Steve Mcqueen The Great Escape Motorcycle Scene
Steve McQueen is a name that echoes through time as one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood history. His performances in films such as Bullitt, The Magnificent Seven and Papillon have cemented his legacy as a true Hollywood legend. However, it was his role as Captain Virgil Hilts in the 1963 film The Great Escape that gave birth to one of the most iconic moments in cinema history - the motorcycle chase scene.
The Plot of The Great Escape
The Great Escape is a film based on the true story of a group of Allied prisoners of war (POWs) who attempt to escape from a German prison camp during World War II. Steve McQueen plays the role of Captain Virgil Hilts, an American airman who is determined to escape from the prison camp at all costs. The film is known for its all-star cast, including James Garner, Richard Attenborough, and Charles Bronson, all of whom play key roles in the escape plan.
The Motorcycle Scene
While there are many memorable moments in The Great Escape, it is the motorcycle chase scene that has become the film's most iconic moment. In the scene, Captain Hilts attempts to outrun a group of pursuing German soldiers on a stolen motorcycle. The chase takes place across a field and through a barbed wire fence, with McQueen performing many of his own stunts.
The scene is a marvel of cinema, with McQueen's skill on the motorcycle and the choreography of the chase making for an unforgettable moment. The use of long shots and close-ups, as well as the use of natural sound instead of a musical score, add to the realism of the scene.
The Making of the Scene
The motorcycle scene in The Great Escape was not without its challenges. McQueen, an avid motorcyclist, was insistent on performing many of his own stunts, including the famous jump over the barbed wire fence. However, the jump was too dangerous for McQueen to attempt, and a stuntman was brought in to perform the jump instead.
The scene was filmed in Germany, with the assistance of the German army, who provided vehicles and personnel for the scene. The chase was shot over a period of several days, with McQueen and the stuntman performing the stunts repeatedly to get the perfect shot.
The Legacy of the Scene
The motorcycle chase scene in The Great Escape has become one of the most iconic moments in cinema history. The scene has been parodied and referenced in countless films and television shows, and has become a part of popular culture. The scene has also inspired countless motorcyclists, with many attempting to recreate the scene themselves.
Steve McQueen's performance in The Great Escape, and in particular the motorcycle scene, has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest actors in Hollywood history. The scene is a testament to McQueen's skill and dedication as an actor and stuntman, and will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest moments in cinema history.
Conclusion
The motorcycle chase scene in The Great Escape is a legendary moment in cinema history, and is a testament to Steve McQueen's skill as an actor and stuntman. The scene has become a part of popular culture, and will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
