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How John Wick: Chapter 4 Created its Epic Top-Down Action Scene

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In the fourth installment of the “John Wick” series, there are numerous breathtaking action scenes that push boundaries, but the rooftop shootout remains exceptional. Over the years, director Chad Stahelski and his team have been consistently inventive and daring with their action sequences in the “John Wick” franchise. The extended one-shot sequence in “Chapter 4” would not have fit in the original “John Wick” film, but as John heads to Paris for his confrontation with the Marquis, it feels entirely appropriate. Among all the awe-inspiring moments, the rooftop shootout stands out as one of the highlights of “John Wick: Chapter 4.

I can’t help but admire John Wick: Chapter 4 for showcasing Chad Stahelski’s unique directorial approach. Unlike many action films that strive for a realistic fighting style that seamlessly blends into the narrative, Stahelski chooses to make his filmmaking techniques stand out. Watching this movie leaves you in awe of the daring stunts, meticulous choreography, and bold direction. It’s all so harmoniously crafted that it makes you ponder the incredible feats behind the scenes, particularly the exhilarating top-down action sequence.

What Inspired John Wick’s Top-Down Action Scene

Stahelski Took Notes From A Video Game

In crafting the John Wick films, Chad Stahelski pulls inspiration from various sources. He’s openly discussed his affection for Asian cinema, ’70s action movies, fine art, comic books, and other genres. For the single-shot action scene in John Wick: Chapter 4, Stahelski was inspired by the 2019 action video game The Hong Kong Massacre, a fact that aligns with the sequence’s video game-like ambiance, as John navigates from one room to another while being surrounded by an endless wave of assassins attacking from various directions. (As reported by Polygon)

When researching for John Wick: Chapter 4, Stahelski found inspiration in Steven Spielberg’s long-take work from the film Minority Report. Since Spielberg is known for using long takes extensively, it was logical for Stahelski to study one of the greats before tackling such a complex sequence. In the end, Stahelski skillfully blended his diverse influences into a unique and unprecedented action scene that sets John Wick: Chapter 4 apart from other action movies.

How Chad Stahelski And His Team Pulled Off The John Wick 4 Scene

Timing Was Key For The Stunt Performers And Camera Operators

Directing the intricate action sequences for John Wick: Chapter 4 was a formidable task for Chad Stahelski and his team, given that they had to shoot numerous complex action scenes one after another. In an interview with Polygon, stunt coordinator Stephen Dunlevy explains, “We were working on the Osaka sequence while preparing the top shot in France, and simultaneously trying to find time for Keanu to drive. From the Osaka sequence, we moved straight into the Berlin nightclub, and then to Jordan’s scenes.” To keep track of all the moving pieces in these top-down scenes, Stahelski and his team approached it like a choreographed musical number.

In Dunlevy’s account, he mentions that during filming, everyone, including himself and the camera operators, had to coordinate their positions precisely. He explains, “Everyone needed to know exactly where they were supposed to be in relation to the camera at any given moment. I believe we went as high as 200 marks or so.” It was primarily Keanu Reeves and his stunt team who had to execute their positions accurately. While it could have been simpler to use a stunt double for Reeves’ actions, he opted to perform the stunts himself. Remarkably, the other stunt performers had to remain motionless while ablaze, mimicking the destructive impact of the flammable bullets.

The John Wick series looks promising, with numerous spinoffs in development along with John Wick: Chapter 5. As Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski’s creative vision expands, we can expect more thrilling action sequences to come. Notably, the top-down shootout scene in John Wick: Chapter 4 has been particularly daring and visually stunning, though there’s stiff competition. We eagerly await the upcoming documentary, Wick is Pain, for insights into how Stahelski, Reeves, and the team consistently push the envelope.

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2025-06-04 16:41

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