The chase set-piece on Lower Wacker Drive (filmed under Chicago) where the Joker's Mack truck is flipped end-over-end by the Batpod's grappling hook. Achieved practically using a high-pressure nitrogen ram fitted under the front of the truck cab; the ram fired on cue, lifting the cab so the truck pitched forward into a controlled longitudinal roll. No CG in the flip itself; minor digital extension was added for the Batpod cable line.
Credits
Stunt team
Coordinator
Rigging
Equipment + technique
Nitrogen-charged front ram
Mfr Special Effects Department (Chris Corbould)High-pressure nitrogen cannon mounted under the cab; on-cue firing produced the front-end lift.
Internal roll-cage
Welded steel frame in the cab + trailer to maintain survival space; no human in the cab during the flip.
Vehicles
Picture car + tow rig
Picture car
Modifications
- ·internal roll-cage
- ·front-mounted nitrogen ram
- ·puppet driver
Towing rig
Self-Driven Up To Flip Cue
Safety
Officer + bulletins
Bulletins observed
- SAG-AFTRA Bulletin #19 (Vehicles)
Rigging glossary
2 rigs used in this sequence
Each entry explains how the rig works mechanically and the safety bulletin that governs it. Click through for the full glossary detail.
vehicle
Cannon-roll
The pyrotechnic-driven barrel roll that sends a picture-car flipping end-over-end. The signature shot of the Bond and Mission: Impossible chase tradition.
vehicle
Pipe-ramp
The buried steel-ramp gag that lifts a moving vehicle into a barrel-roll without a cannon. Lower-budget cousin of the cannon-roll, used for chases where the rotation is less violent.
References
Further reading
- The Dark Knight: Chris Corbould on the flipfxguidefxguide
- Lower Wacker chase: shooting in ChicagoAmerican Cinematographerinterview