Welcome to October. The leaves change. The winds blow colder. The colors of August shower down in beautiful reds and oranges. The hint of Halloween begins to permeate the thoughts of adults and children alike, as dancing skeletons and back lit Jack o’ Lanterns adorn the porches of houses and apartments everywhere.
This is the season when we dance with the dead. Ghosts, vampires, zombies and other creatures that go bump in the night all join the party, and the things that would normally frighten us become commonplace. It’s the season to celebrate the dead, and honor them in the strange way we’ve come to embrace Halloween. The fantasy of Halloween’s make-believe spirit, and the tragedy of reality’s ability to silence talent never clashed harder than they did in 1993.
Brandon Lee, son of legendary martial artist and founder of Jeet Kun Do, Bruce Lee, was a rising star among the Hollywood elite. He had already been the star in “Rapid Fire”, and shared equal status with veteran Dolph Lundgren in “Showdown in Little Tokyo” before accepting the title role in “The Crow.” The role, adapted from James O’ Barr’s graphic novel, would prove a challenge for the younger Lee; a marriage of vengeance and sympathy. Along the way, Lee would establish relationships with O’Barr, Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), and newcomer Rochelle Davis.
His presence made an impact on everyone on the set. During the filming of an omitted scene, Brandon was shot with a failed prop gun, and his injuries ultimately led to his death, just as an undocumented allergy led to his father’s death a decade earlier. Brandon never lived to see the launch of The Crow franchise, or his immense rise in popularity. His charisma and coordination defined the character of Eric Draven more than O’Barr’s narrative ever could, or any other actor might have attempted at the time.
Brandon Lee was, in a sentence, a genius who died too soon. He had already proven himself as an actor, and a martial artist, before his untimely death. Do yourself a favor. Go back. Watch The Crow. Pay attention to the little things that Brandon does on screen. You’ll be surprised how many of those things reflect directly on him. When you’re done, take a few moments to remember Brandon and Bruce Lee.
We all feel terrible about the deaths of individuals like Bruce and Brandon Lee, but we can’t focus on the negative. They both realized that they needed to make the most out of their opportunity. And, in reflection, both Bruce and Brandon lived unmistakable, unforgettable lives…both on, and off, the screen.
Bruce and Brandon are both loved…and missed.
nK