Synopsis

After professional assassin Chev Chelios is poisoned with a synthetic drug designed to stop his heart whenever his adrenaline drops, he launches into a frantic race across Los Angeles. With only a short time to live, Chev seeks revenge on the people responsible while using increasingly extreme methods to keep himself moving, protect his girlfriend, and settle unfinished business.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was written in 2003, initially with Johnny Knoxville in mind for the lead role. Jason Statham ultimately took the part after being encouraged to play Chev seriously and let the outrageous dialogue provide the comedy.

• Rather than using conventional 35mm film, the production relied heavily on digital video and high-definition cameras. The lighter equipment helped the filmmakers capture fast-moving action in crowded Los Angeles locations.

• The directors operated much of the camera work themselves. During one motorcycle sequence, a camera operator reportedly filmed while moving backward on rollerblades alongside the speeding bike.

• Statham performed his own fight and car stunts, including the climactic helicopter sequence filmed high above Los Angeles.

• The movie was shot extensively on location, with scenes filmed in areas including downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Boyle Heights, Inglewood, and Chinatown.

• The public reaction during the outdoor sex scene was genuine. The production used the surrounding crowd's unscripted responses to heighten the scene's chaotic, uncomfortable humor.

• A caged bird that appears to be shot was not harmed. The bird's apparent death was created digitally in post-production.

• The DVD release included a feature called "Crank'd Out Mode," which allowed viewers to access commentary, behind-the-scenes material, interviews, maps, deleted material, and other extras while watching the movie.

• Released in 2006, the film earned more than $42 million worldwide against an estimated $12 million budget and led to the 2009 sequel Crank: High Voltage.