Letterboxd Unboxed: John Wick
Keanu Reeves’ return to action hero stardom came in the form of 2014’s "John Wick," a stylish and brutal ride that redefined the action genre. Written by Derek Kolstad, the film was directed by Chad Stahelski, the former stuntman and second unit director who previously worked with Reeves on "The Matrix" trilogy.
The film introduces us to the titular character, a retired hitman who has left his life of crime behind after the tragic loss of his wife. However, his world is turned upside down when his own dog, his beloved beagle Dakota, is attacked by thugs hired by a rival gang, and the only thing left of her is a tiny box holding the remains of her paw.
Seeking revenge and driven by grief, John Wick (Keanus Reeves) goes on a rampage, taking down both the gang members and their employer, Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen), in a series of graphic and unyielding set piece confrontations. These scenes of violence are also marked by their incredible beauty, thanks to a keen eye for aesthetics and a fetishization of gunplay.
This dichotomy – between the beauty of the violence and the pain it inflicts – is at the heart of "John Wick." A film that once seemed to only celebrate the brutal, action-oriented aspects of its protagonist, John Wick, has, over time, grown into a nuanced exploration of a man’s descent into chaos and his own capacity for violence.
The film’s production design is equally noteworthy. The world of "John Wick" is one of extreme minimalism, where the actors inhabit a carefully constructed aesthetic world devoid of color, deeming the tone and overall atmosphere to be more grounded in reality.
The supporting cast, consisting of Willem Dafoe, Lance Reddick, and Dean Winters, each contribute to the world of "John Wick," adding layers to the narrative. Moreover, Michael Nyqvist and Adrianne Palicki make their appearances as the cold-blooded Marcus and the stunning, bored Vigilante respectively.
Since its release, "John Wick" has spawned a successful franchise with four installments, cementing the character of John Wick as a new icon in the action genre. The film set a new standard for gunplay and showcasing innovative, high-stakes action sequences on the big screen. The film’s success lies in its subtle touch, laid-back pace, and its thematic exploration of the consequences of John Wick’s actions.
"John Wick" and its franchise can be considered as an explosively kinetic, eighties action movies, dripping with style, and with sights almost entirely new.