The True Adventures of the World's Greatest Stuntman

1. From Horses to Hollywood: Vic Armstrong's Journey to Stunt Stardom

"I inherited this love of horses from my Dad, Robert Armstrong, who was farrier to the British Olympic team from 1948 through five Olympic Games to the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, travelling around the world shoeing Olympic gold medal-winning horses and helping with the training."

Early equestrian roots. Vic Armstrong's journey to becoming a legendary stuntman began with his family's deep connection to horses. His father, Robert Armstrong, was a renowned farrier who worked with Olympic-level horses, instilling in Vic a passion for equestrianism from a young age.

Transition to film. Armstrong's skills as a horseman naturally led him into the world of film stunts. His first major break came with the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice" (1967), where he performed as one of the ninjas in the volcanic base sequence. This opportunity set the stage for a career that would span decades and include some of the most iconic action sequences in cinema history.

2. Pioneering Stunt Techniques: The Fan Descender and Beyond

"Years later I received a Technical Achievement Academy Award for the fan descender; and it all stemmed from that one conversation with Jack Wiener and talking to Terry Walsh and coming up with that design."

Innovative problem-solving. Armstrong's invention of the fan descender revolutionized high-fall stunts in the film industry. This device allowed for safer, more controlled descents from great heights, enabling more spectacular and realistic action sequences.

Impact on the industry. The fan descender's introduction changed the way high falls were performed in films, making previously impossible or extremely dangerous stunts feasible. This innovation not only enhanced the visual spectacle of action movies but also significantly improved safety standards for stunt performers.

3. Collaborations with Iconic Directors: Spielberg, Scorsese, and More

"Working with Marty was an education. I learnt an enormous amount."

Learning from masters. Armstrong's collaborations with renowned directors like Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese provided invaluable experiences and insights into filmmaking. These partnerships allowed him to expand his skills beyond stunts and into the realm of overall action direction and second unit work.

Mutual respect. Directors valued Armstrong's expertise in action sequences, often giving him significant creative freedom. This trust led to some of the most memorable action scenes in cinema, such as the truck chase in "Raiders of the Lost Arc" and the climactic battle in "Gangs of New York."

4. The Evolution of the Bond Franchise: Armstrong's Contributions

"Bond is the golden key. A lot of people say no to film companies and authorities put barriers in your way, but if it's a Bond film they suddenly change their tune and go, 'Will Pierce Brosnan be here, will the girls be here?'"

Iconic action sequences. Armstrong's work on multiple Bond films, including "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "The World Is Not Enough," helped shape the modern era of 007 action sequences. His innovative approaches to stunts and action direction kept the franchise fresh and exciting.

Logistical challenges. Coordinating large-scale action scenes for Bond films often involved complex logistics, from shutting down parts of major cities to choreographing intricate vehicle chases. Armstrong's experience and reputation were crucial in overcoming these challenges and delivering spectacular results.

5. Indiana Jones Adventures: Doubling for Harrison Ford

"Even Harrison's own son sometimes had trouble telling us apart."

Physical similarity. Armstrong's uncanny resemblance to Harrison Ford made him the perfect double for Indiana Jones. This similarity allowed for seamless integration of stunt work with Ford's performance, enhancing the believability of the action sequences.

Collaborative relationship. The partnership between Armstrong and Ford went beyond mere physical doubling. Their mutual respect and understanding of each other's roles contributed to the creation of some of cinema's most memorable action hero moments.

6. Working with Action Stars: Tom Cruise and Arnold Schwarzenegger

"Tom absolutely loved doing his own stunts, totally adored it. And we got on really well."

Star dedication. Armstrong's experiences with action stars like Tom Cruise and Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted the varying approaches actors take to stunt work. Cruise's enthusiasm for performing his own stunts contrasted with Schwarzenegger's more traditional use of stunt doubles.

Tailored approaches. Armstrong adapted his stunt coordination to suit each actor's abilities and preferences. For Cruise, this meant designing stunts that the actor could perform himself, while for others, it involved seamlessly integrating stunt doubles into the action.

7. The Transition from Stuntman to Second Unit Director

"I love the creativity of directing. It was getting frustrating describing things to people and them doing it only half right. I wanted to take complete control of the action design and then the execution of it."

Expanding skillset. Armstrong's transition from stuntman to second unit director was a natural progression, driven by his desire for greater creative control over action sequences. This move allowed him to apply his extensive stunt experience to the broader aspects of filmmaking.

Industry impact. As one of the first stuntmen to make this transition, Armstrong paved the way for others in the field to expand their roles in film production. His success as a second unit director demonstrated the value of practical stunt experience in action filmmaking.

8. Family Business: The Armstrong Stunt Dynasty

"Team Armstrong."

Generational talent. Armstrong's family, including his wife Wendy and children, have all been involved in the stunt industry, creating a dynasty of stunt performers and coordinators. This family involvement has allowed for a unique transfer of knowledge and skills across generations.

Collaborative advantages. Working with family members on film sets provided Armstrong with a trusted team that shared his work ethic and understanding of stunt work. This family dynamic contributed to the success and safety of many complex action sequences.

9. Technological Advancements in Stunts: CGI vs. Practical Effects

"I'm a great believer in CGI, I think there's a place for it in the stunt business, but used correctly."

Balancing act. Armstrong's career spanned the transition from purely practical effects to the integration of CGI in action sequences. He advocates for a balanced approach, using CGI to enhance practical stunts rather than replace them entirely.

Maintaining realism. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of practical stunts in maintaining the believability of action sequences. His experiences highlight how the combination of real stunt work with carefully applied CGI can create the most compelling and realistic action scenes.

10. Safety and Risk Management in High-Stakes Stunts

"Safety was our prime concern."

Meticulous planning. Armstrong's approach to stunt work always prioritized safety, involving extensive planning, rehearsals, and risk assessments. This focus on safety allowed for the execution of increasingly complex and dangerous stunts without compromising the well-being of performers.

Innovative safety measures. Throughout his career, Armstrong developed and implemented new safety techniques and equipment, continually improving the standards of safety in stunt work. His contributions in this area have had a lasting impact on the industry's safety practices.

11. The Art of Choreographing Action Sequences

"I love to do a lot of set-ups in the day and we really cranked the set-ups out on that..."

Efficiency and creativity. Armstrong's approach to choreographing action sequences combined efficiency with creative vision. His ability to quickly set up and execute multiple shots in a day allowed for more dynamic and varied action scenes.

Storytelling through action. Beyond mere spectacle, Armstrong focused on using action sequences to advance the story and reveal character. His choreography often incorporated elements that highlighted the personalities and motivations of the characters involved in the action.

12. Legacy and Impact on the Film Industry

"I'm very, very proud to have contributed what I did to all of those films. It was a labour of love, and I absolutely adored it."

Industry recognition. Armstrong's contributions to the film industry have been widely recognized, including his receipt of the BAFTA Michael Balcon Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema. His work has set new standards for action sequences and stunt coordination.

Inspiring future generations. Through his innovations, mentorship, and family legacy, Armstrong has inspired and influenced a new generation of stunt performers and action filmmakers. His career serves as a blueprint for aspiring stunt professionals, demonstrating the potential for growth and creative expansion within the field.

Last updated: July 22, 2024