When it comes to memorable stunts in movies, some of the most thrilling automotive action scenes are those featuring motorcycles, especially when the ride and rider are pushed to the absolute limit. These spectacular sequences, while carefully choreographed, expose the riders to risks that are not present when inside the comfortable confines of a car or truck. For this reason, motorcycles offer an extra level of suspense as the bikes balance on the brink of disaster. With firsthand knowledge of how this movie magic is accomplished, stunt performer Rick English sat down with GQ to discuss some of the most spectacular two-wheeled scenes in cinema.
The Lowdown On Motorcycle Stunts From GQ's The Breakdown
While moviegoers may not know Rick English by name, they have likely seen his work in several big-budget blockbusters. According to IMDb, English has performed in over 150 movies, including many of the Marvel and Star Wars titles. He is an accomplished stunt performer and is recognized for his abilities on a motorcycle. So, when speaking on two-wheeled stunts in cinema, he is definitely an authority on the subject.
In this episode of GQ's The Breakdown, English had an opportunity to dissect the motorcycle scenes in nine films. He goes back as far as The Great Escape from 1963 and also discusses the choppers in 1969's Easy Rider. The historical highlights are interesting, especially for movie buffs, but English offers the most insight when discussing films he worked on.
Cruising At High Speed With Tom Cruise
One of the films that Rick English dives into in detail is 2015's Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. In that title, English appeared in a lengthy scene with motorcycle enthusiast Tom Cruise. In the explosive segment, they are each riding BMW S1000RRs at breakneck speeds, although English outlines how the filmmakers used some tricks of the trade to deceive the viewer. English does a superb job of pointing out what footage was achieved in camera and where special effects were applied. He also explains how some of the crash sequences were inspired by real-life wrecks in MotoGP races.
Actors Who Bring Their Passion For Bikes To The Big Screen
Hollywood actors and actresses have long had a love for motorcycles and that certainly plays into the credibility of riding sequences in films. Rick English frequently cites when actors like Tom Cruise, Nicolas Cage, and Keanu Reeves do their own riding onscreen.
He analyzes a lengthy scene in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum featuring noted rider Keanu Reeves. This actor's involvement in the riding community is well documented. Reeves is so invested in motorcycling that he even founded Arch Motorcycle, a bespoke bike company, with designer Gard Hollinger.
So, seeing Reeves on a motorcycle in an action movie seems like a natural fit, but as Rick English highlights, Hollywood often swaps out the featured talent for a stunt double when the risks of riding are too great to jeopardize a star's safety. And thanks to English's behind the scenes commentary, motor and movie fans will now have a better understanding of how these scenes were shot.