Jason Statham's Chev Chelios takes a lot of punishment in Crank (2006) and its sequel Crank: High Voltage (out on Friday).
But if he was real and not, uh, a movie character, could he really survive all that adrenaline-guzzling, heart-pummelling, blood pressure-raising action?
totalfilm.com asked Dr Hugh Montgomery, a senior lecturer in cardiovascular genetics at University College London to cast a medical eye over Chev's punishing schedule...
Crank
In the original movie, Chev is poisoned by a slow-acting drug. He must keep his heart-rate above a certain level in order to stay alive. To do this, he tries several novel approaches...
1. Grills his hand in a toasted sandwich-maker
"People get a little uptight about the true realities of these things," says Dr Montgomery. "Medical dramas try so hard to be 'real' they end up fucking it up. This is like the bit in Pulp Fiction where they stick a huge needle into Uma Thurman's heart - it's not taking it so seriously. It's just enormously funny!"
2. Has sex with Amy Smart in a public place
"Well, this would obviously get his heart racing. Yes. I approve."
Comments
Rachie
Apr 15th 2009, 11:56
I am stupidly excited by Crank 2. Hope Crank 3 really is a nuclear-powered hard man. Long live Chelios!
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Rachie
Apr 15th 2009, 11:57
Long live Chelios! I cannay wait!
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timisstupid
Apr 16th 2009, 12:57
yeah man. i hate people who say it's bull. it's a bloody movie. it's not reality, it's action and it's fun. really, what statham does best. it's supposed to be over the top, and like many other films (shoot 'em up, planet terror etc) that's what makes them work.
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