JC VAN DAMME Cannes 1992 - Almost Fight DOLPH LUNDGREN

READ MORE HERE !! JCVD : The Cannes Film Festival was founded in 1939; it is one of the world's most prestigious film festivals. For 12 days, usually in May, the yearly festival is held in the seaside resort of Cannes, in the southern part of France kissing the Mediterranean. It has a grand festival-like atmosphere showcasing independent films of artistic quality This plush festival setting provided in 1992 a unique environment for Jean-Claude Van Damme to promote his soon to be released film: "Universal Solider". Van Damme films have since earned over $1 billion world wide. But, in the 1990's Van Damme was known to be creative in his attempts to promote his films by giving interviews. Van Damme is colorful; his witty interviews tended to make for attention-grabbing media copy. However, at the 1992-Cannes Festival, Van Damme and Dolph meet on stage attired in formal tuxedos. After an exchange of a few pleasantries, the 5 ft. 8½ inch Van Damme, and star of "Universal Solider" with both hands double-strikes the upper chest of Dolph, the 6 ft 4¼ inch co-star. Though the film (@1:03) captures the moment, it reveals no logic for Van Damme's explosive and seemingly unprovoked action. On being struck, Dolph who towers high over Van Damme easily shoves Van Damme back several steps with the use of his one hand. Van Damme's face appears blank, then turns apparently surprised at the shove at the hand of Dolph. Van Damme retreats backwards as aides to both Dolph and Van Damme move to separate the two. Nevertheless, this minor physical exchange between the two has suggested a "fight" had all but broken out on the open stage platform between the two accomplished martial artists. The "fight" gathered a lot of press coverage -- all of which was good for upcoming release of "Universal Soldier" as movie goers and fans of Dolph and Van Damme hotly debated who would actually win a fight between the two champions. THE CONTROVESY: Of course, in the movie," Universal Solider", Van Damme wins against Dolph! But, in reality, Dolph's fans claimed Dolph would surely win against Van Damme; naturally, Van Damme fans maintain an opposite view. Subsequently, both men acknowledged the "fight" was a publicity stunt to promote "Universal Soldiers". STAGED PROMOTION OR GENUINE RIFT: For some, the admission it was a publicity stunt is good enough for them. For others, the admission seen as an after the fact "spin" to cover-over a fiasco between the two former friends. WHAT DO YOU THINK?: Some viewers sense a quick smile across face of Van Damme face as he first backs away suggesting he was laughing at the "mock" confrontation. Others suggest it was too clumsy to have been "staged". Doubters note a staged publicity stunt would make the confrontation look ambiguous so neither could be blamed for starting the fight, the fight would have been more "exciting" and the two would have stood firm to theatrically face down their opponent in a stare match hurling animated insults if not throwing some high kicks and long jabs at each other. WHO'D WIN?: Some believe Van Damme was more flexible and faster with good ability to land hard kick could beat Dolph. But, Dolph fans, naturally disagree pointing to Dolph's physical power and ability to absorb strong hits. Others note that Dolph is skilled in "Kyokushin Karate", which emphasizes realistic combat, physical toughness, and practicality in its training curriculum. Others argue Van Damme practiced "Shotokan." a traditional karate style tied to stylized form but not particularly combat hardened and he would be no match for a Kyokushin Champion like Dolph. But, this argument overlooks Van Damme was also proficient in Taekwondo and Muay Thai in addition to Shotokan karate. Many believe it's not the style but the fighter that counts. GREAT FIGHTERS: For sure, any fight between the two would have been colossal. Van Damme would have been no push-over, he had full-contact experience winning his black belt early at age 18. He also won 16 of his 17 matches typically within first several seconds of the first round! In 1980 Van Damme strongly overpowered and beat Patrick Teugels, the 1979-Worlds Second Best Karate Champion. Van Damme's flying kicks were exceptional; Dolph's strikes were powerful. Who knows? Likely the two enjoyed the controversy as much as they enjoyed working with each other in "Universal Soldier"! ______________________ *** Special Note to Youtbubers: I would be pleased if (1) you would be interested to read Van Damme's Biography that I co-wrote as it appears on www.fandamme.net and/or (2) watched me starring in my own video demonstrating a high energy martial art fight: Interrogation Room. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFl1YJ... ). Thank you! Louis-Philippe Simard of Studio LPS Montreal, Canada http://youtube.com/studiolps .

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YouTube | March 22, 2008

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