Key Takeaways:
– Stunt performers such as Jackie Chan, Charlie Chaplin and Leitch himself have transitioned successfully into directing.
– Leitch underscored the importance of physical comedy in the evolution of action films.
– Stunt performers in Hollywood, while underappreciated, typically exhibit passionate dedication to their work.
– Leitch’s new movie, ‘The Fall Guy,’ draws inspiration from both his backstage experiences and the real-life tales of the industry.
– Despite facing industry stigma, stunt performers have successfully transitioned into directing roles, using their exceptional story-telling skills.
The Legacy of Physical Comedy
David Leitch, a renowned name in the world of stunt performing and comedic acting, pays tribute to the pioneering stunt performers cum filmmakers like Jackie Chan and Charlie Chaplin. Their unique style of physical comedy has greatly influenced film and stunt performances’ evolution since cinema took root. As Chan is revered for his exceptional prowess in stunts, comedies, and film directing, his journey serves as an encouraging testament to action designers today.
David Leitch’s Foray into Hollywood
Leitch carved a niche for himself by showcasing his prowess in stunt performing and comedy in the ’90s movies like ‘Orgazmo’ and ‘BASEketball’. His deft skills caught the eye of David Fincher, who cast him as Brad Pitt’s stuntman in ‘Fight Club’. This collaboration laid the foundation for future ventures with Pitt, culminating in their 2022 movie ‘Bullet Train’, directed by Leitch.
Film in Focus: ‘The Fall Guy’
Leitch’s latest directorial venture, ‘The Fall Guy,’ reworks an ’80s TV show bearing the same title. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers, a stuntman turned crime fighter, originally played by Lee Majors. Seavers steps back into the industry lured by the prospect of collaborating with his ex-partner, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt). The sudden disappearance of Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the movie’s star, pulls Seavers into a thrilling quest.
More than a mere thrill ride, ‘The Fall Guy’ offers a rich source of anecdotes and tales from the industry. Notably, Ryan Gosling takes an admirable step back to let the talented stunt doubles shine, especially Logan Holladay, demonstrating the high regard and respect held for these professionals in the film industry.
Maintaining the Illusion in ‘The Fall Guy’
Stunt design for ‘The Fall Guy’, particularly for the movie-within-a-movie scenario, provided Leitch with a creative platform to showcase the expertise of stunt performers. The team made a point of utilizing traditional stunt doubles and training actors, emphasizing the richness of ‘old-school’ techniques in maintaining the illusion of action on screen.
While the film refrains from displaying guns outside of the movie within the movie framework, it doesn’t lack in electrifying action sequences. Drawing parallels with ‘Indiana Jones’, Leitch emphasizes the possibility of curating exciting, action-packed films without the dependency on firepower.
Becoming a Moviemaker from a Risk Taker
Despite proving their mettle in stunt performing, these intrepid professionals face a certain degree of industry stigma when aspiring to transition into directing. Leitch, alongside Chad Stahelski, bore the brunt of this stereotype a decade ago. They were perceived merely as action scene directors, while their capability of crafting an engaging plot was questioned.
Today, thanks to persistence and advocacy from their managers, these veterans have successfully bridged the gap from stunt performing to directing, successfully translating their storytelling skills into compelling cinematic narratives. ‘The Fall Guy’ stands testament to this narrative, highlighting these professionals’ uniquely immersive directorial style.
