The Sinister Saga of Making The Stunt Man

I am a film buff and I enjoy documentaries about film making, background stories, and director's comments. But, phew!!! This is a two-hour egofest with director Richard Rush beating the audience into submission with his list of wond'rous accomplishments, limitless innovation, and clever production stunts.

There are three interesting tidbits interspersed here. One is that Rush (supposedly) invented the pull-focus technique of shifting focus within a shot. He is deeply sorry he referred to it originally as rack focus and then pleads with the world to call it Rush Focus so his name will live forever. I don't for a second doubt his sincerity.

The second is a story about filming the WWI biplane by violating FAA safety guidelines around the hotel. The third is the extended section about the opening of the film and the battles with his arch-nemesis at the studio. Unfortunately, even this fun story is killed by Rush's recitation of every good review and award nomination the film ever received.

Oh, by the way, I saw The Stunt Man in its original limited release in LA (after Seattle) and I own it on laserdisc. Watch the movie, not this piece of self promotion.

No parental warnings, other than the threat of severe boredom.