Michael Dowse Takes Audiences on a Thrilling Ride with 'The Stunt Driver'

Director Michael Dowse's latest film, 'The Stunt Driver,' featuring Jay Baruchel as the daring Canadian stuntman Ken Carter, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, offering an exhilarating glimpse into a true-life tale of ambition and risk. The film is inspired by the 1981 documentary 'The Devil at Your Heels' by Bob Fortier, chronicling Carter's audacious attempt to leap a mile across the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car.

Casting and Characterization

Baruchel, known for his roles in films like 'Goon,' embodies Carter, a figure marked by contradictions—an aspiring stunt driver without a license, afraid of the water yet attempting a monumental jump. Dowse reflected on Baruchel’s suitability for the role, noting their shared age and local roots. “I saw ‘Blackberry’ and thought, Jay is 38—the same age as Ken at the time of the jump—and he’s from the area,” Dowse explained.

Building the Dream

The production faced numerous challenges, including obtaining rights to the original documentary and constructing the jump ramp. Dowse emphasized the daunting nature of the ramp's construction, recalling, “When you’re sitting on top of that thing you built, you pray that it works because your entire career is 60 feet up.” The custom rocket car, designed by Dick Keller and created by production designer Jean-André Carrière, was built without existing schematics, relying on archival footage for inspiration.

Behind the Scenes Dynamics

The film also explores the rivalry between Carter and Evel Knievel, played by Ben Foster, heightening the drama for cinematic effect. Dowse noted that the animosity was somewhat exaggerated but reflected Carter's desire for recognition. The writing process involved extensive research, aided by Fortier’s insights, including previously unseen footage of Carter being hypnotized, which shaped the film's narrative structure.

'The Stunt Driver' is set to hit U.S. theaters on September 25, coinciding with its Canadian release, and promises audiences a mix of nostalgia, thrill, and a deep dive into the psyche of a man who gambled everything for glory.

Source: variety.com