David Leitch's Stuntman Homage and Insider Jest in The Fall Guy
David Leitch, a former stuntman turned director, brought his expertise to the forefront in his latest film, The Fall Guy, not only by helming breathtaking action sequences but also by weaving in insider humor that resonates deeply with the stunt community.
At the heart of the film lies a love story between stunt double Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) and director Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), but it also serves as a testament to the dedication and artistry of stunt performers. Leitch, with his experience as a stunt double for Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, knows the industry's ins and outs intimately.
One such insider joke, which had stunt performers roaring with laughter, revolves around the concept of meal penalties. Leitch explained, Stunt guys are obsessed with their meal penalties. They love their SAG rules. These penalties, outlined by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), compensate stunt performers for delays in meal breaks during filming.
Leitch recalled a screening of the film attended by an audience of stunt people who erupted in laughter at the meal penalty joke. He added, They were all like, 'Yeah! Meal penalties!' The joke struck a chord with the performers, who often have to endure long and unpredictable work hours that can disrupt their scheduled mealtimes.
Ryan Gosling, who took on the role of Colt Seavers, immersed himself in the stunt world, eager to capture the essence of these skilled performers. He sought guidance from Leitch, asking questions to gain insights into their experiences. Gosling was particularly struck by Leitch's description of the physical toll that stunts can take.
He said, 'Well, it all hurts. It always hurts. Getting hit by a car hurts. Getting set on fire hurts. And getting thrown out of a window really hurts,' Leitch recounted. I thought, well, we have to put that in the movie verbatim.
Gosling's portrayal of a stuntman reflects his newfound respect for the community. He learned that there are no shortcuts or tricks when it comes to performing perilous stunts. Getting hit by a car is not something you can fake, he said. My respect for the stunt community deepened after I understood the truth behind their jobs.
The inclusion of the meal penalty joke and Gosling's authentic portrayal of a stuntman serve as a tribute to the often-unsung heroes behind the scenes who make thrilling action sequences possible. The Fall Guy becomes not just an action-packed adventure but also a celebration of the dedication and camaraderie within the stunt community.
