Levi-Strauss' theory of story elements being organised into binary opposites seems to apply to the beginning (and presumably rest) of these 2 films even though they are very different in several ways.
Pale Rider:
- Quiet nature VS Loud horse riders
- Slow-paced town life VS Galloping riders
- Brightly lit town VS Dark rider silhouettes
- Constructing with wood VS Home destruction
- Slow establishing pans VS Action whip pans
- Locals' innocence VS Riders' violence
- Lone man VS Gang of riders
- Calm fighter VS Angry gang
- White horse VS Brown horses
- Relaxing music VS Disruptive galloping
- Passive town VS Active riders
- Bucket of water VS Match on fire
- Looking for gold VS Having money
- Survival VS Death of dog / cow
- Hope of miracle VS Aggressor's attack
- Mysterious spirit VS Normality
- Certainty VS Doubtfulness
- Youth VS Age
- Femininity VS Masculinity
Die Hard:
- Romance VS Loneliness
- Office Worker VS Cop
- California VS New York
- Wife VS Husband
- Party VS Dark truck
- Guard VS Criminals
- Security VS Hacking
- Happiness VS Sadness
- Safety VS Danger
- Togetherness VS Separation
- Classical music VS Suspenseful music
- Victims VS Villains
- Life VS Death
- Preparation VS Unprepared
- Peace VS Violence
- Home life VS Work life
- Experience VS Novice
- Elevated VS Underground
