Thor's Delayed Attack on Thanos: A Strategic and Cinematic Analysis

The decision for Thor to delay his attack on Thanos during the climactic battle in Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War was a carefully considered choice that amplified the storytelling and enhanced the impact of the overall battle. This strategic delay played a crucial role in the film's narrative and created a more impactful confrontation later in the sequence.

Strategic Considerations

Upon his arrival in Wakanda, Thor brought a powerful new weapon, Stormbreaker, forged from the heart of a dying star. His first priority was to regroup with the Avengers and strategize rather than rushing into battle. Ensuring a coordinated effort against Thanos was his immediate focus.

Thor's decision was also influenced by his emotional state. He had just experienced significant personal loss, including the destruction of Asgard and the deaths of many of his people, leading to emotional turmoil that may have affected his immediate decision-making and urgency. It was a time for him to process his grief and gather the strength needed for a decisive battle.

Furthermore, Thor was aware of the immense power Thanos wielded with the Infinity Stones. He wanted to assess the situation and understand Thanos's strategy before engaging him directly. A hasty attack could lead to disastrous consequences, and by waiting for the right moment, Thor aimed to deliver a decisive blow when Thanos was vulnerable.

Timing and Opportunity

A critical factor in Thor's delayed attack was the opportunity to strike when Thanos was distracted. The movie's narrative structure allowed for a more impactful and climactic confrontation when Thor finally delivered his attack. This timing not only created a sense of anticipation but also highlighted the strategic nature of Thor's decision.

Additionally, Thor faced a significant challenge in the form of an army of Outriders and their ships. Because Thor did not have a communication device like the other Avengers, no one could inform him of Thanos's arrival. He fought the Outriders until he saw the megablast from the Mind Stone explosion, confirming Thanos's location. This provided a compelling and dramatic moment that added to the tension and suspense.

Understanding the Role of Timing in Cinematic Storytelling

The delayed attack can be understood in terms of a level 69 paladin rushing into combat against a Deathbringer. A healer sorcerer, assassin, and druid would not have a fun time helping out if they were being overwhelmed by lesser powered creeps. In the context of the movie, Thor needed to clear the Outriders before engaging Thanos. This created a more engaging and thrilling narrative, ensuring that the battle would be as impactful as possible.

The delayed attack also serves as a cinematic spectacle, aligning with the movie's formula and its objective to deliver an entertaining experience. Every good boss fight, whether in a game or a movie, starts with a wave clear of weaker monsters before the boss fight, sprinkled with some heroics. In this case, the Outriders served as the waves of weaker monsters, and Thor had to defeat them before delivering his ultimate strike.

Miraculously, the game glitched, preventing Thor from collecting the legendary gauntlet. However, with the upcoming "Danvers patch," Marvel is working on fixing this bug, ensuring a more satisfying and coherent experience for fans. The film's outcome, while not perfect, was in line with the narrative needs and dramatic impact the filmmakers intended.

Recounting this moment two years late might have made me feel like a cheater, but in the grand scheme of cinematic analysis, it serves to highlight the thoughtful and strategic nature of Thor's delayed attack on Thanos. This choice not only enhanced the narrative but also provided a more dramatic and impactful conclusion to one of the most memorable scenes in the Avengers: Infinity War saga.

In summary, Thor's delayed attack on Thanos was a strategic and cinematic choice that enhanced the overall impact of the battle in Wakanda. The emotional state, strategic delay, and opportunity to strike when Thanos was distracted all contributed to a more impactful confrontation that resonated with audiences.