Walking Sideways

[post 272]

NY Times video: Acrobat stunt doubles walk the Metropolitan Opera’s elaborate set in Robert Lepage’s staging of Richard Wagner’s “Ring” cycle. Thanks to Riley Kellogg for the link!

Stunt Tips from Jackie Chan: Everyday Objects

[post 206]

One of the things I like the most about Jackie Chan is his imaginative use of ordinary household items in his fight and chase scenes. In this clip he talks about it and shows a few examples.

Click here for a previous Jackie Chan stunt tip.

Beijing Opera: The Fight in the Dark

[post 200]

Post #200. Wow! I thought I was getting out of this business, but I guess the money's just too good. (Yes, that was sarcasm.)

So.... here we are again.

Let's celebrate #200 with one of my favorite pieces, The Fight in the Dark from the Beijing Opera (where Jackie Chan trained). If you think about it, being "in the dark" is a good metaphor for comedy, especially the physical kind. In this classic piece, two mortal enemies — only it turns out they aren't — find themselves in a room together with the lights out. Naturally they try to kill each other.

This is one part comedy to five parts friggin' incredible physical dexterity, but there are some real nice comedic moments where they slow down the mayhem long enough to savor the predicament. Enjoy!





Some links:
• Click here for previous post of Monkey King act from Beijing Opera.
• Jackie Chan was a student of Beijing Opera from the age of seven to seventeen, which you can read about in detail in his autobiography, I Am Jackie Chan: My Life in Action.

Stunt Tips from Jackie Chan: The Wire

[post 198]

Here's an interesting clip of Jackie Chan explaining how he enhances some of his less spectacular falls.

Stunt City

[post 037]

Hey guys, imagine you lived in a city where every move you made was a death-defying Hollywood stunt. Well, if you think that might get you a little wet under the arms, then you need Rexona, the man's deodorant. That's what I learned from this funny enough commercial, Stunt City. It was filmed in Australia for a UK audience and won a Gold Lion at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in 2005. Directed by Ivan Zacharias; visual effects by The Mill.