Jackie Chan, renowned for his thrilling and perilous stunt work throughout his illustrious career, has voiced his criticism towards Hollywood's over-reliance on CGI in films, contending that it fails to capture the genuine essence of danger as intended. The star of iconic films like 'Rush Hour' lamented that the art of stunt performing has undergone a significant transformation.
During an interview with 'Haute Living', the legendary actor of 'Drunken Master' elaborated on how, prior to the advent of CGI, performers were compelled to give their all on set. "In the bygone days, our sole option was to stand tall and leap into the unknown – that was the extent of it," he reminisced. "Today, with the aid of computers, actors can accomplish virtually anything, but there persists a palpable sense of reality that seems to be conspicuously absent."
Chan believes that the integration of technology to elevate stunt sequences has diluted their impact within cinematic scenes. "It's a paradoxical situation," he explained. "On one hand, actors are increasingly capable of executing seemingly impossible feats with technological assistance. Yet, on the flip side, the notion of danger and limitation becomes blurred, rendering the audience indifferent to it."
However, Chan emphasized that he does not advocate for anyone to jeopardize their lives by engaging in actual stunts, emphasizing their perilous nature. When asked about his continued involvement in stunt work despite being 71 years old, Chan confessed, "Frankly, after performing for an uninterrupted 64 years, physical preparation is no longer a prerequisite. Everything resides in one's heart and soul; it's a matter of muscle memory."
He further stated that this wouldn't change "until the day I retire," which, according to him, is a distant prospect, hinting at no intentions of stepping away from the industry anytime soon.
Chan's upcoming film, 'Karate Kid: Legends,' is set to premiere on May 30th, where he will reprise his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 remake of 'Karate Kid.'
