A special Mission: Impossible — Fallout featurette shows how Tom Cruise and the stunt team prepared and executed the film’s death-defying HALO jump scene.
Another year and another Mission: Impossible film. The franchise is a rarity in Hollywood because it’s only improved with each installment, whereas the subsequent follow-ups for other properties have waned (yes, I’m lookin’ at you Terminator). Many factors have played into Mission: Impossible‘s success, but it seems there’s always one constant—Tom Cruise.
The man is a little nutty, being a Scientologist and all, but there’s something to be said about an actor willing to risk life and limb for his craft. Let us remind you that Cruise is almost 56 (he ain’t no spring chicken). Most people fear jumping off a couple of steps when they hit their 40s—but not Mr. Maverick. He’s the epitome of the adage “you’re only as old as you feel.”
Cruise’s latest crazy feat is performing a HALO jump for the film. In 21st century Hollywood, most actors—and even stuntmen—would opt to use a green screen. Hell, the director and production crew would also encourage the use of digital effects because it would be cheaper and easier to film and edit. However, Cruise ain’t no CGI-wussy. When the man commits, he goes full Monty.
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Paramount Pictures has recently released a featurette showing the intricate planning and labor that went into performing this stunt. And, no, it’s not called “HALO” because Cruise’s helmet looks like the one worn by Master Chief. “HALO” is an acronym for “high altitude — low opening.” Basically, a jumper opens his/her chute at a very low altitude after falling for a long duration—a.k.a. “it’s dangerous as f***!”
Okay, I think this scene justifies the rise in ticket prices. I can say that my $20+ movie ticket is a very small price to pay to live vicariously through “the Cruise.” He, Jackie Chan, and Keanu Reeves seem to be the only movie stars in Hollywood still kickin’ it old-school when it comes to stunts. In a way, the overall production is very meta—every stunt seems to be an impossible mission itself.
Mission: Impossible — Fallout will be released in the US on July 27, 2018.
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