Behind the scenes of ‘Slow Horses’: A thrilling bus crash and comedic genius
A day on set: Anticipation and excitement
Imagine the thrill of watching a bus crash into a house. This was the scene on the set of the British spy thriller Slow Horses, where the cast and crew gathered with picnic tables to witness the spectacle. The excitement was palpable, with even the families of the crew members joining in to watch the action unfold.
The making of a dramatic scene
Slow Horses, based on Mick Herron’s novel, follows a group of disgraced MI5 agents relegated to a department known as Slough House. Led by the slovenly yet effective Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman, these agents are determined to redeem themselves. Each season of the series adapts a book from Herron’s Slough House series, providing a rich narrative backdrop for the actors.
The challenge of a bus crash
Christopher Chung, who plays Roddy Ho, was initially skeptical about the feasibility of the bus crash scene. Having read the book before filming Season 3, he expected the moment to be either cut or replicated with CGI due to its logistical challenges. However, the creative team behind Slow Horses was determined to bring this scene to life authentically.
Crafting the perfect shot
Director Saul Metzstein and writer-executive producer Will Smith faced the challenge of making the bus crash both dramatic and believable. Early concepts involved filming the bus from the outside, but this approach proved too slow and tedious. Instead, they opted to immerse the audience in Lamb’s perspective, creating a more engaging and suspenseful experience.
Technical hurdles and creative solutions
Executing the scene required meticulous planning and coordination. The team used two different buses: one for exterior shots and another for the actual crash. They also constructed physical elements like a porch and staircase landing to ensure the scene’s technical accuracy. Metzstein emphasized the importance of the eye line between Lamb and Ho, designing the stairs to facilitate this crucial comedic moment.
The comedic brilliance of Christopher Chung
One of the scene’s highlights is the comedic dynamic between Lamb and Ho. Metzstein praised Chung for his ability to deliver lines without overtly attempting to be funny, enhancing the scene’s humor. Following the crash, Oldman’s character delivers the now-iconic line, “Walk me through your thinking,” a moment that has become a fan favorite.
Improvisation and character moments
The scene also featured an improvised line from Saskia Reeves’ character, Catherine Standish, who greets Roddy with a simple “Hello, Roddy” upon encountering the bus. Smith’s approach to giving actors the freedom to explore their characters allowed for these spontaneous and memorable moments.
A testament to creative freedom
Smith expressed gratitude for the support from Apple and the production team, who allowed them to execute the ambitious scene without compromise. This creative freedom enabled the team to deliver a memorable and impactful moment that might have been cut in other productions.
Watch the trailer
For those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes magic of Slow Horses, you can watch the trailer here.
Final thoughts
The bus crash scene in Slow Horses is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the cast and crew. It showcases the perfect blend of drama and comedy, brought to life through meticulous planning and a commitment to authenticity. This moment, and the series as a whole, highlights the power of storytelling and the importance of creative freedom in producing compelling television.
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