John Wick revitalized the action movie genre by confronting one of Hollywood’s longstanding clichés, improving the landscape of cinematic action in the process. Throughout cinema history, there are always a few seminal action films that redefine expectations. The 1980s saw the rise of iconic titles like Rambo and The Terminator, which popularized the archetype of the muscle-bound hero unleashing heavy firepower. In the 1990s, the genre shifted focus towards ordinary characters thrust into extreme situations, as showcased in films like Die Hard and Speed.
In the 2010s, John Wick emerged as a groundbreaking film that set new standards for action sequences and character development. Following its massive global success, a wave of films has attempted to emulate its distinct aesthetic and tone, including Bob Odenkirk’s Nobody, Charlize Theron’s Atomic Blonde, and Chris Hemsworth’s Extraction. Each of these films embodies the stylish brutality and intricate choreography that John Wick brought to the forefront, subsequently helping the genre shed some of its more repetitive conventions.
John Wick: A Game Changer in Action Cinematics
Elevating Fight Choreography Beyond the Bourne Franchise’s Approach
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Prior to the release of John Wick, the Bourne franchise, led by Matt Damon, dominated the action scene with its hallmark “shaky-cam”filming style. This technique, designed to heighten immersion by shaking the camera during intense scenes, became a favored method amongst filmmakers. Unfortunately, this approach soon became pervasive, with movies like Elysium and The Hunger Games imitating this trend for excitement.
John Wick disrupted this trend by drawing inspiration from martial arts cinema, emphasizing clear choreography and the fighting skills of its cast. Keanu Reeves, a dedicated martial artist, allowed the film to produce crisp and engaging action scenes that stood in stark contrast to the chaotic shaky-cam. This pivot opened up new avenues for thrill in action films—an evolution that both critics and audiences embraced enthusiastically.
Shaky-Cam: Effective Yet Problematic in Action Films
Mastery and Misuse of Shaky-Cam in the Bourne Series and Beyond
The shaky-cam technique, while often criticized, was effectively utilized by Paul Greengrass in the Bourne films. Instead of detracting from the fight scenes, it added intensity and a sense of immediacy. Greengrass’s adept handling of shaky-cam allowed audiences to engage deeply with the action, creating memorably kinetic sequences.
| Title | Release Year | Worldwide Gross | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Bourne Identity | 2002 | $214, 034, 224 | 84% |
| The Bourne Supremacy | 2004 | $290, 835, 269 | 82% |
| The Bourne Ultimatum | 2007 | $444, 100, 035 | 92% |
| The Bourne Legacy | 2012 | $276, 144, 750 | 56% |
| Jason Bourne | 2016 | $415, 484, 914 | 54% |
Unfortunately, while the Bourne series made effective use of shaky-cam, many filmmakers who sought to replicate its success wielded this technique indiscriminately. Too often, shaky-cam served as a cover for poor choreography, blurring action sequences to the point where audiences lost track of the action. Even acclaimed films like The Hurt Locker and Man of Steel fell victim to this phenomenon. The obsession with shaky-cam, sparked by the Bourne trilogy’s success, ultimately diluted its effectiveness across Hollywood.
Setting a New Standard: John Wick’s Fight Sequences
John Wick’s Influence: A New Template for Action Films
With its impeccably crafted fight scenes and stable camera work, John Wick marks a significant shift in how action is portrayed in film. Unlike its predecessors who relied on shaky-cam for dramatic effect, this film laid bare the artistry behind action sequences, demanding that future productions rise to its level. Following the movie’s release in 2014, aspiring action films could no longer rely on visual disorientation; instead, they were challenged to present violence with clarity, showcasing each impactful moment in its glory.
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