From Stuntman to Author: Eric Jacobus on Violence and Action Design

Welcome to the first episode of Cinema Yugen in 2025, where action filmmaker and motion capture stuntman Eric Jacobus joins the show with host Kent Hill to discuss his new book, "If These Fists Could Talk." Over the past 15 years, Jacobus has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, working on projects like "God of War Ragnarok" and "Mortal Combat 1." In this episode, Jacobus not only shares his journey from a computer programming enthusiast to an industry-renowned action designer, but he also delves deep into his unique hypothesis of human violence.

Jacobus invites listeners into his intriguing world where action and violence are more than just cinematic spectacles—they are languages with rich dialects and cultural narratives. Kent and Eric dive into how different cultures portray violence in media, from the choreographed elegance of Hong Kong cinema to the symbolic nuances found in Japanese samurai films. By elucidating his theory, he offers a compelling perspective on how these cinematic styles reflect broader societal dynamics.

Listeners will be captivated as they hear about Jacobus's mental debug companion 'Quilt Man,' his experiences with violence in day-to-day life, and his innovative take on film making as a tool to decode the enigma of human combat. As Eric prepares to release his book and continues pioneering action design in film and gaming, this episode promises invaluable insights into the heart and mind of a creative genius intricately balancing storytelling with explosive physicality.

From Stuntman to Author: Eric Jacobus on Violence and Action Design

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