Why Are Other Countries Missing From 'Independence Day'? An SEO Optimized Analysis

One of the frequently debated aspects of the classic sci-fi disaster film Independence Day is the absence of other countries being attacked by UFOs. The film is often criticized for focusing solely on the United States, leading viewers to ask, 'Why can't we see any other countries being attacked?'

Understanding The Importance Of Pacing In 'Independence Day'

In a two and a half hour film, the pacing and timing are crucial to the success of the movie. The filmmakers have to carefully balance exposition, character development, and action sequences to create a compelling and engaging narrative. In Independence Day, this is particularly important because the film depicts an alien invasion that spans 48 hours.

While it would be exciting to see other iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall, or the Pyramids being attacked, these scenes serve only to distract from the central story. The focus on American characters ensures that the film stays on track with the plot progression. Showing other countries being attacked would slow the plot and hinder the narrative, ultimately detracting from the overall experience.

One of the key reasons we don't see these other countries being attacked is the smoothing of the storytelling. By focusing solely on the American perspective, the filmmakers were able to create a more cohesive and intense narrative. This approach ensures that the characters we follow are well developed and the plot moves forward without unnecessary interruptions.

The Exception To The Rule

Despite the focus on a single nation, the film does hint at a global conflict through expository moments. News broadcasts and character dialogues provide brief glimpses of the worldwide impact of the alien threat. These moments are crucial for world building, but they are kept to a minimum to maintain the pacing and not slow down the main narrative.

Another example of this is seen in how information is shared. In film and literature, the principle of 'show, don’t tell' is often applied. However, there are instances where telling is necessary, especially when it serves a specific purpose. In Independence Day, the brief mentions of other countries being attacked are necessary to set the stage for the global conflict, but they are kept to a few key moments.

Other Examples of Pacing In Film

To better understand the importance of timing and pacing, we can draw parallels to other films. A prime example is the pod race scene from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. This sequence is action-packed but ultimately slows down the film's pace because it does not contribute to the overall plot. Unless the audience is unfamiliar with the Star Wars universe, the outcome of the race is predictable, making the sequence less engaging due to its lack of plot advancement.

In the same way, if every country on Earth were shown being attacked in Independence Day, it would make the main conflict less impactful. The filmmakers chose to focus on a few key scenes that advance the plot and keep the audience engaged. This decision is rooted in the principles of effective storytelling and the need to maintain a consistent pace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the absence of other countries being attacked in Independence Day is a deliberate choice made to ensure a cohesive and engaging narrative. The focus on a single nation and its characters allows for a more immersive and focused viewing experience. While some viewers may find it disappointing, the overall impact of the film is greatly enhanced by this strategic approach to pacing and storytelling.

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