemporary films to describe an event or character who appears at a crucial time of the story without any clear set-up or introduction, with the main purpose of helping the protagonist overcome the central obstacle.
What to Avoid
In theatre, literature and film, this plot device is used in many different forms. It’s a plot device most writers look down on because it feels too unbelievable or like a random coincidence.
Lord of the Rings is one of the most famous examples of deus ex machinery that has been criticised for years. Frodo, Sam and the rest of the gang are stranded at Mount Doom. They are saved by giant eagles that appear from nowhere. J.R.R. Tolkien is the author of this story. Tolkien has used giant eagles in many of his stories to help his characters get out of difficult situations. It always feels out of place, and not earned. Some writers push their characters to the point that there’s no way out. Don’t rely on divine intervention to solve problems. Do not force your audience into a huge leap of faith in order to accept the conclusion of your story. Keep your story grounded and believable.
To avoid this, there are some things you should always remember. If you feel that you have written your characters in a corner, you can simply go back and fix it. Rewrite your story so there is no need for a deus ex machina. You shouldn’t need to use a deus-ex-machina if you have created a dynamic and detailed world. You can always find a good solution by immersing yourself into the minds of your characters and their world.
Deus ex Machina: How to Make it Work and Great Uses
There are always exceptions! There are no absolutes, and sometimes deus ex machine completely changes the outcome of a tale. We don’t care and we continue to read. It usually happens when a twist is logical within the context and world of the story.
James Bond is a prime example of Deus Ex Machina in action. Deus ex Machina is the key to the success of the entire Bond franchise. The audience is always on edge when 007 appears to be trapped in an impossible situation, such as being tied to a buzzsaw. They are waiting to see what new gadgets he will pull out of his sleeve or who might appear to save Bond’s life. We keep watching because it’s so good.
Chris Nolan’s Inception is another brilliant use of Deus Ex Machina. It blurs the line between reality and dream so that when we feel like everything is lost, we realize that “oh but it was just a nightmare”. This doesn’t seem to be a Deus Ex Machina as it blends seamlessly with the world of the movie and the themes. It’s not surprising, nor does it feel out of place.
In both cases, the plot device fits in seamlessly with the characters and story. The audience is never left wondering what’s going on. It feels more natural and organic. As a result, audiences are open to it and readily accept the narrative surprise.
It’s worth a shot if you think your story and world are so crazy that a deus-ex-machina could actually enhance the story. You don’t want to use a deus-ex-machina as a plot device just because you have no other option. It must be your choice to use a deus-ex-machina, and it has to work in the context of your story.
Deus ex machina can be a difficult plot device to use well. Use it at your risk. If you are a novice writer, I would recommend that you avoid this plot device.
