Now do a Caligariesque Burton tribute.

It would have been better if it turned out the hero was a sophisticated automaton.

Like the debris falls on him and he manages to drag himself to the lever and save the dancer. Then she runs over and kneels beside him as he dies. Then looks over to see a trail of oil & gears instead of his legs.

It would explain why the hero is so obedient and why the villain would be so shocked at his sudden defiance.