Keanu Reeves “John Wick” Reveal He Likes Action Films
Next week, the fourth installment of the hugely successful “John Wick” gun-frenzy franchise will be released. He regards its beautifully orchestrated action scenes as “nearly ballet”.
The joyful 58-year-old movie star told AFP on a recent trip to the French capital: “It was always a goal of mine to act in Paris, and to be there was great.
More than 35 years ago, he last worked in France for a very different project: the historical drama “Dangerous Liaisons”.
His most well-known character these days is the violent but stylishly attired assassin John Wick, whose most recent film includes breathtaking stunt sequences at popular tourist destinations like Montmartre, the Trocadero, and the Arc de Triomphe.
It was incredibly special to be able to film at the locations we did for “John Wick: Chapter 4,” such as the Sacre-Coeur and the steps leading up to it in Montmartre, the canal beneath the city, and the streets when it was dark.
He enjoys how physical filmmaking is, “I enjoy a good action movie,” he declared.
We employ digital technology, but we prefer the visceral, flesh-and-blood celebration of body movement and violence, which is almost like ballet.
Exceeding one’s Limit
It surprised some people that Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of John Wick, the vigilante who killed his dog in the first installment in 2014, had become so recognizable.
Famously, Chad Stahelski, Reeves’ stunt double from “The Matrix,” is in charge of the franchise.
The part in “The Matrix” was a magnificent, life-altering event for Reeves when he was younger. “John Wick” is that experience for him now that he is older, in his fifties.
Is he growing too old for all those violent-looking battle sequences as he nears 60?
“I’m almost there! Have we gone too far? I’m not sure,” he replied.
“What we do is difficult… Prior to our performance, I must train for months, I have to have teams of stunt people”
“John Wick” draws aesthetic inspirations from European and Hollywood noir thrillers in addition to iconic Hong Kong action movies.
Beyond the impressive stunts, according to Reeves, the internal conflict of the lead character is what captures viewers’ attention.
The assassin John Wick and the man John Wick… They are practically at war with one another, yet they are also related, according to Reeves.
“I find that tension and interplay fascinating.”
