The fascination of stunt doubles

[Rose65]

I and no doubt most people find identical twins fascinating enough but the world of stunt doubles is on another level. I came across this aspect of films in a recent book about unusual and risky occupations. What we see most of the time is so deceptive, necessarily.

The life of stunt men and women must be one of the most courageous possible. They take all the risks, all the injuries and pain, while the star takes all the glory. Some great actors take almost no risk at all, due to insurance. I find that astonishing.

 

[Roadwarrior]

I and no doubt most people find identical twins fascinating enough but the world of stunt doubles is on another level. I came across this aspect of films in a recent book about unusual and risky occupations. What we see most of the time is so deceptive, necessarily.

The life of stunt men and women must be one of the most courageous possible. They take all the risks, all the injuries and pain, while the star takes all the glory. Some great actors take almost no risk at all, due to insurance. I find that astonishing.

I was wondering about this subject. Shouldn't AI be an asset for actors & their stunt doubles. Won't that be a field that could be replaced? One occupation at risk.

Creepy thought. Some actors & actresses have body doubles that stand in for love making scenes. Julia Roberts used one for some of her scenes in 'Pretty Woman'.

 

[Rose65]

I was wondering about this subject. Shouldn't AI be an asset for actors & their stunt doubles. Won't that be a field that could be replaced? One occupation at risk.

Creepy thought. Some actors & actresses have body doubles that stand in for love making scenes. Julia Roberts used one for some of her scenes in 'Pretty Woman'.

For all sorts of difficult scenarios no doubt. It is an odd thought.

 

[Roadwarrior]

My aversion to the whole AI hype stems from the information that followed one of my favorite movies - Academy award winner for best picture 'Gladiator' was filled with CGI images from start to finish. In fact my little dog would not be named Maximus if I had known the truth before hand.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I remember seeing Henry Kinji as one of the lead cast members in Car Wash (1976). I went to the theater with one of my best friends. We both thought he was fine! Years later when looking him up to see if he'd been in anything else, I found out his main occupation is as a stunt double. I wondered why he would want to risk injury to that pretty face. His son Henry Kinji, Jr. is also a stuntman. You are right Rose. It can be an extremely dangerous occupation. I imagine those who do it have to be in tip top shape, extremely skillful and agile.

Henry in Car Wash


Aging well and still looking good.

 

[Rose65]

I remember seeing Henry Kinji as one of the lead cast members in Car Wash (1976). I went to the theater with one of my best friends. We both thought he was fine! Years later when looking him up to see if he'd been in anything else, I found out his main occupation is as a stunt double. I wondered why he would want to risk injury to that pretty face. His son Henry Kinji, Jr. is also a stuntman. You are right Rose. It can be an extremely dangerous occupation. I imagine those who do it have to be in tip top shape, extremely skillful and agile.

Henry in Car Wash
View attachment 364281

Aging well and still looking good.

View attachment 364282

What a handsome man.