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Elena Avdija’s enlightening film takes us on a journey to film sets in France and the US, where we meet Virginie, Petra, and Estelle, skilled female stunt performers at various points in their careers. Despite facing numerous obstacles both in front of and behind the camera, these women show unwavering dedication to their craft. As their names are boldly displayed in a western-style font with a lively guitar playing in the background, we are reminded of the tough and courageous trailblazers they are in a male-dominated industry.
Stunt work involves strenuous physical requirements, from tumbling down stairs to leaping off buildings. Estelle is continuously attending training sessions and practicing techniques such as simulating being hit by a car or being held in a chokehold. As a seasoned professional, Petra has showcased her abilities in popular films like Minority Report, but her previous injuries have significantly impacted her body and she may require a complete hip replacement. Due to these challenges, veteran stuntwoman Virginie now opts to work as a stunt coordinator, a challenging shift as these roles are typically filled by men.
Apart from physical harm, being constantly exposed to danger also has an effect on one’s mental well-being. A stunt hopeful who was previously a victim of abuse shared that she is no longer able to participate in scenes depicting domestic violence.
Apart from shedding light on the limited opportunities available to stuntwomen, Avdija’s film also effectively tackles broader issues surrounding women’s portrayal in the entertainment industry. Due to the scarcity of action-oriented roles written specifically for female actors, these women are often relegated to portraying victims who are subjected to violence while their male counterparts have a wider range of active roles to choose from. As stuntwomen, they aspire to enjoy their work, but are hindered by the constraints imposed by the industry.
Source: theguardian.com
