Mel Gibson has long been celebrated for his roles in action films, crafting memorable characters steeped in intensity both on and off the screen. From his iconic performance in Braveheart to his direction of gripping narratives like Apocalypto and the harrowing Hacksaw Ridge, Gibson has consistently delivered high-stakes drama mixed with visceral violence. His career is marked by collaborations with Hollywood legends, such as Danny Glover and Jodie Foster, establishing his presence as a defining figure in the action genre.
However, even Hollywood’s elite aren’t exempt from critical assessment. A recent expert analysis has drawn attention to a specific scene from one of Gibson’s earlier films, and while it remains a fan favorite, it has faced sharp critique for its portrayal of firearm handling. This highlights the difference between entertaining action cinema and accurate depictions of weapon use.
Examining the Shooting Range Scene in Lethal Weapon
A Flawed Demonstration of Gun Handling
In the classic 1987 film Lethal Weapon, Gibson plays Martin Riggs, a troubled LAPD detective, alongside Danny Glover’s more composed character, Roger Murtaugh. Their chemistry is at the forefront as they confront a dangerous drug-smuggling ring. Directed by Richard Donner, this film not only became a hallmark in the buddy-cop genre but also set the stage for a continued franchise, with the anticipated Lethal Weapon 5 on the horizon. Among these memorable moments is a sequence at a shooting range where Riggs attempts to showcase his shooting skills by transforming a target into a smiley face.
Yet in a recent breakdown by Insider, firearms expert Patrick McNamara gave this iconic scene a mere 1 out of 10 for authenticity. Despite the scene’s thrilling façade, McNamara cited numerous errors indicative of poor gun handling and technique.
The sights on the revolver are pretty miniscule. They’re not very defined. He takes very, very little time to aim after he draws, and he hits this target directly between the running lights, which probably is not going to happen because the accuracy is really not that good.
Furthermore, McNamara meticulously dissected Riggs’ shooting form, highlighting gross inaccuracies that would likely dismay seasoned shooters:
Riggs’ form is very, very cringeworthy. He’s slapping the heck out of the trigger. He’s going a million miles on that trigger, and he’s shutting his eyes at every shot, and his whole body is flinching with every single shot. It’s not rhythmic. There’s no metronome rhythm there. It’s just ripping rounds into the target. It’s a horrible pistol marksmanship scene.
There’s no way he’d be able to print a smiley face on that target. They backed that target way up. I could shoot a smiley face at a target like that at 20 yards. It’s going to take me about 30 seconds or so. It’s going to be well-aimed shots, not just ripping rounds into the target.
I think every gun handler in the world goes back to this movie and talks about this scene right here because it’s horrible as far as gun handling and marksmanship.
Watch Analysis Here
Reflections on Riggs’ Shooting Technique
Finding Fun in Flawed Action
While the shooting range sequence in Lethal Weapon might falter in terms of realism, it undeniably encapsulates the hyperbolic bravado that defines Gibson’s character. This exaggerated portrayal adds a dramatic flair to the moment, potentially eclipsing its technical failings. The compelling synergy between Gibson and Glover enriches the scene, embodying the essence of chaotic camaraderie typical of their mismatched dynamic.
Even though the marksmanship depicted is highly unrealistic, it serves to reinforce the unique blend of madness and partnership that solidified Lethal Weapon as a defining film in its genre. The duo’s chemistry remains a hallmark of cinematic entertainment, reminding us that sometimes, the thrill of the story outweighs the need for precision.
Source: Insider
References for Further Reading: Screen Rant
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