Twitch-O-Meter: So you wanna be an action hero?

Take acting classes – Actors portraying heroes and villains in film are often guilty of expressing about as much emotion as a Victorian-era novelist dying of cancer does. Really, I have no idea what that last bit means but what is important is to be an actor first, a hero second. At the recent Chinese Kung Fu Jubilee, an event honoring kung fu greatness, cinematographer Peter Pau said that while an action actor should have foundation in martial arts, an actor’s ability at creating the feel is more important, especially in the eyes. That same night director Stanley Tong said the biggest problem he’s facing with his version of Hua Mulan, which has been in pre-production for a few years, is finding the right person to play the heroine, who must not only possesses martial arts background, but also carries the heroic air. Honestly, no longer should bad acting be associated with the action genre; they should no longer be synonymous. Great abs or killer moves put butts in cinema seats. Credible acting will help them return the next time around. And it’ll keep us here at Twitch off your back.

Study the Masters and the Influences – Some of the old-school masters are still plying their trade in modern film. Between the two of them Yuen Wo-ping and Lau Kar-leung have over 90 years experience in the Hong Kong film industry and they are still actively involved in direction and choreography today. And though they are not what they used to be Jackie Chan and Jet Li are still combined for 70 years [more of those are Jackie’s]. Study the roots of action cinema. If you want to look at martial arts you cannot go wrong by looking at old Shaw Brothers Studios films. Also, pay attention when today’s action stars and filmmakers cite their influences and take a look for your self. When you hear that a film is based on another go find that film. Look at anyone who has been involved with any of the significant action films of recent years and they all have an appreciation for the classics.

Study Abroad - Don’t live in Hollywood, Hong Kong or somewhere else in the world that is well known for action films and it begins with an ‘H’ as well? Hell, don’t let your surroundings stop you and don’t just stick to the obvious- some of the great surprises in action films recently have come from territories where you wouldn’t think action films should come from. We’ve seen some worthy additions to the martial arts canon coming out of countries like Chile, Finland, and Germany. While it would not be surprising to learn that any of these filmmakers, actors or stuntpeople were influenced by the majors they have the cajones to go out and do their own thing. They’re not letting the U.S, Hong Kong or any of the other major players have the whole pie. They’re doing what you want to do. Do not think for a second that because you do not live in one of the action film meccas that you cannot do this. Iceland, I’m looking at you.

Experimentation and creativity is encouraged – Pushing the boundaries is a must. Experimenting with convention is encouraged but not necessary. If you can always bring something new to the genre then I’ll watch. If it is going to be the same old same old then you’re doing nothing to further the craft. Even art house cinema icons like Zhang Yimou and Ang Lee should be credited with furthering the genre. Granted, they both had Yuen Wo-ping helping them out behind the scenes but they have impressive action in their martial arts films. Hollywood even showed some balls and we got to see free running in Casino Royale and its cousin parkour in Live Free or Die Hard. French director Julien Leclerq’s Chrysalis introduced us to the Israeli military fighting style Krav Maga. You know what we haven’t seen yet? Capoeira, that crazy Brazilian martial art, put to good work either. Think about it. I’ll get you started. Young Brazilian boy and his family move to the U.S. While everyone in the Brazilian community is heavy on football [soccer] he’s into Capoeira. He catches the eye of the local sweetheart which brings down the heavies. He defends himself and shows of his Latin soul at the same time. Run with it…

Take Dance Classes – Yeah, I’m serious about this one. Remember where Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Baio and the other Seven Fortunes got their start? They were a Chinese Opera troupe. A hot action chick like Zhang Ziyi? Dancer. My all time favorite Michelle Yeoh? Dancer. How about an old school hottie like Cheng Pei Pei [Come Drink with Me and Golden Swallow]? Dancer. Even the lead actress in Vietnam’s The Rebel didn’t know a spit of martial arts before filming but her dance background already had her set in the basics of body control and choreography. I know the dancing thing sounds silly but think about it for a second. Name anything else that can be so tightly choreographed than a dance number; dancing teaches you incredible body control and helps with fluid movements. If that is not enough for you guys to take this seriously think about this. If anyone on the football team gets on your case about it raise a couple points with them. 1. You can kick their ass 2. You get sweaty and physically interact with nimble and flexible girls wearing tights. They get sweaty and physically interact with guys in tights.

And a couple honorable mentions…

Don’t be afraid to start small – Icons like Jackie Chan and current stars like Tony Jaa were both stunt men before they broke in on the scene.

Study film – Know your medium. Theory. Style. Technical. Pull the camera back. Watch the Europeans and how they frame action in their films. Understand the medium and you’ll be able to use it to your advantage. 

Weapons are neat but not needed - I sit on the fence on this one. Sure I love swordplay when it is done well. I uttered small cries of joy when fire hoses were used in Romeo Must Die and Transporter. I want to say I like gun play but living in Toronto I see any f__king coward can pick up a gun and shoot someone. Real strength and real skill comes from the ability to use your body as a weapon. Learn to use it first and anything else will become an extension of you. Guns are for cowards and Americans [OOOOOOOoooh!].