Watch The Stunt Man

The Stunt Man is a dark, satirical film from 1980 that explores the world of movie-making and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. It stars Peter O'Toole as Eli Cross, a charismatic and eccentric director with an obsession for making epic, dangerous films. Steve Railsback plays Cameron, a Vietnam War veteran who becomes the titular stunt man after a chance encounter with Cross.

The film opens with Cameron on the run from the police after a car chase. He stumbles onto the set of a World War I movie being filmed by Cross and his crew. After a chaotic and confusing confrontation with Cross, Cameron is mistaken for a new stunt man and quickly thrown into the dangerous world of movie-making.

As Cameron becomes more immersed in Cross's world, he begins to realize that the director is manipulating him and the other members of the crew to create the perfect shot. Cross is willing to put his workers in harm's way to achieve his vision, and Cameron is caught in the middle of it all. Throughout the film, Cameron struggles to figure out what is real and what is staged, and whether Cross is a brilliant artist or a madman.

The Stunt Man is a fast-paced, thrilling movie that keeps the audience on their toes. The action scenes are intense and well-crafted, and the story is full of twists and turns. But the heart of the film lies in the performances of O'Toole and Railsback.

O'Toole is magnetic as Cross, embracing the character's larger-than-life personality and delivering witty one-liners with ease. He portrays Cross as a man who is both charming and monstrous, able to manipulate those around him to do his bidding. Railsback is equally impressive as Cameron, bringing a vulnerability and emotional depth to the character that makes him sympathetic even as he becomes more involved in Cross's schemes.

As the film progresses, the line between reality and fiction becomes increasingly blurred. There are moments when it's unclear whether what is happening is part of the movie or if it's really happening to Cameron. The film raises questions about the nature of filmmaking and the power dynamics between director and crew.

The Stunt Man is a visually stunning film, with impressive sets and cinematography that capture the grandeur of Cross's vision. Director Richard Rush creates a world that is both glamorous and dangerous, and the film itself becomes a metaphor for the hazards of living life on the edge.

Overall, The Stunt Man is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that combines action and satire in a unique and exciting way. O'Toole and Railsback deliver standout performances, and the film's exploration of the power dynamics in film production make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes world of movies.

The Stunt Man is a 1980 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 77.