How did Real Bullets Find Themselves in the Prop Gun That Killed Brandon Lee?
Brandon Lee, a rising star and son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, tragically died in 1993 on the set of his film The Crow. This is the story of how a prop gun accident involving real bullets led to Lee's death, emphasizing the importance of safety measures on film sets.
The Accident of The Crow
The Crow, a dark fantasy film based on a comic book series, saw Lee playing the lead role of Eric Draven, a rock musician who is revived by a crow to seek revenge for his fiancée's murder. On March 30, 1993, Lee was filming a scene in which his character is shot by a gang of thugs with a .44 Magnum revolver.
Supposedly, the revolver used in the scene was loaded with blanks—that is, cartridges containing gunpowder but no bullet. However, unbeknownst to the cast and crew, the revolver in question had a real bullet fragment in its barrel which had become stuck from a previous scene. This previous scene involved the replacement of blanks with dummy cartridges, which were supposed to simulate realistic-looking bullets in close-up shots.
The Negligence Behind the Accident
During the setup of the scene, the prop master replaced the dummy cartridges with blanks and did not inspect the barrel for any obstructions. When one of the thugs fired a blank at Lee, the blast of hot gas pushed the bullet fragment through the barrel and into Lee's abdomen, causing severe injuries.
Despite the warnings and the presence of a prop master, the armorer failed to inspect the barrel for obstructions, and the production crew allowed an actor to shoot a firearm without taking necessary safety precautions. Additionally, there was no immediate emergency action taken when Lee fell, leading to a delay in medical intervention.
Lessons and Legacy
Brandon Lee's death was ruled an accident due to negligence, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to safety rules on film sets. The prop gun used in the scene should have been thoroughly inspected to ensure it was safe for use, and Lee should have been protected from the risks posed by the firearm.
Lee's death significantly influenced the film industry, drawing attention to the hazards of prop guns and emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures. As a result, actors and crew members now treat prop guns as if they were real and adhere to strict protocols for their loading, unloading, and handling.
The tragedy of Brandon Lee's death has left a lasting legacy. His performances continue to be remembered and admired, and the film The Crow is dedicated to his memory and that of his fiancée Eliza Hutton, whom he planned to marry after completing the film.