One of the interesting things about Dolph Lundgren is that he almost exclusively plays a protagonist. While most people may have been introduced to him as villain Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, Dolph’s filmography primarily consists of him being a good guy who is current or former police or military. While I could spend time waxing philosophic about how great of a person Dolph is in real life, I think it’s far more interesting to dissect Dolph by using his films as a road map to better living and filmmaking.
Lesson #1: Respect Women or Face Wrath
Women are often subjects of the male gaze and/or wrath in action films. Ever think about hitting a woman or talking down to her? Not on Dolph’s watch. He loves to beat the ever living shit out of misogynists and rapists. As a woman who loves action films, it is deeply satisfying to watch. The only thing I may find more satisfying is watching white supremacists and Nazis bite the big one. This should be a lesson to everyone: be real cool to women or bad things will happen to you.
Lesson #2: Only Bang Badass Chicks
Oddly enough, for as sexy and amazing as Dolph is, he rarely beds women in his films. In the rare instances that he does, they are typically kickass women he respects who who can handle their business. No damsels in distress need apply. Whether they are cops, assassins, or fighters, Dolph has good taste in women. This is really rad for an action star. You hear that ladies? No longer do we have to be waif cult of domesticity staring at yellow wallpaper housewives. We can be awesome, have men respect us, and still get laid!
Lesson #3: Accept Responsibility
In many action movies, the hero is a hot mess that willingly lets people take the fall to let him continue his quest. Dolph’s characters have integrity and look out for his crew. Did he ask you to do something that might jeopardize your career? He’ll take the heat. Did you get killed in the line of duty? He’ll get revenge. Dolph handles it responsibly, and doesn’t let his people down. Take this approach in every day life, and you will have a rad group of homies who have your back when the apocalypse comes.
Lesson #4: Brains Keep You Alive
Dolph’s characters are studious and smart. Perhaps it has something to do with him being a genius in real life. To stay alive, Dolph’s characters investigate, read maps, set traps, employ battle strategies, and solve problems. Sure, being tough really helps, but you won’t win the war without a good strategy. Even if you can punch your way through problems, using your brain helps keep you alive. Read more books, learn more skills, and build some stuff with your hands. It will help save your life in a pinch.
Lesson #5: Be Good With Kids Instead of Making Kid Movies
Many action stars make the ultimate mistake by making a kid movie. “Oh, he’s so great. Moms love him! Let’s make a family film!” Wrong move. These movies suck to watch and often take up years of what would otherwise be quality filmographies. Instead, Dolph is just good with kids in normal action movies. When kids are present, they are often integral parts of the story whether by providing intelligence or stepping up during a fight. That even happens when he finally makes his only family film, Kindergarten Cop 2. This is a much better approach to filmmaking. It is also a much better approach to life. Rather than only doing kid things, include your kids in every day life and teach them new skills they can use for the rest of their lives.
Lesson #6: Skip The Epilogue
We’ve all seen it. Hero fights Big Bad Evil Guy and wins. He’s surrounded by his friends and family while living his best life and getting a medal for his bravery. Yawn. This epilogue represents anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes of action that has been cut from the film to make room for some feel good garbage. You know who skips the epilogue and gives us more of what we want to see? Dolph. His movies typically end at the conclusion of the final battle like we all should. In real life, we shouldn’t do things for a ticker tape parade. We should do it because it’s the right thing to do and move on with the rest of our lives when it’s done.
Lesson #7: Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
By the time you make it through most of the Dolph films, you realize there is no way he takes himself too seriously. As he ages, his roles get smaller yet more robust in many ways. His comedic timing improves over the course of his career, and he exchanges raw fighting power for more nuanced performances. Every time he interacts with children, you can tell he has a little bit of child left in himself. My family has largely taken the approach of telling a lot of good jokes and keeping the laughter alive even in the darkest of times. I find it to be a healthy way to deal with anything life throws at me. We can all only hope that when we are in our 60s that we don’t take ourselves too seriously either.
