The Stunt Man

The Stunt Man

Year: 1980

Runtime: 131 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Rush

ActionDramaThrillerComedyRomance

A fugitive hiding from the law finds an unexpected opportunity when he inadvertently disrupts a Hollywood film set. A manipulative director proposes a dangerous bargain: he’s offered protection and a role as a stuntman in exchange for playing the part. Navigating this perilous situation, he becomes entangled in a thrilling and forbidden romance with the film's leading lady while facing escalating risks and a deadly game with potentially fatal consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Stunt Man yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Stunt Man (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Stunt Man (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s

Set in the 1970s, this era reflects the aftermath of the Vietnam War, characterized by societal upheaval and a search for meaning among veterans. Soldiers returning from war faced numerous challenges, including psychological trauma and reintegration. The film captures this disillusionment through Cameron's struggles and his quest for redemption.

Location

Vietnam, film set

The story begins in Vietnam, a place steeped in the struggle and turmoil of war, serving as a poignant backdrop to Cameron's troubled past. The film set represents the world of cinematic illusion, where reality blurs with fiction, highlighting the artifice of filmmaking. This dual setting accentuates the themes of deception and identity as Cameron navigates through both environments.

🏞️ Vietnam 🎬 Film Set

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:25

Main Characters – The Stunt Man (1980)

Meet the key characters of The Stunt Man (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cameron

Cameron is a Vietnam veteran struggling with his past and seeking refuge in a world of film. His character exhibits vulnerability and heroism, marked by moments of self-doubt and bravery. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of deception, his loyalty and survival instincts are put to the test.

🪖 Veteran 🎬 Stuntman 🏃‍♂️ Heroism

Eli Cross

Eli is the enigmatic director who embodies both the creative genius and the manipulative force in the film. His calculated gaze and willingness to deceive others make him a complex antagonist. As he pulls strings behind the scenes, his character challenges the moral boundaries of art and life.

🎬 Director 🎭 Manipulation 🕵️‍♂️ Antagonist

Nina Franklin

Nina is the lead actress navigating her own entanglements with Eli while catching Cameron's eye. She represents both vulnerability and strength, as her past complicates her current affections. Through her interactions with Cameron, she adds layers of emotional depth and tension within the storyline.

🎭 Actress ❤️ Love Interest 🎬 Complexity

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:25

Major Themes – The Stunt Man (1980)

Explore the central themes of The Stunt Man (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Identity

Identity is a crucial theme as Cameron grapples with his troubled past while being thrust into the world of filmmaking. The blurred lines between his reality and the roles he plays create a complex relationship with self-perception. His journey signifies a quest for authenticity amid deceit.

⚡ Deception

Deception permeates the narrative, embodied by Eli's manipulations and the complex dynamics between the characters. Cameron's engagement in the film as a stuntman is laced with dangers stemming from Eli's ulterior motives. As the story unfolds, the thin veneer of trust and betrayal adds tension to the film's climax.

❤️ Love

The theme of love is intertwined with Cameron's growing affection for Nina, creating emotional stakes amid the chaos. Their relationship is complicated by Eli's influence and past connections, making their bond both a source of strength and vulnerability. Love serves as both a motivator and a source of conflict.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:25

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies that blur reality like The Stunt Man

Stories where the line between performance and truth dangerously blurs.If you enjoyed the unsettling mind games of The Stunt Man, this collection features similar movies where reality is a slippery concept. Discover psychological thrillers and dramatic stories centered on cinematic deception, shifting identities, and manipulative power dynamics that keep you guessing until the end.

paranoidunsettlingmind-bendingdeceptivepsychologicalsuspensefulmanipulative

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often an outsider or fugitive, being drawn into a fabricated world controlled by a deceptive figure. As they participate in the illusion, they struggle to discern the truth, leading to a crisis of identity and a confrontation that questions the very foundations of their reality.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together by their shared core theme of perceptual distortion. They create a cohesive viewing experience through a tense tone, complex narrative structures, and a pervasive mood of paranoia, making the audience active participants in unraveling the deception.

Fugitive thrillers with high tension like The Stunt Man

Desperate characters hiding in plain sight, facing deadly new risks.For viewers who liked the life-or-death stakes of The Stunt Man, this section gathers movies about fugitives on the run who become entangled in dangerous new worlds. These stories share a tense atmosphere, high intensity, and a focus on survival against overwhelming odds.

suspensefulanxiousdangeroussurvivalcynicalthrillinghigh stakes

Narrative Summary

The journey follows a protagonist fleeing from a past crime or authority, who is offered a risky bargain for shelter. This new situation presents its own lethal challenges, pitting the fugitive against a powerful antagonist and testing their survival instincts in a world where they can trust no one.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a core premise of a fugitive protagonist, a consistently high level of tension, and a steady pacing that builds suspense towards a climactic confrontation. The experience is defined by constant danger, moral ambiguity, and the psychological toll of living a double life.

Unlock the Full Story of The Stunt Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Stunt Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Stunt Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Stunt Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Stunt Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Stunt Man Summary

The Stunt Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Stunt Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Stunt Man Timeline

The Stunt Man Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Stunt Man that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Stunt Man Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Stunt Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Stunt Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Stunt Man

Similar Movies to The Stunt Man

Discover movies like The Stunt Man that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.