"Stunt Rock" is cult filmmaker Brian Trenchard-Smiths' tribute to one of the legends in the stunt department, Aussie icon Grant Page. Page essentially plays himself as he embarks upon many daredevil acts, often getting by on not just his athleticism, but his sheer bravado. There's not much of a "story" in this movie, but its basic set-up has Grant travelling to America to work on a TV series with film star Monique van de Ven (also playing herself). He also begins work on stage shows for a highly theatrical rock band dubbed "Sorcery", who come complete with a "wizard" style magician (Paul Haynes) and a "Prince of Darkness" (Curtis Hyde). Meanwhile, a journalist (Margaret Gerard) doing a piece on job dedication becomes fascinated with Grant.
It does become apparent early on that "Stunt Rock" is not so much telling a story as it is detailing (documentary style, with use of split screen) the art of stunt coordination, and the "shock rock" genre that had been in style for a number of years. As such, it does go heavy on the musical numbers. It's never more interesting than when it follows Grant and his exploits, but at least the music is pretty catchy. (Also, the keyboardist in the band is a weirdo who never takes off his hood. There's one good gag when somebody asks him to take it off.)
Grants' death-defying ambitions form a great basis for the movie, and there is some breathtaking action to behold. For example, we are shown the preparation that went into a stunt that Grant performed for Philippe Moras' 1976 picture "Mad Dog Morgan". Grant is a charismatic, easygoing guy, and you do enjoy watching him ply his trade and interact with other people. Some people could argue that TOO much screen time is devoted to the band, but it does ultimately lead into the possible development of entertainment that Gerard dubs "stunt rock".
Overall, quite engaging, and relatively brief in run time (96 minutes). Director Trenchard-Smith clearly has a great respect for people like Grant, and had previously made a documentary in 1973 called "The Stuntmen".
Look for Richard Blackburn (director of "Lemora: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural" and co-writer of "Eating Raoul") in a supporting role as the agent; comedy legend Phil Hartman is apparently also in here somewhere.
Seven out of 10.
It does become apparent early on that "Stunt Rock" is not so much telling a story as it is detailing (documentary style, with use of split screen) the art of stunt coordination, and the "shock rock" genre that had been in style for a number of years. As such, it does go heavy on the musical numbers. It's never more interesting than when it follows Grant and his exploits, but at least the music is pretty catchy. (Also, the keyboardist in the band is a weirdo who never takes off his hood. There's one good gag when somebody asks him to take it off.)
Grants' death-defying ambitions form a great basis for the movie, and there is some breathtaking action to behold. For example, we are shown the preparation that went into a stunt that Grant performed for Philippe Moras' 1976 picture "Mad Dog Morgan". Grant is a charismatic, easygoing guy, and you do enjoy watching him ply his trade and interact with other people. Some people could argue that TOO much screen time is devoted to the band, but it does ultimately lead into the possible development of entertainment that Gerard dubs "stunt rock".
Overall, quite engaging, and relatively brief in run time (96 minutes). Director Trenchard-Smith clearly has a great respect for people like Grant, and had previously made a documentary in 1973 called "The Stuntmen".
Look for Richard Blackburn (director of "Lemora: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural" and co-writer of "Eating Raoul") in a supporting role as the agent; comedy legend Phil Hartman is apparently also in here somewhere.
Seven out of 10.