by Clint Eastwood actor, director … and stuntman? Yes, almost! He has indeed taken unimaginable risks on the set of a little-known film where he himself makes his waterfalls … and it's impressive!
Among the films less often mentioned in Clint Eastwood's career, the sanction-which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 21-nevertheless deserves a special mention, if only for the exceptional physical commitment of the actor-director. In this altitude thriller released in 1975, Eastwood chose to turn his own mountain stunts, thus putting his life in danger several times. And no, it's not just Tom Cruise who did it!
This feature film marks the fourth solo achievement of Eastwood, after a thrill in the night of 1971, and his two films from 1973: The Hautes Plaines and Breezy man. Initially, he did not feel ready to direct the project and hoped to entrust the staging to his friend and mentor Don Siegel. But after a long discussion, and faced with the latter's refusal, he ended up agreeing to take control of the film.
A most dangerous shooting
In The sanction,, Clint Eastwood Jonathan Hemlock plays, a former secret agent who has become a professor of art history. Occasionally killer killer on behalf of a mysterious organization, he is entrusted with a perilous mission: identifying and eliminating an assassin which is preparing to climb the Eiger, a dreaded summit of the Swiss Alps. First of all unusual, Hemlock accepts the operation, attracted by the promise of a table of Pissarro as payment, and under the threat of tax blackmail.
Universal Pictures
The scenario, to say the least, is based mainly on the intensity of the mountain scenes. And this is where the film impresses particularly: Clint Eastwood insisted to carry out all the climbing sequences himself, despite the risk and the opposite opinions of the professionals present on the set. The top of the Eiger, where the peak of the film takes place, culminates at almost 4000 meters and is sadly famous for its dangerousness.
Universal Pictures
Unable to reach the summit by its own means despite rigorous training, Eastwood and his team were deposited by helicopter at around 3,650 meters, then went down to access the shooting areas. On the other hand, he indeed climbed the legendary “totem pole” of Monument Valley, a rocky needle of more than 1,700 meters. Notable fact: The sanction is the latest film authorized to shoot on this sacred and protected site.
Universal Pictures
And the drama occurs …
Unfortunately, the shooting was marked by a drama. From the second day, David Knowles, an Scottish mountaineer engaged in the film, died after a fall of stones on the Eiger. Mike Hoover, another climber responsible for filming ascents, is injured in the incident and has to suspend his work for several days.
Upset, Eastwood then plans to cancel the shooting. It was ultimately the other members of the team of mountaineers, deeply affected but determined, who persuade them to continue. In tribute to Knowles and already accomplished work, the director therefore decides to carry out the project in the long term.
Universal Pictures
The sanction There remains a striking testimony of the tenacity of Clint Eastwoodready to confront the mountains itself to strengthen the realism of her film. A daring – and expensive – bet – not to be missed.
The sanction, and its very real waterfalls, can be found in VOD.
