Making films can be dangerous, especially when you’re trying to create action, noise and excitement. Despite technological advances, show business has an unavoidable element of risk that has plagued it since the days of vaudeville.
Here are some recent examples of performers who nearly had tragic endings trying to give the audience a good show:
1. “The Expendables 3” Star Jason Statham Drives into the Black Sea
The truck drove right off the dock into the Black Sea. Able to free himself, Statham escaped unscathed.
The incident is just the latest chapter in a career characterized by extensive stunt and martial arts experience.
Statham has a reputation for doing his own stunts and combat scenes, having appeared in a long list of tough, anti-heroic roles requiring heavy action.
His performances include roles in “Revolver,” “Snatch,” “The Italian Job,” The Expendables” and “The Expendables 2,” to name only a few. Statham is also something of a champion for film stunt performers, having called for a category at the Oscars for them.
The film on which he was working when the incident happened, “The Expendables 3,” is an extravaganza with a gleaming cast including Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford. Judging by the line-up, anyone can tell that this is going to be an action-filled film, so a certain amount of wear and tear is to be expected.
Statham undoubtedly regarded the incident as “all in a day’s work” and will gladly do it again if a scene calls for it.
