THE CROW — 30 Years Since The Tragic Death of Brandon Lee
It’s been 30 years since the death of Brandon Lee, and for me it feels like yesterday. I went to see the film on opening night, released one year later, after Brandon’s death. I left the theater with watery eyes, and to this day, I get overwhelmed with emotion watching this amazing film. The Crow was released May 13, 1994 and faced unprecedented amount of challenges to finish. Here are ten facts about the films difficulties and its impact on film history.
- Brandon Lee’s accidental death: On March 31, 1993, during the filming of a scene, Brandon Lee, who portrayed the main character Eric Draven, was accidentally shot with a defective blank round, and he died hours later in the hospital. This tragedy led to the film’s delay and major rewrites to work around Lee’s unfinished scenes.
- Script Changes: “The Crow” was based on a comic book series, but the movie’s script was changed significantly from the original story, including the removal of certain scenes and the addition of new ones to compensate for the loss of Brandon Lee.
- Bad weather: The production had to deal with heavy rainfall and winds during the outdoor filming, which made shooting difficult and delayed the schedule.
- Set destruction: The film’s sets, including the one for the climactic finale, were destroyed by a fire that broke out during a break in filming. The fire was caused by a carpenter who accidentally ignited a gasoline-soaked rag while using a grinder.
5. Creative differences: Director Alex Proyas reportedly clashed with producer Jeff Most over the film’s tone and style, which caused tension on the set.
6. Actor injuries: Several actors sustained injuries during filming, including stunt performers who were injured during a car stunt, and actress Bai Ling, who fell through a roof while shooting a scene.
7. Cultural impact: Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding its production, “The Crow” went on to become a cult classic and garnered a devoted fan base. The film’s dark and gothic aesthetic, coupled with Brandon Lee’s powerful performance, resonated with audiences and cemented its status as a cult favorite.
8. Respectful tribute: The filmmakers and the production team ensured that “The Crow” served as a respectful tribute to Brandon Lee. They honored his memory throughout the film’s marketing and promotion while highlighting his performance.
9. Changing safety standards: The tragic incident on the set of “The Crow” led to increased scrutiny and changes in safety protocols within the film industry. It prompted stricter regulations concerning the handling and use of firearms on set to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
10. Legacy of Brandon Lee: Brandon Lee’s untimely death elevated his status as an actor, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry and his fans. He is remembered for his dedication to his craft and the tragedy that occurred during the production of “The Crow.”
Despite these challenges, the film was eventually completed and released to critical and commercial success, becoming a cult classic.
Please Check Out Episode 12 of the Retro Media Talk Podcast to learn more about ‘The Crow’ film and what happened during filming.
