“Step into the realm of cinematic thrills and heart-stopping stunts that will leave you breathless – a testament to the art of filmmaking’s unbridled creativity. In a special feature that showcases the heights of cinematic innovation, The Times has compiled a list of the best movie stunts of all time, featuring a selection of awe-inspiring and awe-striking feats that have redefined the limits of action and suspense. From gravity-defying leaps to death-defying stunts, our critic’s expert assessment highlights the most breathtaking and thrilling moments in cinematic history, giving you a glimpse into the boundless imagination of the filmmakers who dare to push the boundaries of storytelling.”
The Evolution of Hollywood Action: A Look at the Best Movie Stunts of All Time
The Rise of Action Blockbusters
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ introduction of a new Oscar category for stunt design marks a significant shift in the film industry’s focus on action blockbusters. From 1995 onwards, the top-grossing films have been largely action-oriented, with Disney, Marvel, and other studios dominating the box office. The success of action heroes like Superman, Mary Poppins, and Michelle Yeoh has paved the way for a new generation of action stars. These characters have not only entertained audiences but also inspired a new wave of stunt performers and filmmakers.
The Influence of Action Heroes
Action heroes have become the face of Hollywood, with their larger-than-life characters and daredevil stunts captivating audiences worldwide. The likes of Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Rocky have set the bar high for action films, pushing the limits of what is possible on screen. The influence of these characters extends beyond the big screen, with action stars like Dwayne Johnson and Chris Hemsworth becoming household names.
The Impact on Film Technology
The rise of action blockbusters has driven innovation in film technology, with advancements in special effects, stunts, and action choreography. This has enabled filmmakers to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen. The use of CGI, 3D printing, and other technologies has revolutionized the way action films are made, allowing for more complex and thrilling stunts.
The Dominance of the Action Genre
The action genre has become the default genre of Hollywood, encompassing all other genres from romantic comedies to superhero movies. The success of action films has led to a surge in production, with more films than ever being made within this genre. The impact of this trend is evident in the Academy’s decision to introduce a new Oscar category for stunt design, recognizing the artistry and skill involved in creating these thrilling sequences.
Historic Stunts that Redefined the Art
Steamboat Bill Jr (1928)
Arguably Buster Keaton’s greatest stunt, the scene from Steamboat Bill Jr where the two-ton façade of a building falls on top of him, is a testament to his bravery and skill. Keaton stood stock-still while the building collapsed, his body slipping untouched through an upstairs attic window. The rig was built by his longtime production designer Fred “Gabe” Gabourie, and cleared Keaton’s body with just two inches to spare on each side.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
One of the most memorable moments in Bond history, the scene where Bond (Roger Moore) skis off a vertical precipice and falls into the void, only to have his fall arrested by a parachute emblazoned with a giant Union Jack, is a classic example of stunt design. Inspired by an advertisement for Canadian Club Whiskey in Playboy, the stunt was performed by Rick Sylvester, who risked his life to capture the shot on Mount Asgard in the Canadian Baffin Mountains.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The stunt where Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is punched through the windscreen of a truck on to its bonnet, clutches at the hood ornament, disappears beneath the undercarriage, and is dragged out behind, is a masterclass in stunt design. Stuntman Terry Leonard performed the stunt, which was filmed in a single take, with the truck built to allow clearance for him to pass underneath.
The Art of Stunt Design
Technical Requirements
The art of stunt design requires a deep understanding of physics, mathematics, and engineering. Stunt designers must take into account factors such as speed, distance, and trajectory, as well as the physical limitations of the actor or stunt performer. The use of computer simulations and 3D modeling has made it possible to test and refine stunt sequences before filming, reducing the risk of injury to the cast and crew.
Collaboration with the Director
The stunt designer must work closely with the director to bring their vision to life. This involves communicating the technical requirements of the stunt, as well as the creative vision of the director. The stunt designer must be able to interpret the director’s vision and translate it into a physical reality, while also ensuring the safety of the cast and crew.
The Role of Technology
Technology has revolutionized the art of stunt design, enabling filmmakers to create more complex and thrilling stunts. The use of CGI, 3D printing, and other technologies has made it possible to create elaborate set pieces and stunts that were previously impossible to achieve. The stunt designer must be able to harness the power of technology to create believable and thrilling stunts.
The Future of Stunt Design
Advancements in Technology
The future of stunt design is looking bright, with advancements in technology set to revolutionize the art. The use of AI, machine learning, and virtual reality is set to transform the way stunts are designed and performed. The stunt designer will be able to create more complex and realistic stunts, while also reducing the risk of injury to the cast and crew.
The Rise of Virtual Reality
The use of virtual reality is set to become increasingly popular in the world of stunt design. Virtual reality allows the stunt designer to create immersive and interactive experiences, allowing the actor or stunt performer to practice and rehearse the stunt in a completely safe environment. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way stunts are designed and performed, enabling filmmakers to create more complex and thrilling sequences.
The Importance of Safety
The safety of the cast and crew is paramount in the world of stunt design. The stunt designer must always put the safety of others first, while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible on screen. The use of technology and innovative design can help to reduce the risk of injury, while also creating more thrilling and believable stunts.
Buster Keaton’s Feats of Bravado
Buster Keaton’s iconic stunts, such as standing still as a building fell on him in Steamboat Bill Jr, showcase his fearless approach to risk-taking. These stunts have become an inspiration to stunt performers and filmmakers alike.
In Steamboat Bill Jr, Keaton’s body slipped untouched through an upstairs attic window, with a small nail in the ground to mark where the actor had to stand without being crushed. The rig was built by his longtime production designer Fred “Gabe” Gabourie and cleared Keaton’s body with just two inches to spare on each side.
“Cameramen, electricians and extras prayed as we shot that scene, and I don’t mind saying I did a little praying myself,” said Keaton, who clinched the scene by rubbing the back of his neck, incredulously, then taking off at a run with a little glance backward, as if still marvelling over his good fortune.
Roger Moore’s Skydiving Adventure
The Spy Who Loved Me’s memorable ski jump scene, where Bond’s parachute saves him from certain death, is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of stunt performers. The scene’s success can be attributed to the meticulous planning and execution by the stunt team.
Inspired by an advertisement for Canadian Club Whiskey in Playboy, the Broccolis tracked down the stuntman who had pulled it off, Rick Sylvester, who led them to the 2,015m (6,611ft) Mount Asgard in the Canadian Baffin Mountains. A blistering storm halted production for ten days, but finally the weather cleared for the 15 minutes they needed for the shot.
“The last thing I said to him was ‘Go Rick, and don’t forget, you’re James Bond,’” John Glen, the second unit director, recalled. Three cameras rolled but only one had usable footage. The Union Jack was the screenwriter Christopher Wood’s idea.
Harrison Ford’s High-Speed Chase
Raiders of the Lost Ark’s thrilling truck chase scene, where Indiana Jones punches through the windscreen and drags himself out behind the truck, is a masterclass in stunt design. The scene’s complexity and success can be attributed to the expertise of the stunt team and the careful planning involved.
This stunt has the beautiful circularity of a Keaton sight gag: Indiana Jones is punched through the windscreen of a truck on to its bonnet, clutches at the hood ornament, disappears beneath the undercarriage, is dragged out behind, hauls himself back on to the truck with his whip, and punches out the Nazi who supplanted him in the driver’s seat.
Stuntman Terry Leonard had tried and failed to pull off something similar for The Legend of the Lone Ranger. He took both roles of the Nazi driver and the Indy who passes beneath the truck, which was specially built to allow clearance for him to pass underneath, and when that wasn’t enough, the centre of the road was dug out for a little extra room. Improvisation was the name of the game, in the spirit of the leading man.
The Art of Stunt Design
The Importance of Safety
Stunt design is not just about creating exciting scenes, but also about ensuring the safety of the cast and crew. Stunt performers and filmmakers must work together to create a safe and realistic environment for filming.
With the increasing complexity of stunts, safety has become a top priority. The collaboration between stunt performers and filmmakers is crucial in ensuring that the stunt is both exciting and safe.
The Art of Stunt Design
The Role of Technology
Advances in technology have enabled stunt performers to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen. From CGI to practical effects, technology has become an essential tool in the creation of stunning action sequences.
The use of technology has also improved safety, allowing stunt performers to perform more complex stunts without putting themselves at risk. The development of new technologies has opened up new possibilities for stunt design.
The Art of Stunt Design
The Collaboration between Stunt Performers and Filmmakers
The success of a stunt depends on the collaboration between stunt performers and filmmakers. Both parties must work together to create a cohesive and believable action sequence that engages the audience.
The collaboration between stunt performers and filmmakers is essential in creating a stunt that is both exciting and safe. By working together, they can create a stunt that is both memorable and realistic.
Conclusion
The Best Movie Stunts of All Time: A Cinematic Testament to Human Ingenuity
In a recent article, The Times published an in-depth analysis of the most iconic movie stunts in cinematic history. Our critic, with their unparalleled expertise in the world of motion pictures, dissected the most daring and awe-inspiring feats of stunts that have left us breathless. From heart-stopping close calls to gravity-defying escapades, these stunts pushed the limits of human endurance and redefined the boundaries of storytelling.
At the forefront of these stunts were pioneers who dared to challenge the status quo, often sacrificing speed and efficiency for the sake of spectacle. Take, for instance, the famously perilous sequence in Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws,” where a massive great white shark is forced to navigate a treacherous coastline with a human crew member’s life hanging in the balance. Alternatively, the 1978 “Rocky” film’s iconic boxing match between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed showcased the art of hand-to-hand combat, elevating the sport to new heights of drama and excitement.
The significance of these stunts extends far beyond the realm of entertainment, however. They represent a testament to human ingenuity and the boundless potential of the human spirit. As technology continues to advance, the stakes for these stunts will only grow higher, pushing performers to new heights of precision and risk-taking. Ultimately, the best movie stunts of all time serve as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, the human experience remains a powerful and captivating force.
A Legacy of Inspired Action The impact of these stunts will be felt for generations to come, shaping the very fabric of popular culture. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen, the legacy of these cinematic masterpieces will only be strengthened. Whether it’s the next big blockbuster or the latest independent film, the best movie stunts of all time will continue to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of human creativity and determination.