Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Changed Action Films Forever 10 Years Ago

by

Quick Links

  • John Wick Proved That Less Is More
  • John Wick Stood Out With Its Unique Mythology and Career Resurrection
  • John Wick’s Influence Is Still Felt Ten Years Later

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema and action films, I can confidently say that John Wick was a game-changer. Ten years ago, it felt like the genre had lost its spark, but this film breathed new life into it. The unique camera angles, comic book-inspired worldbuilding, and Keanu Reeves‘ captivating performance as the titular character made it stand out from the pack.

During the early 2010s, the action genre was facing a genuine slump in quality. The thrill of the original Matrix and its groundbreaking bullet-time technique had lost some of its luster, while the impact of Paul Greengrass’s Bourne trilogy was being diminished by an increasing number of copycats, each one appearing less creative than the last. To make matters worse, the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe meant that what was once a respected genre now seemed to consist of rehashed ideas, making it feel like something outdated.

In the heart of the 2010s, the narrative was dramatically distinct. Movies such as “Kingsman: The Secret Service”, “The Raid: Redemption”, and “Mad Max: Fury Road” breathed life back into action sequences. Gone were the days of disorienting shaky cam and rapid cuts; instead, directors reintroduced us to captivating action scenes, predominantly filmed in extended takes that highlighted choreography and fluidity. It was a refreshing change, truly!

However, it’s quite possible that no film had as much impact on this style as the 2014 movie John Wick, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week. Although it wasn’t widely watched when it first came out, it quickly gained a devoted following and transformed into a cult classic. It revitalized Keanu Reeves’ career and, in many people’s opinions, single-handedly redefined action films for the contemporary era.

John Wick Proved That Less Is More

During the first part of the 21st century, action movies were characterized by a style that was over-the-top, with mixed results. However, nothing exerted as much influence as Paul Greengrass’s work on “The Bourne Supremacy” and “The Bourne Ultimatum”. These films stood out due to their intense action scenes being shot using a handheld camera to enhance realism, while rapidly editing them together with swift transitions. At the time, this artistic choice sparked controversy among some viewers and left others feeling queasy. However, it was effective because Greengrass employed this style more judiciously than he is often given credit for.

Reflecting on the numerous action films that followed in the footsteps of the Bourne series, I can’t help but appreciate Greengrass’s strategic choices such as frequently using wide shots to maintain a clear sense of location every 10 seconds or so. However, many overlooked this aesthetic choice, viewing it merely as a tool for storytelling without understanding its underlying purpose. Consequently, we were inundated with movies featuring confusing action scenes. I’d argue that there’s no more glaring illustration of how this trend can lead to chaos than the notorious scene in Taken 3 where Liam Neeson leaped over a fence using an astonishing 12 cuts within just 10 seconds.

In the process of collaborating as co-directors for the movie “John Wick”, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch opted for a more traditional approach, borrowing directorial styles from Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone. They emphasized using expansive shots and extended takes in their action scenes, thereby highlighting the visual arrangement and fight choreography. The outcome was captivating as it showed that sustained focus could keep viewers engaged, making the action sequences more immersive by reducing the need for frequent cuts.

As a movie enthusiast over the past decade, I’ve noticed an evolving trend in the action genre that seems to have become the new standard – one heavily influenced by innovative fight sequences, raw violence, and practical effects. Movies such as “Nobody,” penned by Derek Kolstad, who also wrote the “John Wick” series, “Atomic Blonde,” directed by David Leitch, and “Extraction” all lean heavily on this style. Despite their varying levels of success, it’s evident that they may not have existed in their current form without the blueprint laid out so effectively by “John Wick.

John Wick Stood Out With Its Unique Mythology and Career Resurrection

As a cinephile, I’d say what truly set John Wick apart was its uncanny ability to feel fresh and exhilarating, even with obvious classical influences. It could have easily been just another run-of-the-mill revenge thriller, but it had an energy that made it seem like a comic book brought to life on the big screen. The innovative camera angles used throughout the film gave it a unique aesthetic that stood out a decade ago, and many films today still emulate its distinctive use of neon lighting in action scenes.

The comic book motifs are particularly evident in the creation of the film’s environment. As John Wick pursued his vengeance, audiences caught glimpses of an extensive criminal network (which later inspired films like ‘The Beekeeper’ and ‘The Protégé’), marveled at the use of enigmatic gold coins as currency, and were intrigued by the Continental Hotel, a sanctuary for assassins. Although subsequent films expanded upon the lore in captivating manners, the initial film is notable for its deliberate ambiguity, suggesting a broader universe while maintaining emphasis on Wick’s odyssey.

It was the charm of Keanu Reeves that truly captured audiences in the film “John Wick.” At the beginning of the 2010s, many viewed Reeves as a fading star after several flop movies, and his acting style was often mocked online. However, “John Wick” didn’t just revive his career; it transformed it entirely.

In this movie, he was given an opportunity to use his typically reserved acting style in a fresh setting, expressing raw anger through his stillness and physicality rather than words. This convincing portrayal of anger showcased Keanu Reeves’ true acting talents, which has led him to primarily take on roles as silent, tough characters, such as Shadow in the upcoming “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” While his kind-hearted persona in Hollywood certainly contributed to this success, it’s safe to say that the “John Wick” franchise opened a new and exciting chapter in Reeves’ career.

John Wick’s Influence Is Still Felt 10 Years Later

A little over a decade ago, John Wick showed us that action movies could offer so much more than they did in the wake of the Bourne series. With its innovative camera work, fight sequences, and engaging universe creation, it breathed fresh air into what appeared to be an exhausted genre. Remarkably, for a film that started as a cult favorite, it’s fascinating to see how significantly it has shaped movies over the past 10 years.

I’m absolutely thrilled about the return of Keanu Reeves’ career, thanks in no small part to John Wick. But beyond that, it continues to be as invigorating and captivating as when I first watched it. I can hardly wait to catch it again in theaters when it gets re-released on November 3 and 6.

Read More

2024-10-27 04:34