Deus Ex Machina and stupidity

[ríomhaire]

Does it piss anyone else off when authors use Deus Ex Machina or stupidity to move along the plot? It really draws you out of the world IMO.

Characters always seem to try and take the hard way around. It's really annoying, example:

SPOILERS
Like in Dan Brown's Digital Fortress, when the NSA computer was being attacked by hackers why didn't they just disconnect from the internet and take their time getting rid of the virus?

 

[Sulkdodds]

You mean like when the T-rex eats the raptors in Jurassic Park?

 

[jondy]

I remember reading a book way back, where a virus was going to wipe out some network of computers on the stroke of midnight, and the protagonist was all, 'we can set the clocks back 12 hours and buy ourselves some time'. And they proceeded to get all dramatic as if they only had 12 hours more. Why not just keep setting the clocks back until you have it sorted? Tchah

 

[bbson john]

We have to see how writers make use of Deus Ex Machina. They can use it splendidly or rottenly. It may result in either a zowie or a ugh. See how it works. Let's discuss a Deus Ex Machina or a semi-Deus Ex Machina(since it appears in a earlier part) called G-man. He appeared in HL1 for no reason but to end the game. Is it good? Yes. Is it wonderful? Yes. Because it goes on with a reasonable story.

Let's call DeusExMachina to discuss Deus Ex Machina.

 

[Hectic Glenn]

You mean like when the T-rex eats the raptors in Jurassic Park?

Nah ah ah, you didn't say the magic word!

 

[ríomhaire]

We have to see how writers make use of Deus Ex Machina. They can use it splendidly or rottenly. It may result in either a zowie or a ugh. See how it works. Let's discuss a Deus Ex Machina or a semi-Deus Ex Machina(since it appears in a earlier part) called G-man. He appeared in HL1 for no reason but to end the game. Is it good? Yes. Is it wonderful? Yes. Because it goes on with a reasonable story.

I agree, but I mean like in every action film ever created when the main character is about to get shot/stabed and a random explosion or something takes out the bad guy. When it's part of the story it's good, otherwise it's pathetic.

 

[Zephos]

Nah ah ah, you didn't say the magic word!

When I was around 6 or 7...THAT was the thing that scared me the most in that film.

 

[bbson john]

I agree, but I mean like in every action film ever created when the main character is about to get shot/stabed and a random explosion or something takes out the bad guy. When it's part of the story it's good, otherwise it's pathetic.

O, you mean that kind of Deus Ex Machina. It is just a stupid means which the editor is too lazy to write a proper ending. I hate that. It always appears not only in films but comics as well. Damn!!!!!!!

 

[Dog--]

oooh, the thread title is mis-leading, I thought you were calling DeusExMachina stupid...

 

[Yuri]

oooh, the thread title is mis-leading, I thought you were calling DeusExMachina stupid...

Hehehe, I was wondering that myself.

You mean like the G-man at the end of HL2?

 

[DeusExMachina]

Haha. My egotistical self thought you were talking about me

A deus ex machina can be used effectively if, like stated before, written into the plot. Or, if it at least relates to the plot. If its something completely unrelated, than the writer was running out of ideas. Half-Life series is a perfect example of using a deus ex machina (G-Man) effectively.

 

[Solaris]

Hehehe, I was wondering that myself.

You mean like the G-man at the end of HL2?

I wouldn't call that deux-ex machima.

 

[Thunderclap]

You mean like when the T-rex eats the raptors in Jurassic Park?

If the deus es machina is sufficiently AWESOME!, it doesn't matter.

 

[Direwolf]

Well for that particular example (Digital Fortress) isn't that idea actually addressed at some point? I don't remember the specific reason.

 

[kirovman]

What about playing the character that is supposed to be the DEM?

Like in Deus Ex...

 

[Yuri]

I wouldn't call that deux-ex machima.

Why not? He quite often serves as a Deus Ex Machina throughout the series. At the end of HL1, and at the end of HL2, and a few instances in the middle of the games. (Like when you see him in OF as Shephard, he opens a door for you so you don't get eaten by the radioactive stuff.)

 

[Raziaar]

I hate that forum member.

Oh wait.

 

[mortiz]

Why not? He quite often serves as a Deus Ex Machina throughout the series. At the end of HL1, and at the end of HL2, and a few instances in the middle of the games. (Like when you see him in OF as Shephard, he opens a door for you so you don't get eaten by the radioactive stuff.)

The G-Man is integral to the plot. He helps you because he needs you for something. A Deus Ex Machina is an artificial event or character in the context of the plot (or story, movie, whatever...). Such as in those movies where you blatantly see a character die but they appear at the end to save the protagonist's life or something (can't think of a specific example off the top of my head).

 

[bbson john]

The G-Man is integral to the plot. He helps you because he needs you for something. A Deus Ex Machina is an artificial event or character in the context of the plot (or story, movie, whatever...). Such as in those movies where you blatantly see a character die but they appear at the end to save the protagonist's life or something (can't think of a specific example off the top of my head).

I would say in HL2, G-man is a complete character. However, when we come to HL1, G-man is deus ex machina. He ends the game without a concrete cause. Though he appears throughout the game, this may only because the game-maker cannot think of a better ending so he put G-man AFTER they finished the entire game. So G-man is a Deus Ex Machina in HL1, but quite a special case.

 

[DeusExMachina]

It doesn't matter if he's actually integral to the plot, he's still a deus ex machina. He saves the main character from certain doom. That's all a DEM is.

 

[bbson john]

It doesn't matter if he's actually integral to the plot, he's still a deus ex machina. He saves the main character from certain doom. That's all a DEM is.

You imply you are G-man?

 

[DeusExMachina]

I like to think I save everyone from a little doom here and there

 

[Yuri]

Uhh... sometimes Deus Ex's are complete characters. That doesn't matter.

 

[spookymooky]

Positively ruined As You Like It, eh?