Did Burt Reynolds Perform His Own Stunts in ‘Deliverance’?
The 1972 survival thriller Deliverance starring Burt Reynolds is renowned for its intense and realistic depiction of a harrowing ordeal. One question that often surfaces is whether Reynolds performed his own stunts. In this article, we explore the role of stunts in the film and Burt Reynolds' personal experiences.
Reynolds' Stunt Philosophy and Approach
John Boorman, the director of Deliverance, held a firm belief in the validity of actors performing their own stunts. In an interview, he expressed:
If the shot is dangerous enough to need a stunt man, you shouldn't be doing it.
This philosophy was reflected in the making of Deliverance. The film's lead actors, including Burt Reynolds, performed a significant portion of their own stunts, adhering to the concept that the actor should be the primary risk-taker in perilous scenes.
Burt Reynolds, being well-known for his commitment to on-screen realism, was no exception. He emphasized the authenticity of the film by insisting on performing many of his stunts despite the risks involved. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Reynolds shared his experiences:
I insisted on doing my own stunt after the first take in which Boorman used a cloth dummy to go over a waterfall in a canoe. After I completed my stunt, I asked the director: 'What's next?'
Stunt Safety and Production Costs
While Reynolds was dedicated to performing his own stunts, there were instances where external stuntmen were required. Hal Needham, Reynolds' longtime stunt double, was involved in several scenes but not in the making of Deliverance. This decision was driven by the need to reduce production costs. Hal Needham's relationship with Reynolds was loosely inspired by the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Most of the stunts were performed by the actors themselves. Hal Needham was not part of the production for Deliverance. John Voight, another lead actor, had a particular scene where a canoe overturned, which was done by a stuntman. This decision was made to ensure safety and maintain the budget constraints of the film.
Burt Reynolds' Specific Stunt Descriptions
Burt Reynolds was particularly renowned for his stunt performance in the film. In a candid moment, he recalled the experience of performing a particularly challenging stunt:
No, I didn't perform all my own stunts, but the ones I did, I performed. Interestingly, the scene where Ned Beatty's character performs a "squeal like a hog" stunt, no stuntman was willing to do it. Old Ned was on his own, and he did an outstanding job.
Reynolds’ dedication to his craft is evident in his description of the scene. Ned Beatty's stunt was particularly memorable, and it required a high level of professionalism and courage from the actor.
Conclusion
The film Deliverance is a testament to the hard work and commitment of its cast and crew. Burt Reynolds' insistence on performing many of his own stunts adds to the film's authenticity and intensity. While there were instances where external stuntmen were involved, the majority of the stunts were performed by the actors to ensure an authentic and thrilling viewing experience.
For fans of the film and movie enthusiasts, Deliverance remains a classic example of on-screen bravery and dedication.