Director: Chad Stahelski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe and Alfie Allen
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Willem Dafoe. Ever since his recognition in the 1980’s, Dafoe has become a beloved icon. Whether it is detectives inspecting murders, psychotic killers or green goblins, Dafoe has played several characters. Arguably, Dafoe’s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had the talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a focus of a movie, Dafoe has often left a lasting impression. Although he is most well-known for his famous role as Green Goblin within the Spider-Man movies, Dafoe has proven he can make engaging movies in every genre. Throughout his long-lasting career, Dafoe has created several memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Dafoe and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “John Wick” may be his most underrated work. Released in 2014, Chad Stahelski’s movie offered a powerful portrait of cruel hitmen. Packed with breathtaking action, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best action films ever made. At centre of it all is a terrific performance by Willem Dafoe, who embodies a cop facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “John Wick” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most action movies, it tackles bold themes everyone will relate to. A captivating action classic, there are many strong reasons why “John Wick” is a commemorated film that’s worth watching.
“John Wick” tells the story of a hitman that comes out of retirement to battle enemies which are tragic. Keanu Reeves embodies John Wick, an assassin with a devotion to his profession. Wick has always excelled at doing his job without enduring any tensions. However, Wick’s life forever changes when his dog is stolen from him in crimes causing a disaster. Assisted by the supportive cop Marcus (Willem Dafoe), Wick seeks to save his dog from gave danger. As all odds soon become stacked against his favour, Wick is forced to wonder whether it’s possible for him to survive disaster. Faced with barriers that are tragic, Wick questions his devotion to a profession which has dangers of being catastrophic.
Chad Stahelski is a newcomer to the action genre. Before he had made “John Wick”, the director had never made a film about heroic hitmen. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of hitmen facing tragedy but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Stahelski captures a tragic hitman embarking on his journey to discover his identity. Evoking John McTiernan’s “Die Hard”, Stahelski expertly uses point of view shots to capture the lives of hitmen that are hard. For instance, the POV shots enhance the gangster discoveries scene. During this unforgettable scene, John Wick discovers his dog has been killed by thugs. Through stunning POV shots, Stahelski constructs a portrait of hitmen which is compelling. POV shots are not simple techniques. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” suggested, POV shots enhance aviation movies. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using strong visuals, Stahelski captures tensions hitmen are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “John Wick” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is well made. Evoking the Wachowskis’ “The Matrix”, Stahelski deftly uses cross-cutting to capture the tensions that hitmen going on an intense mission are facing. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the hitmen mission scene. During this memorable scene, John Wick engages in a dark confrontation with hitmen causing tension. Through stunning cross-cutting, Stahelski creates a portrait of hitmen that’s engaging. Moreover, the music is magnificent. Tyler Bates’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing heavy burdens hitmen bear. Using captivating production, Stahelski captures the lives of hitmen facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “John Wick” is an action film about hitmen that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and expertly uses silence to convey the tensions which hitmen experience. For instance, silence elevates the death scene. During this unforgettable scene, John faces grief after he discovers his dog has become killed that causes tension. Through silence, Stahelski creates a portrait of hitmen that’s compelling. Silence is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse” proved, silence often enhances movies about isolation. Yorgos’ Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” suggested silence enhances feminist adaptations. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a powerful screenplay, Stahelski captures hitmen which face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Willem Dafoe delivers one of his best career performances as Marcus. Dafoe achieved appreciation for playing menacing villains in classic comic book films. With “John Wick”, however, he took on his most complex role. It’s not easy to portray a cop embarking on a journey to save a doomed city but he pulls it off immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, strong and emotional in his most memorable role. With strong expressions, he captures angst, grief and resentment of a cop embarking on missions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Willem Dafoe, the supporting cast is also amazing and deserving of appreciations. Keanu Reeves is remarkable, capturing the hardships that a hitman seeking to make dreams come true goes through. Alfie Allen is amazing, capturing the dedication of a gangster seeking to commit crimes which cause tension. Lastly, Ian McShane merits appreciation. As a notorious gangster, he’s unforgettable.
Finally, “John Wick” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing gangsters which are tragic. Unlike most films about hitmen, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses bold themes such as angst, mental health and trauma which everyone will relate to. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the hitmen genre to admire it. Therefore, “John Wick” is one of those rare films about hitmen everyone will adore.
Fans of Willem Dafoe will absolutely enjoy “John Wick” and so would audiences that seek meaningful entertainment. A riveting crime thriller, it honours an actor that has a charismatic nature.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking crime film about a hitman with a proclivity towards violence seeking vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder about a legendary actor with a strong presence that has made unforgettable movies throughout his career that have always attracted a big audience.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 