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Written and directed by Amanda Micheli; starring Jeannie Epper and Zoe Bell. Released to DVD on June 7, 2005.  For much of the last 50 years, there has been quite a stigma attached to the word ‘documentary’. School children used to cower in fear at the thought of watching a documentary as they would a Merchant/Ivory production (I should know, I used to be one of trembling youngsters). In general, movie-goers would brush aside the notion of watching a documentary in favor of something that was fun and entertaining. Things began to change a few years ago with Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine when word got out that, surprise, documentaries could be fun and entertaining too! All it took was less of a focus on Holocaust survivors and more witty jokes. Who would ever have guessed? Double Dare is a documentary that seamlessly bridges the gap between old and new, effortlessly combining depth, detail and amusement into one very enjoyable package. Director Amanda Micheli turns her camera onto two stuntwomen, veteran Jeannie Epper and newcomer Zoe Bell. Epper has been working in the film industry since the early ‘70s; her most notable gig to date was doubling for Lynda Carter on the television show, Wonder Woman. As part of the Epper family of stunt people–Jeannie’s dad, John Epper, used to double for Errol Flynn and Gary Cooper among others–Epper brings a legitimacy and solidity to the film. Bell is a New Zealander who, when we are introduced to her, is working her first job in the business, doubling for Lucy Lawless on the set of Xena: Warrior Princess. Micheli follows the two women over the course of two years, roughly 2001-03, as Epper deals with issues involving the stunt guild and Bell sets her sites on making it in Hollywood.  Epper is an effusive personality who has a sweet, motherly nature about her that A) isn’t seen in the film industry often and that B) endears the audience to her story. Bell is an equally dynamic, if somewhat freer spirit. Complete with piercings, an urban hipster sensibility and a desire to throw herself into her work (and through walls), Bell provides an exuberant and youthful perspective to the proceedings. The idea of pairing a crafty and respected industry veteran with an up and comer is nothing new to the documentary world; it was the premise of Christian Charles’ 2002 film, Comedian. However, unlike Charles’ project, Micheli cast two warm, likable women in the leads. The lesson is rather simple and obvious: obnoxious people make poor subjects. With its focus on behind-the-scenes Hollywood and unique stunt activities, Double Dare is an intriguing look into the lives of two wondrously charismatic women in one of the world’s most interesting professions. It is almost impossible to watch this film and not walk out of the room thinking about the merits and upside of a career spent jumping off of buildings and being lit on fire.
Chris Neumer yes, it's true: The Epper stunt family boasts twelve members who've done stunts on screen. |
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