‘The Fall Guy’ - A tribute to stunt performers

Every time you see an action movie, or even just a movie with action elements, what you’re seeing is the underrated field of stunt work. People devote so much to the craft of film-making, they’re willing to suffer actual bodily harm. While they know how to fake a fall, convincingly take a fist to the face, or even simulate being stabbed, their efforts are often overlooked. Except in movies like The Fall Guy, which is more than just an action romantic comedy, but a tribute.

Naturally at the focus of the film is one of the best stunt men in the world, Colt Seavers, played by Ryan Gosling. He’s got the kind of confidence that comes from constantly catching on fire and surviving. Unfortunately for Colt, his luck runs out, leaving him physically injured and mentally depressed. His transformation from rock star to shut-in is jarring, especially to his lover Jody played by Emily Blunt.

Thanks to a classic rom com set up, the two find themselves working together yet again on the set of Jody’s directorial debut. The story then takes a turn for the surreal as Colt goes on a frolic of his own to find the film’s lead actor who has gone AWOL. His journey sees him get into fights, hit by cars, and even hallucinate about mythical creatures. All of which he’s willing to endure in the name of love.

For a film that starts out fairly grounded, The Fall Guy throws all manner of things at the audience and slowly loosens its grasp on plausibility. By doing so, the movie builds up an allowance of silliness, until it reaches a breaking point in a climax that’s all over the place.

Prior to the unfocused finale, The Fall Guy has moments of genuine sincerity from its leads. Their romance is at the forefront and anchors the film throughout its zanier moments. The Fall Guy also has a penchant for meta humour, which can be hit or miss. Some moments cheapen the movie while others elevate it.

The film’s greatest element is its homage to the unsung heroes: stunt performers. Several fight scenes utilise actual industry tools, and the film set becomes a playground for the action. The dialogue is riddled with film-making terminology, and it manages to delve into the psychology of a stuntman in a funny and relatable fashion. The film pulls off some incredible action itself and, despite being hard to believe or too convoluted for its own good, it’s one that I’d recommend seeing in the cinema, the place where stunts can be seen in all their glory.

Rating: Half price

Damian Levy is a reviewer and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.