Adrien Brody, the talented actor celebrated for his roles in films like Predators and See How They Run, as well as his collaborations with renowned director Wes Anderson, recently shared an anecdote from his time working with the legendary Peter Jackson. This collaboration showcased Brody’s impressive driving abilities during an action-packed stunt sequence. His latest project, The Brutalist, presents a gripping narrative around a Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor striving to fulfill the American Dream.
Peter Jackson, known for his distinct directorial style, first gained significant recognition in Hollywood with his 1994 biopic Heavenly Creatures. He later took on the monumental challenge of adapting J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings into a cinematic trilogy, utilizing groundbreaking technology to bring Middle-earth to life in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Jackson’s successful venture into the Hobbit trilogy followed in the 2010s, solidifying his position as a powerhouse in cinema. As of now, he holds the title of the fifth highest-grossing film director worldwide, with his films accumulating an astounding $6.5 billion at the global box office.
Brody’s High-Speed Chase in King Kong: A Testimony to Talent
Brody Took the Wheel for the Thrilling Stunt
Jackson’s King Kong, which debuted following his success with The Lord of the Rings, became a cultural phenomenon, amassing nearly $557 million at the box office and earning three prestigious Academy Awards. Looking back on the film, Brody shared that one of the highlights of his career was filming an intense chase scene in which his character, Jack, seeks to draw the mighty Kong away from a chaotic Times Square, all while driving a classic 1930s taxi cab.
“Man, Peter Jackson does that stuff so damn well. I mean, wow. The original, the thirties one with Fay Wray in black and white and stop-motion, was the movie that made Peter Jackson wanna become a filmmaker. And it was such a big deal for me, just remarkable, like, to be a part of Peter’s dream project after doing The Lord of the Rings, and it just was very, very exciting.”
“As this scene progresses, it leads into this whole Times Square scene where Kong is wreaking havoc on everything and Jack knows he needs to pull him away from this densely populated area. He hops in an old thirties taxi cab and a chase ensues. That was one of the most fun days I’ve ever had on any movie set ever in my life. I grew up in New York… and bragged to Peter about my driving skills. And he surprised me, saying, ‘You’re driving today.’”
Bragging about his driving prowess turned out to be a thrilling challenge for Brody, as he ended up handling a specially modified taxi for the stunt sequences. The actor successfully navigated tight alleyways and intricate maneuvers while impressing both the cast and crew, who erupted in applause after witnessing his exceptional driving skills.
“They had a souped-up, completely rigged taxi with racing transmission and an engine that felt remarkable. I performed the entire stunt driving sequence in that movie. In one moment, I was driving through narrow alleys, maneuvering around camera equipment and stunts. It was exhilarating to dodge obstacles while keeping the momentum going. When I finished, the entire crew came out and applauded.”
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Analyzing Jackson’s King Kong Remake
A Modern Interpretation of the Eighth Wonder of the World
Despite criticisms regarding its lengthy runtime and some outdated stereotypes, Jackson’s King Kong stands out among modern cinematic adaptations. The film notably features accomplished actor Andy Serkis, whose motion capture work brought emotional depth to the character of Kong. This, combined with exceptional visual effects, reimagined the beloved tale for a contemporary audience.
Following Brody’s recent acclaim for his portrayal in The Brutalist, viewers may find themselves exploring his earlier works. His recollections about riveting driving scenes in King Kong might just pique the interest of those who have yet to experience Jackson’s ambitious remake.
Source: Vanity Fair
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