Discussion of how the film fits Propp's narrative theory.
Discussion of how the film fits Todorov's narrative theory.
Die Hard represents the class of modern action pictures, not only is it a thrill-a-minute ride, but it has one of the best film villains in recent memory, a hero everyone can relate to, dialogue that crackles with wit. There is also a lot of very impressive pyrotechnics that add to the action/adventure genre of the film. .
John McClane (Bruce Willis) had intended to spend a nice, quiet Christmas with his wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) and children, ironing out his marital problems and trying to resolve the situation that has him working in New York City as a cop while her career keeps her in Los Angeles. Unfortunately for John, a group of terrorists, led by the suave Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), has other ideas. After taking over the high rise Nakatomi Tower and holding the attendees of the Christmas party (including Holly) hostage.
With Die Hard, director John McTiernan has given us a modern action classic, a movie that doesn't slow down until the end credits. McTiernan is a master of pacing, and on those few occasions when the script lets him down, the camerawork comes to the rescue. This film is explosive in more ways than one, a lavish, noisy extravaganza that gets the adrenaline flowing. .
Bruce Willis is perfect as the wisecracking John McClane, an "everyday" sort of guy who gets caught up in circumstances that force him to play the reluctant hero. This is a person that we can look up to, even when some of the things he's doing are humanly impossible. Willis' acting skills are limited, but it's hard to imagine anyone else in this role, as he is well known within the action genre. .
Alan Rickman's Hans Gruber redefines the action genre villain. The man's charm lies in a mixture of violence and cunning, all hidden in a gentlemanly way. Hans is intelligent, and Rickman plays the part with not only a sense of the man he's portraying, but an obvious respect for him as well.