• oTom
  • oTom
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Topic: John Landis - Liable or Not?

The jury didn't think he was liable, and while I haven't read anything more than a few articles, I'm not sure I agree.  Considering safety should always be the director's main concern during a major stunt sequence.  I understand that accidents happen, but he broke several rules to facilitate this accident - he brought in minors to work illegal hours, and didn't inform the parents of the explosives required for the scene.  That second fact ALONE makes him a major bastard.

Landis seems to blame the helicopter's design AND the pyro guy.

Anyway, thoughts?

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  • From: Gardena, California
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Re: John Landis - Liable or Not?

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  • oTom
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Re: John Landis - Liable or Not?

Wouldn't be the crux of any case, but I wouldn't call it immaterial - it shows a recklessness and a disregard for the rules when it comes to the kids' welfare (the reason the rules exist).  That Landis is a loose cannon.  And several people on set warned Landis of the dangers of that particular stunt, and even Landis said there is a chance the helo could be crashed by the stunt.

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  • Trey
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Re: John Landis - Liable or Not?

Trey's Website

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  • From: Indiana, USA
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Re: John Landis - Liable or Not?

We shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we're still talking about an event from almost 30 years ago because nothing much like it has happened since.

Given that movie directors are people who, generally speaking, you wouldn't leave your children with for a pool party (especially in the '80s), they've been incredibly responsible/lucky when it comes to not killing employees compared to other industries where people aren't even purposely set on fire, thrown off buildings, or hung out of helicopters.

I'm frankly surprised the film industry hasn't accidentally burned down Los Angeles by now.

Zarban's Website

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  • oTom
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Re: John Landis - Liable or Not?

Trey - Very informative.  But lets say for argument's sake that Landis was found guilty - you don't think he'd deserve jail time?  I'm not saying 20-life.  But Michael Vick time... 18 months, say.

Zarban - Isn't California that state thats always on fire?

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