Narrative technique · used in 2 films
Pairing 2 lead characters who can't stand each other. Their clashing causes every conflict in the plot, and the moment they finally team up is the emotional climax.
Examples
Sergio Leone · 1965
Manco and Mortimer do not trust each other, and they test each other with a sharpshooting contest. Once each sees the other will not back down, they agree to split the reward. Their clash drives the plot.
Where to see it: The sharpshooting contest: In El Paso, Manco confronts Mortimer and they trade shots until each sees the other will not back down. Then they agree to work together.
John Lasseter · 1995
Woody and Buzz are designed as opposites (analog vs. digital, insecure vs. confident, old vs. new). Every beat of the plot comes from how badly they fit together. For the film to end well, they have to combine their opposite strengths in a single escape.
Where to see it: The Pizza Planet sequence. The 2 enemies are forced to cooperate while each is still trying to undermine the other.
Questions