The Bumpy Reality: Mission Impossible's Sandstorm Chase Fumbles with a Silly Error

Summary

Survival expert Les Stroud analyzes the sandstorm chase scene in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, ultimately awarding it a six out of 10 for accuracy.

The sandstorm's movement and visuals are on point, and the addition of Tom Cruise sporting goggles and a scarf adds a nice touch. However, it is unrealistic for a vehicle's engine to keep running while sucking in sand.

The fourth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise holds significant importance as it marks a pivotal shift towards emphasizing major stunts and spectacular set pieces.

The sandstorm scene in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is examined closely by an expert who identifies a major flaw. This 2011 film is the fourth installment in the popular Mission: Impossible series, with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt. In this movie, Hunt is on a mission to prove the innocence of the IMF, which is implicated in a Kremlin bombing. While the Burj Khalifa stunt is the most memorable moment, it is followed by a gripping chase through a sandstorm. Unfortunately, your browser does not support the video tag.

Now, during a recent interview conducted by Insider, Les Stroud, a well-known survival expert also recognized as Survivorman, provides a detailed analysis of the sandstorm scene depicted in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

The movie effectively portrays the sandstorm, accurately depicting the change from a sunny sky to a dark cloud as the storm approaches.

"They are adept at handling them accurately. The sandstorm occurs with remarkable speed, comparable to a hurricane or tornado. Just like these natural disasters, the sandstorm entails intense winds. It resembles a formidable sand barrier that rapidly approaches its target.

"Tom, in this instance, quickly dons a pair of glasses and improvises a scarf for protection. In such situations, individuals must do whatever it takes to ensure their survival. Fortunately, this character had the advantage of goggles and resourcefully shielded his face in any possible manner."

The air intake of your vehicle will inevitably draw in sand, which can obstruct the engine. This is the harsh reality one must face when attempting to drive in the midst of a sandstorm.

In terms of rating, I would give this clip a 6 out of 10 as it accurately portrays the visual experience one may encounter when encountering moving sand.

How Ghost Protocol Changed Mission: Impossible

Brian De Palma's initial Mission: Impossible film, released in 1996, presents itself as a classic espionage flick. It follows Cruise and his team as they strive to regain the highly coveted NOC list. The series takes a different turn in the second installment directed by action cinema legend John Woo, which is often regarded as the weakest in the franchise. This film embraces a visually stylized form of action, heavily relying on slow-motion sequences. Despite its thrilling set pieces, J.J. Abrams' Mission: Impossible 3 remains the least financially successful entry in the series.

However, it was Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol that truly defined the franchise. This film established Mission: Impossible as synonymous with daring stunts, notably exemplified by Cruise's impressive climb of the Burj Khalifa. This iconic moment, heavily promoted during the film's marketing campaign, set the tone for future installments and remains one of the franchise's most memorable scenes.

Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie, who has helmed each installment since Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, collaborate to center the films around the thrilling stunts. In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Cruise expressed his desire to leap off a cliff on a motorcycle, while McQuarrie envisioned demolishing a train, and the storyline was crafted to incorporate these daring feats. Although Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol may not be the strongest film in the series, it undeniably played a crucial role in shaping the franchise into what it has become today.