It’s not often that one realises just how difficult it is to shoot an action-packed film and some people don’t realise that all of those stunts are not the result of what the actors are capable of. It’s difficult, it’s tiring and it’s hard work. Vic Armstrong is thus the go-to guy when it comes to getting that perfect shot in a movie. We’ve all seen him, even though we’ve not “seen” him. He’s an invisible legend, so to speak, but this is his story… The True Adventures of the World’s Greatest Stuntman.
Vic Armstrong has written a biographical account of his life as a stuntman, which includes his work on 115 titles! Indiana Jones, James Bond, Mission Impossible III and so many more films should say thank you to this man as he risked his life, his limbs and his sanity to get that perfect shot. We are presented with full-colour photos of some of his work, some memorabilia and a look into how much pressure it is to be classified as the world’s greatest stuntman, all whilst keeping in the back of your head the fact that “who is this guy?”. Well, now we know. The True Adventures of the World’s Greatest Stuntman will make you reminisce as you try to figure out if you’ve actually noticed the difference between Harrison Ford and Vic Armstrong during the Indiana Jones films and then as you continue reading, you’ll wonder how come you’ve not achieved as much as he has? This book will take you through countless films and his true talent will become obvious the further you read… When you reach the middle of the book, you’ll also realise just how respected this man is that viewers hardly ever see and you’ll truly start to appreciate Vic’s contribution to cinema.
With an introduction by Steven Spielberg, blurbs ranging from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Sir Christopher Lee and all the way back to Angelina Jolie, respect is in full swing when it comes to Vic Armstrong. What’s more is that he’s humble on top of all of this. I would have to warn you though, once you pick up this book, you’re going to struggle to put it down, especially if you find the technical aspects of film interesting. Don’t worry too much about being overthrown with theory and definitions though, Vic Armstrong and Robert Sellers were brilliant enough to put it all together in a way for the everyday Joe to understand and enjoy the accounts of this invisible legend.
Titan Books released The True Adventures of the World’s Greatest Stuntman today and if you have a love for film, this is a biography that will most likely intrigue you. Don’t miss out on meeting one of Hollywood’s most prized possessions… Vic Armstrong.
