BERGEN, NORWAY – The filming of the renowned train scene in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” took an unexpected turn when the production team had to shift locations from the Swiss Alps to Norway. Fraser Taggart, the film’s cinematographer, explained that the decision to shoot in Norway was based on practicality, as they needed a location that could accommodate the train scene and the accompanying motorcycle jump. Norway was chosen due to Taggart’s previous positive experience filming “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” there.
In the film, Tom Cruise performs a daring stunt, riding a motorcycle off a cliff and parachuting to safety during free fall. Not only did the Norwegian government express concerns about filming a fight scene on top of a moving train, but the filmmakers also had to overcome bureaucratic obstacles to obtain the necessary permits and approvals. However, after presenting a proof of concept and assuring the authorities of safety precautions, the shoot was given the green light.
Taggart faced the challenge of making the motorcycle jump and fight scene work seamlessly. He aimed to avoid a typical Hollywood aesthetic and embraced the low-light environment to achieve a grittier look. The decision was made to shoot digitally instead of on film, as stopping the train every two minutes for film reel changes would have been impractical. With digital cameras, they could shoot continuously for up to 30-40 minutes.
To execute the fight scene effectively, hydraulic rigs were employed to tilt the set up to 30 degrees, adding a realistic sense of gravity. Despite safety measures, the height of the rig made the situation inherently dangerous. Taggart described the cameras as being elevated at a height of 100-150 feet.
On set, Hayley Atwell, one of the actors, impressed everyone with her bravery. Taggart vividly remembered her running on the tilting rig, leaping to land on the second carriage, and disappearing from view of the camera. Tom Cruise himself applauded Atwell’s fearless performance.
In the end, the production team successfully filmed the thrilling train scene in Norway, overcoming logistical challenges and ensuring the safety of the cast and crew. The decision to shoot digitally allowed for continuous filming, and the use of hydraulic rigs added authenticity to the fight scene. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” promises to be a heart-pounding action film, showcasing the dedication and daring of its cast and crew.
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In “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” the production team had to find an alternative location for the infamous train scene originally intended to be filmed aboard the Orient Express in the Swiss Alps. Cinematographer Fraser Taggart, who also worked on “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” explained that Norway was chosen as the replacement location for practical reasons. With the previous positive experience of filming in Norway, Taggart’s relationship with the country played a significant role in selecting it as the alternative location.
The Norwegian government raised concerns about safety when presented with the concept of filming a fight on top of a moving train in the mountains. It required extensive paperwork and approvals to address these concerns and ensure the necessary safety precautions were in place. Eventually, the shoot was approved, and Norway became the setting for the thrilling train scene.
The gravity-defying motorcycle jump performed by Tom Cruise, followed by a parachute descent, added an extra level of danger to the scene. In order to capture the desired gritty aesthetic, Taggart decided not to use traditional film cameras but to shoot digitally. This allowed for longer filming durations without the need for frequent reel changes.
To create a realistic fight scene, hydraulic rigs were used to tilt the set up to 30 degrees. This provided a natural sense of gravity, while cameras were positioned at a height of up to 150 feet, adding to the intensity of the scene.
During filming, actress Hayley Atwell showcased her bravery by performing daring stunts. Taggart recalled Atwell’s impressive leap onto the second carriage of the train, disappearing from view of the camera and earning praise from Tom Cruise for her audacity.
The successful execution of the train scene in Norway required careful planning, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring the safety of the cast and crew. By leveraging digital technology and employing hydraulic rigs, the production team achieved the desired thrilling and realistic effects for “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.”