Do You Appreciate Actors Who Do Their Own Stunts?

[killamch89]

I’ve always admired actors who take the risk and do their own stunts. It adds a level of authenticity to the action and shows a real commitment to their craft. But, on the flip side, it can be dangerous and lead to injury. Do you prefer when actors do their own stunts, or do you think it’s safer and smarter for professionals to take the lead? What are some standout performances where you can tell the actor really went all in?

[Knight Plug]

It depends on their ability or age. I know Stallone does his own stunts usually. For example, in the first Rambo movie, he jumps off a "cliff" to avoid gunfire from the deputy sheriff. But the actual so-called cliff I discovered from a filming check is really a rocky spot near the entrance to a Canadian national park. 🌲

He injured his ribs, so that cry of pain in the movie as he falls into the trees is really Sly, and so he isn't just acting. 😬

Peter Cushing did his own stunts in one of the Dracula movies. The 70's one with the hippies resurrecting the count in an abandoned church, if I recall correctly, where Cushing played two Van Helsing roles. Christopher Lee remarked that he was so good, despite how old he was.

Typos are more evil than vampires. Apparently! 😈 ⌨️

Edited December 2 by Knight Plug

[killamch89]

Personally, I think it depends on the context. On one hand, having an actor do their own stunts can make the scene feel more intense and real, like when Tom Cruise does all those crazy stunts in Mission: Impossible. It’s clear he’s putting himself at risk for the sake of authenticity, and that dedication is impressive. But on the other hand, I also understand the need for professional stunt doubles - safety should always come first. I think when the stunt adds something important to the character or the story, it’s worth the risk, but if it’s just for spectacle, I’m happy to let a professional take over.

[Knight Plug]

Police Story with Jackie Chan has the best stunts of his whole career. His Hong Kong movies were always better than the pre-Rumble in the Bronx crap he did in the US. 🤓

I also recommend Project A, as he does some awesome things in that film. And in one scene, he literally falls from a clock tower while he is handcuffed. 🥶

[killamch89]

5 hours ago, Knight Plug said:

Police Story with Jackie Chan has the best stunts of his whole career. His Hong Kong movies were always better than the pre-Rumble in the Bronx crap he did in the US. 🤓

I also recommend Project A, as he does some awesome things in that film. And in one scene, he literally falls from a clock tower while he is handcuffed. 🥶

There's also Tom Cruise who did his own stunts in most movies as well.