Part 6/9:

The Power of Practical Effects

The opening sequence of Mission: Rogue Nation exemplifies how practical stunts set the tone for the entire film. The scene starts mid-mission with Ethan Hunt hanging onto an airplane during takeoff. Filmed in real-time with no green screen, viewers can feel the wind, the movement, and the peril as if witnessing it firsthand. This immediate immersion hooks audiences and establishes the high stakes right from the start.

In contrast, scenes like the Burj Khalifa climb, while just as dangerous, often incorporate CGI to supplement the practical work. However, when some action is done physically—like Tom Cruise actually hanging from the tallest building—the result is a palpable tension and realism that CGI simply can't replicate fully.