2nd Unit: Invisible Action Stars is an upcoming documentary that will explain the life and duties of stunt performers within the film industry. Variety confirmed the likes of Keanu Reeves and James Cameron would be involved in the project, as well as appearances from Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry amongst other stars.
Cameron, a recognized Hollywood director for his work on Alien, Terminator and Avatar, has had his fair share of stories regarding the demands asked of stunt performers. Reeves is also well aware of such tasks, given the work he and his former stunt double Chad Stahelski- now director of there John Wick series- have to pull on screen. This documentary will explore the relationship between both actor and stunt double.
This film’s timing conveniently matches a recent character dynamic at the heart of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. That film dug into the bond between Leonardo’s’ Character Rick Dalton and Pitts’ Cliff Booth, as many of these unsung heroes go unrecognized for the extremely dangerous work they attempt. Despite more and more actors voicing in their defense, these performers still seem to get the short end of the stick.
With a possible protest circling the Oscars 2020, it’s only until recently in 2007 that the Screen Actors Guild began honoring stuntmen with an award for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble. The recent exposure in Tarantino’s film and 2nd Unit should educate the public in the work they’re tasked with doing. Hopefully the tide can start changing in the stunt double’s favor, as they continue to build their case for better appreciation in the movie-making business.
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