Stunt pilot Fred North reflects on Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Director Mark Molloy was alarmed by a helicopter maneuver performed during the film’s production. As the fourth installment of Beverly Hills Police Officer In the series, the film brings back Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley alongside his old friends John Taggart (John Ashton) and Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) when Axel’s daughter’s life is threatened. The stunt that involved a helicopter crash filmed with practical effects left Molloy visibly shaken.
During a video with Runner CrewNiko and Wren, North describe the Beverly Hills Cop 4 meticulously planned and executed stunts, using a real helicopter to reach the scene. Molloy’s reaction highlights the intensity of the stunt, which combined real elements with visual effects. North also shared how the training sessions for the stunt took place in a deserted field, building up to the final sequence that left Molloy surprised. Check out the video here:
So before I actually did it, I practiced on an empty field in the desert. What happened was the director, Mark Molloy, when I did the first one, he said ‘Fred, is that it?’ And then, he said, ‘Is that all you got?’ I mean, he’s fantastic, but he was on the floor, and I said ‘You know, Mark, I think the best thing would be if you came with us, and then you’ll see’, because to me, that’s something that you want to shoot from the helicopter inside. So, he came with us, and I did it, so he said ‘Fuck you!’ You know, that’s why they used another dose of them. This changes the perspective of the scary thing about the whole thing when, inside, I thought they did a great job on the CG acquisition, because obviously it didn’t actually lock. So we all agreed with Mark to do everything for real.
What does this mean for action in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Beverly Hills Cop 4 puts a premium on practical effects
Using a real helicopter for the crash scene in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is an example of his emphasis on practical effects for high-intensity action sequences. The production team’s decision to perform the stunt with a real helicopter required extensive planning, with North conducting preliminary training in the desert environment of his choosing. Furthermore, Molloy’s reaction to the opening shot of the scene highlights the unexpected intensity of the scene, even during filming. Furthermore, North’s experience with the director on set suggests that the realism of the stunt added another layer of difficulty in capturing the scene.
This helicopter stunt reflects the production team’s commitment to physical action and real-world execution, emphasizing the level of experience involved in filming these high-stakes stunts. As North’s explanation suggests, it takes a lot of work to execute a maneuver safely and correctly, and although Beverly Hills Police Officer It’s not on the same level as an action franchise like Mission: Impossibleit still leads to some impressive work behind the scenes. The combination of real stunts and safety measures increases the physicality and tangibility of the action seen in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
Our opinion on this daring helicopter maneuver
Stunt work is a vital part of film production
The helicopter maneuver seen in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a great example of how practical stunts can add a raw, visceral dimension to an action film. The danger involved in executing the scene proves the dedication and experience of the stunt team and actors. Molloy’s reaction is a reminder of the unique emotion that practical effects bring to the screen, and nothing compares to the tension and excitement of seeing something happen for real. It’s moments like this that remind us why stunt work remains a critical part of action cinema.
Source: Runner Crew