Emily Blunt’s Impressive Balancing Act in Edge of Tomorrow: Behind the Scenes

When Emily Blunt's character, Rita Vrataski, is seen performing an impressive balancing act in the training room scene of the 2014 film Edge of Tomorrow, fans often question the authenticity of her performance. Was it truly a display of her skills or was it enhanced through camera angles and editing?

The Role of Training

Blunt underwent extensive training for her role, including military-style workouts and combat training, which significantly contributed to her physicality in the film. This training not only built her strength but also helped her in showcasing her athleticism. The balancing act in question was designed to highlight Rita's expertise and confidence in combat, making her a formidable opponent for the antagonist.

Behind the Scenes

According to interviews with Emily Blunt and her trainers, some aspects of the scene were indeed enhanced through camera angles and editing. While she did perform various exercises and stunts, the long durations of holding specific yoga positions, such as the planche, often required additional support. The straps or strings attached to her knees and ankles were used to assist her in maintaining the position, a technique commonly employed in stunt photography.

The Planche Myth

Some have compared her performance to the planche, a yoga move that requires a monumental amount of strength. While many believe that Blunt achieved the position on her own, experts suggest it is highly unlikely. A planche is a position where the body is supported entirely by the arms, requiring extraordinary strength in the upper body and core muscles. Achieving such a position even after rigorous training is challenging, let alone for an actress who does not train professionally. Even experienced yoga masters with 10 to 20 years of experience struggle to perform a planche.

Verification with Expert Opinions

Looking at the video clip, it is evident that her hand position would be impossible to hold the balance without support or a hidden support system. For the planche position to be possible, her palm would need to be close to her waist, and the angle between her forearm and biceps should be greater than 90 degrees. This is due to the center of gravity. The camera angles and strategic editing likely contributed to the illusion of her performing the move independently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Emily Blunt's performance in Edge of Tomorrow was a result of her extensive training and dedication to her role, some elements were undoubtedly enhanced through techniques such as camera angles and support systems. The film's production team strived to create the most convincing and action-packed scenes to captivate viewers, and this included augmenting her balancing act for optimal viewing.