The intricacies behind an awe-inspiring feat performed by Tom Cruise, acclaimed as the largest and most perilous stunt ever accomplished in cinema, have been unveiled.
In his recently released Mission: Impossible film, which premiered on Monday, the 61-year-old actor sends hearts racing as he propels himself off a cliff on a motorbike, descending from the heavens.
Now, the comprehensive preparations that went into creating this jaw-dropping scene are revealed in a remarkable ten-minute video presented by Paramount Pictures.
The segment commences with writer and director Christopher McQuarrie acknowledging, "This is by far the most hazardous endeavor we have ever undertaken."
The footage unravels how Cruise masterminded an elaborate plan, collaborating with experts from various disciplines to bring this spectacle to life.
Miles Daisher, the BASE jumping coach, commended the actor, stating, "Tom Cruise is an extraordinary individual. You provide him with instructions, and he focuses intently. His unparalleled spatial awareness renders him the most observant person I have ever encountered."
Throughout the Mission: Impossible series, which is currently on its seventh installment, Cruise has become renowned for executing a multitude of exhilarating stunts himself.
Articulating his approach to daring scenes, he shares, "Instead of being cautious, be competent."
Training on the Motorbike
To prepare for this particular scene, Cruise devoted himself to rigorous training in both motorbike riding and BASE jumping.
A motocross track was specially constructed, allowing the star to undertake a staggering 13,000 jumps over 80-foot tabletops during his training sessions.
Reflecting on the experience, Cruise expresses, "I must attain such a level of mastery that there is no possibility of missing my marks. I relentlessly drill and practice each minute aspect time and time again."
Stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood remarks, "They were performing 30 jumps per day, reaching a point where Tom became an unstoppable force."
Building a Replica
To simulate the leap, which was ultimately filmed in Hellesylt, Norway, in September 2020, the film crew meticulously recreated a ramp and a quarry filled with cardboard boxes to serve as the motorbike's landing surface in England.
McQuarrie elucidates the construction of various ramps at varying angles, enabling the precise calculation of Cruise's trajectory. He asserts, "We must consistently anticipate Tom's position in three-dimensional space."
A GPS chip recorded every single jump made by the star, documenting ground speed, headwind, and crosswind data, resulting in a comprehensive dataset.
Cruise elaborates, "The key lies in achieving specific velocities and maintaining consistency. Without a speedometer, I rely on sound and the bike's feel. When departing from the bike, I harness the wind hitting my chest, creating lift."
By meticulously analyzing the data from each take, the filmmakers were able to determine the altitude reached by Cruise, allowing for strategically positioned drones and cameras to capture stunning close-up shots.
McQuarrie adds, "Finding the perfect lens, platform, and medium is crucial. Even two years ago, the technology required to accomplish what we are attempting did not exist."
Filming the Stunt
The ramp in Norway was meticulously constructed over several months, with all the necessary equipment transported via helicopter.
Filming could only commence when the weather conditions were ideal, considering factors such as lighting and cloud cover, which required a delicate balance of mistiness without excessive fog.
John Devore, the BASE jumping coach, candidly admits in the video, "Naturally, when embarking on something unprecedented, a tinge of concern is inevitable regarding the outcome."
Daisher further acknowledges, "If you fail to disengage smoothly from the bike and become entangled, or if you fail to open your parachute in time, you may not survive."
Fortunately, Cruise executed the stunt flawlessly and was even willing to repeat the feat multiple times.
As recounted by a crew member, "Tom Cruise rode a motorcycle off a cliff six times today."
Following the exhilarating jumps, McQuarrie concludes, "The only thing that frightens me more is what we have planned for Mission: Impossible 8."
Cruise encapsulates the experience by stating, "I've nurtured this ambition since childhood. Ultimately, it all boils down to one crucial element—the audience."
The film also features another high-profile stunt wherein Cruise engages in a gripping fight scene aboard a moving train traveling at 60mph, battling against the villain portrayed by Esai Morales.
Reprising their roles in this sequel are Cruise's trusted colleagues, esteemed Hollywood figures Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, and Vanessa Kirby.
Additionally, Pom Klementieff, Hayley Atwell, and Simon Pegg deliver stellar performances in this blockbuster.
During the Australian premiere of the film earlier this week, Cruise shared his thoughts on filming the motorbike scene, stating, "I focused on my performance. From the outset, I had to simultaneously consider the descending helicopter, the speed required to navigate the ramp, avoiding collision with the drone stationed at the end, stabilizing myself after separating from the motorcycle seconds before impact, and sustaining my position for as long as possible, as prematurely opening the parachute would compromise the shot."
Cruise recently revealed his rationale for abstaining from wearing helmets during his stunts, citing that it diminishes the visual aesthetics. He elucidates, "While I do wear helmets while riding motorcycles and during training, they are omitted during filming. During shooting, all protective padding is removed. Helmets are utilized during training sessions, but when it comes to high-speed motorcycle jumps and races, they compromise the cinematic experience."
