Stunt Rock (1978)

Stunt Rock Poster

Australian stuntman Grant Page goes to Los Angeles to work on a television series. He uses his spare time to lend his expertise to rock band Sorcery. Page helps the band develop pyrotechnic magic tricks for their shows, and also recounts to his own exploits as a stuntman and daredevil as well as various stunts by other greats.

Overview
"Stunt Rock" is a 1978 Australian action-exploitation film directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith and produced by Martin Fink. The film includes real-life stunt entertainer Grant Page, who plays himself, and glam rock group Sorcery, who likewise look like themselves.

Storyline
The plot is simply a loose structure to display a variety of Hollywood stunts and rock music efficiencies. There's no substantial story in the typical sense; the film rather plays out as a series of loosely connected scenes featuring rock music and bold stunt work.

Page, a popular Australian stuntman, takes a trip to Los Angeles to work on a television series. He's observed by a reporter from Australia, and their shared connection assists in the reporter's expedition of Page's work in the world of Hollywood stunts. Amidst this, Page strikes a trigger with Monique van de Ven, who plays a curious reporter exploring the intense world of stunt work. On the other hand, this story is linked with live performance video of the band, Sorcery, renowned for integrating rock music with magic on stage. The showy efficiencies of Sorcery form a parallel with the theatrical risk of Page's stunts.

Stunts and Performances
Trenchard-Smith ingeniously utilized the movie as a platform to show remarkable stunts carried out by Grant Page, in addition to highlighting Page's inspiration for taking on such harmful work. Magnificent stunts include a man being set on fire, high-falls, automobile rolls, vehicle leaps, and even a dramatic rescue from an out-of-control automobile cruising in reverse.

On the other hand, the movie likewise takes the audience on a wild, loud rock ride as they witness the band, Sorcery's performances. Sorcery's shows included an idea that pitted a 'King of the Wizards' versus the 'Prince of Darkness', with a series of magic tricks woven into their routine.

Reception and Legacy
"Stunt Rock" didn't receive universal praise throughout its initial release, mainly due to its non-traditional hybrid genre and structure. Nevertheless, the film has actually because gotten a cult following and a special standing in film history for its eccentric melding of stunts and rock efficiencies-- a real testament to late 70s and early 80s B-movie culture.

In recent years, it has been celebrated for its audaciousness, raw energy, and for being a cinematic snapshot of a time when glam rock and daredevil stunts were at their zenith. The movie is now recognized for Trenchard-Smith's innovative approach to movie theater, along with for Page's death-defying stunts and Sorcery's extravagant performances.

Conclusion
"Stunt Rock" is more of a visual phenomenon than a traditional movie, providing an adrenaline-infused journey for the audience. It is a blend of private bravery and theatrical spectacle, an item of its time that commemorates the audacity of the human spirit and the magnetism of rock-and-roll. The movie is now recognized as a cult classic that offered a reflective into an unique subculture of its time - the synergy of tinseltown stunts and arena rock. It stays an iconic representation of 70s culture, and a fitting homage to the bold work of stuntmen and females worldwide.

Top Cast

  • Grant Page
    Grant Page
  • Monique van de Ven (small)
    Monique van de Ven
    Monique van de Ven
  • Margaret Gerard
    Lois Wills
  • Paul Haynes
    King of the Wizards - Sorcery
  • Curtis Hyde
    Prince of Darkness - Sorcery
  • Greg Magie
    Lead Singer - Sorcery
  • Phil Hartman (small)
    Phil Hartman
    Monique’s Assistant
  • Dick Blackburn
    The Agent
  • Ron Raley
    The TV Director
  • Chris Chalen
    The Escapologist