Chad Stahelski Breaks Down 'John Wick: Chapter 4' Fight Scenes | Vanity Fair

[@danielwareking]

So much respect for this guy. So many directors of action films have no vision, no passion for filmmaking, and that lack of inspiration comes through in lifeless movies. Chad is clearly such a lover of cinema and is clearly very interested in how to shape an image, how to move a camera, where to place an actor, etc... The guy cares about craft and it comes through in every frame of his movies. Such a breath of fresh air to watch a John Wick movie and not just see cool action, but beautiful, robust filmmaking.

[@makatron]

Which is why the franchise still alive after 4 movies, when the studio let's the director do its thing.

[@mingyuhuang8944]

​@@makatron The amount of stunt effort, beautiful cinematography and truly "explosive" action in this movie is incredible. One of the best action movies ever made. John Wick is just a W franchise and a W for movie lovers.❤

[@UndeadSlayer5]

Gareth evans has a vision too when he made the raid what are u talking about

[@nickbotic]

@@UndeadSlayer5 Where, at all, did they say that Stahelski is the ONLY action director? Nowhere lol. Just because they're saying Stahelski does isn't them saying Evans doesn't. Ridiculous lol

[@nirmalghosh8691]

It's incredible how "technical" all those scenes are. I just thought of them as cool until now. Now... they're works of art for me. Thank you to John Wick team.

[@lilmilontiktok]

No lmao theyre not just cool

[@mingyuhuang8944]

The amount of stunt effort, beautiful cinematography and truly "explosive" action in this movie is incredible. One of the best action movies ever made. John Wick is just a W franchise and a W for movie lovers.😂

[@hisoka9478]

I like the fact that he constantly pays his respects to all the greats and style inspirations: Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin, Caravaggio, Greek mythology, Dante's Inferno, Friedkin, Anime, Wuxia, Samurai, Wong Kar-Wai, Jackie Chan and so on.

[@smjoshkim]

"one handed as he's firing, which not a lot of cast members can do." an understatement of the year.

[@SalvationCode]

Can't help but love how Chad describes, views & conceptualizes action. There's so much thought and clear passion for cinema that goes into these movies. The Greek odyssey theme adding style & tone, and the clear inspirations of many different eras of action cinema fully on display. I absolute adore this series. Cannot wait to see what Chad & his team do with the Ghost of Tsushima movie.

[@jedgamesguy]

Amen, they made the absolute best choice having Chad direct the Ghost of Tsushima film.

[@mingyuhuang8944]

​@@jedgamesguy The amount of stunt effort, beautiful cinematography and truly "explosive" action in this movie is incredible. One of the best action movies ever made. John Wick is just a W franchise and a W for movie lovers.❤❤

[@krono5el]

He always said he learned form the best working on the Matrix trilogy.

[@RSG_TheMonster]

Looking at Action Movies in the last decade, it is obvious that the John Wick franchise has had an impeccable influence on the genre!!!

[@chasehedges6775]

Yep. It really has

[@dalston2004]

Mission Impossible says Hi

[@wickedsouls3402]

@@dalston2004 Mission impossible is about stunts

[@doublep1980]

The Raid 1 & 2 also, in terms of martial arts action.

[@TequilaToothpick]

​@@dalston2004Nobody says MI hasn't. But John Wick has influenced more action movies I think. Of course John Wick is influenced by a lot of movies itself.

[@romasmarc3003]

In terms of craftsmanship, this is the best action film I've ever seen in a movie theater

[@TequilaToothpick]

Either that or The Raid 2 for me.

[@romasmarc3003]

@@TequilaToothpick Exactly - Raid 2 is second to best

[@saeid803]

​@@TequilaToothpick John wick to guns is like what the raid is to martial arts

[@romasmarc3003]

@@saeid803 Totally

[@TequilaToothpick]

@@saeid803 Guns will always be John Woo's thing, but John Wick did out in their own style.

[@MD0093]

And to think back then stunt guys were told they would make terrible directors. Well we got a stunt guy who made one of the greatest action franchise in history

[@thedreamcapture2681]

This guy is actually cracked, goated action film director.

[@Jacky_39]

The dude literally has Chad in his name

[@jainee4507]

He just copied Gareth Evans who is still better.

[@mingyuhuang8944]

​@@Jacky_39 The amount of stunt effort, beautiful cinematography and truly "explosive" action in this movie is incredible. One of the best action movies ever made. John Wick is just a W franchise and a W for movie lovers.

[@nickbotic]

@@jainee4507Lol why so bitter? Gareth Evans changed the game, but Stahelski took that and has done his own thing with it. You think Gareth Evans was the first person to do action in that style? If Stahelski "just copied" Evans, then Evans "just copied" any number of Japanese action filmmakers. It doesn't need to be a competition, and you're exactly what's wrong with fandoms in general. Do better, little fella.

[@jainee4507]

@@nickbotic Gareth Evans style and approach was entirely unique when The Raid came out. Could you name me some of those Japanese action films he copied?

[@thedarkknight2221]

If this movie doesn’t force the Academy to make a new category of Stunt Coordination And Performance then NOTHING WILL!

[@C.C.Cope220]

@thedarkknight2221 A lot of stunt people have pushed back on the idea of an awards category as they do not want it to become an escalating competition that would end with someone pushing too far and getting hurt. This already is the tightrope they walk everyday, so putting too much weight on one side of the scales could cause too big a shift in priorities. For example Tom Cruise being Tom Cruise is allowed to perform stunts most stunt people would not be allowed to perform. Not because he is more skilled, but rather that he as a producer can finagle the insurance policies, while a regular stunt person could never get insured for those same stunts.

[@elliehedges6755]

@@C.C.Cope220that’s a very interesting and smart argument that I and I think many others didn’t think to consider. That does make so much sense.

[@MrBlue3rd]

I hope John Wick 4 gets recognized for the production design and cinematography. They took it to another level with this movie.

[@gudgurl]

The Academy is more than ever a political institution and all their criteria are fckng ancient.

[@mingyuhuang8944]

​@@elliehedges6755 The amount of stunt effort, beautiful cinematography and truly "explosive" action in this movie is incredible. One of the best action movies ever made. John Wick is just a W franchise and a W for movie lovers.

[@nobodyexceptme7794]

Take note of just how many gems of knowledge he gave off in 10 min. In a world full of content do your best to put out worthwhile info like this guy. So many references and techniques with inspirations and context and reason. He talks a mile a minute but its rich in content the whole time. You can tell he has had a wide array of life experiences. Very efficient.

[@ExiledExia]

This guy is a master of the craft. We’re lucky that he’s doing these movies. What a talent.

[@TotallyNotElPresidente]

That whole stairs sequence was absolutely hilarious. "Oh you're almost up...aaaaaand all the way back down you go"

[@savant7288]

Chad and Derek Kolstad should get as much recognition as Keanu.

[@ZeroNeedsCoffee]

John wick has to be in the top 20 or top 10 greatest movies ever. A literally perfect movie

[@kagithkagith]

I really love how, no matter how technical these movies get, the aim of all the action sequences is simply “It’s interesting” or “We thought it was cool”. The movies never lose track of what they are and I think that’s why this franchise is so successful. Chad rose up

[@crisphighfives]

After watching a bunch of Stahelski John Wick interviews, I must say he and the team sound like they really have it down to a science. Not an easy feat.

[@BWLGeorge]

The reference Stahelski makes at 13:04 that the subtitles questionably describe as "indistinct" is to Zhang Yimou, one of the greatest action directors in contemporary film. Responsible for movies such as Hero, House of Flying Daggers, Shadow, and Cliff Walkers.

[@johanstinson]

He's definitely a student of the genre that's for sure.

[@alexisevanger7458]

Yeah unsure why they wrote "Indistinct" when it's very clear what he said. :/

[@erakfishfishfish]

He also directed the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics.

[@S3mj0n]

Hearing Chad talk about filmmaking is such a joy

[@angiem577]

To echo another commenter, I want Chad to discuss the entire film with this level of detail - he's the best expositor I've ever come across. Beyond brilliant.

[@Mutantgamer]

One of the best directors for action movies no doubt. Hope he can continue working on the John Wick universe maybe by focusing on a new character.

[@BotNickz]

The John Wick movies do a great job showcasing the passion of everyone who works on them

[@lukabakovic1105]

Love Chad, one of the most talented and surprising artists in the latest years. Really inspiring, unbelievable complex ideas in a great action movie. John Wick is among greatest art projects in the world of box office hits.

[@dickriggles942]

He's not talented and he's not an artist.

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

@@dickriggles942okay

[@makatron]

Which makes me excited for what he'll do with Highlander now.

[@dickriggles942]

@@makatron It's going to be a disaster.

[@raj1n501]

​@@dickriggles942what is your problem

[@sean78745]

Cant wait to see the brilliance Chad comes up with in the next decade

[@marcjohnson3553]

This really was a labor of love. Massive respect to all involved in the making of this movie.

[@swiftsausages]

Chad and Keanu are the GOATs. Massive respect for them. Keanu doing his own stunts is so commendable and makes this movies much better.

[@jessegriffin9]

I was amazed by the amount of training and syncing of the actors and stuntmen in the short gun scene.

[@Alex-hm7nt]

This just confirms there should be a Stunts category for the Oscars!

[@folarinosibodu]

Mission Fallout did car action in arc de triomphe first. John Wick did it second. John Wick did one handed driving and drifting first. Mission Dead Reconning will do it second. Can't wait.

[@gs19022]

With both doors of the car ripped off as well

[@seanmeloni5674]

Film makers like this should win all the awards

[@Dante_8183]

The time and care going into the shots, it is not just action but it,s creating art within the action. Amazing. Using the shot gun as a light source was genius.

[@Disg_lion]

An artist explaining his masterpiece.

[@CraigBurnat]

So cool to hear him talk about it. The John Wick movies have never once dropped the ball and give the audience a visceral experience that no other series comes close to. Gonna watch em all again now!

[@CraigGood]

This is so inspiring. Art history, film literacy, books, culture, clear staging, consistent screen direction, directing the viewer's eye, and the value of preproduction. This should be required viewing by anybody making cinema.

[@Not_So_Slim_Shady]

One of the best action movies of all time. John Wick started an action renaissance and I'm so glad.

[@sophiaisabelle027]

This channel has always been the best at making content. We hope to see more of these.

[@mingyuhuang8944]

The amount of stunt effort, beautiful cinematography and truly "explosive" action in this movie is incredible. One of the best action movies ever made. John Wick is just a W franchise and a W for movie lovers.

[@nul4327]

one of my favourite movies of all time and my most watched (legit watched it 4 times in the cinema thats how much i LOVED it on the big screen). thank you for this video and thank you to chad stahelski for explaining the amazing craft that went into this movie!

[@landonweldy5468]

Gonna be honest: everyone being invincible and bulletproof and John landing a headshot 99% of the time makes me feel like I’m watching a video game

[@ruebencavazos4960]

The one thing I still am waiting for is " the night of his impossible task" that is what I thought we'd at least get a flashback of or a hint

[@SomeStaleBread]

I just love how much thought and care just goes into everything, even the smallest details

[@mochi4u1]

The top down sequences was so refreshing to me and so well done. Also reminded me of the game Contra :D

[@aquaticlibrary]

It’s based on Hong Kong Massacre. Looks identical

[@TakeTheLeepx]

Hotline Miami also, and maybe even Diablo 4 because of the almost "gothic" look but also with the fire effect!

[@PandaVsGames]

Extremely cool to learn more about the art behind and within the action! Great movies, great action.

[@georgemichaelofficial]

One of the best breakdowns in a while, so much thought and influence on display.

[@avab4661]

Idk if anyone has played the John wick hex game but the top down shot gave me that vibe I loved jt

[@Mister_Laughs]

The best John wick movie so far!

[@makatron]

1,4,2,3

[@johanstinson]

Chad.....its time to turn Scott Adkins into a star. He crushed it as Killa. Make it happen my guy

[@makatron]

I second that, Scott has the chops to be a massive action star.

[@TakeTheLeepx]

I was like, how can Killa actually move/fight like that??.... ohh I see (it took me awhile to see it was Scott Adkins 😁)

[@doublep1980]

Chad Stahelski and his team, set the bar for action movies so high with these movies, it´s not even funny. The John Wick franchise, Tom Cruise´s Mission Impossible franchise, both The Raid movies & Extraction 1 & 2 are in a class of their own.

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

Nah. Wick stands ALONE. You’re wrong on the others.

[@cesargt1590]

Extraction is great movie,I enjoyed it the same as John Wick movies

[@julianstrauss3843]

John WIck movies are awesome for the gun fight and hand to hand combat choreography, but what makes it amazing is how it's shot. They're true master pieces.

[@thomaslok5808]

My favourite part about the movie is definitely the top down shot and how it’s done in one take, it just looked so cool. Plus the entire movie is just pure awesomeness

[@Liam_Mellon]

Finally, an acknowledgement about the Dante connection!

[@fernandoluisferreirajunior2633]

The scene where John falls down at the stairs was pure genius!

[@makatron]

I'm super happy that Le Castle Vania came back for the soundtrack for the vibe that made the first movie so intense.

[@TakeTheLeepx]

Yes! Somehow gave me Cyberpunk 2077 vibes (which has Keanu in it :P). But Justice coming in hard with "Genesis" at the staircase was also epic :D!

[@makatron]

@@TakeTheLeepx I remember being almost alone at the theatre watching John Wick back in 2014 and now look at it.

[@raymondii436]

Between this and the Sam Hargrave's awesome sequences of Extraction 2, we are definitely at a high point of action movies. Great time to be a action movie fan. Action scenes where you can clearly follow what's going on.....I hope this raises the bar for other action movie directors to up their game.

[@NickHoad]

And we’ve got Mission Impossible to look forward to as well

[@thebreindalcreative]

When John got to the top of the 222 stairs and got rolled back to ground floor, I lost it. I actually almost cried. 😂😂😂 But then I saw that they had more action in store to really show how crazy it was for him to actually make the duel. His last run with Caine to get to the top of the stairs, knowing they were going there to actually end one or the other person was INCREDIBLE. The entire John Wick is and will always be in a class of it's own. 👌💯

[@chiderajames8387]

This guy is a scholar of art & cinema for real. Thank you for an amazing franchise Chad 👏🏿

[@Galleryknows]

I’m so glad that I came across this post. And it’s the greatest of the post for JW4 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽thank you Chad Stahelski for explaining the most amazing shots every. The seven lane/ the Dragons Breath! That apartment scene, the Paris Drift! THIS POST IS ON MY WATCH LATER LIST!!! 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽LOVE IT!

[@maltesharalikatti2818]

Can easily say that This movie has set a new bar for action movies that r about to come. Especially, the dragon breath scene will be hard to top.

[@rileyhayes2497]

I want to see Chad narrate the whole movie

[@onemoreminute0543]

That Are de Triomphe scene was bloody phenomenal

[@mrstardian]

Chad, thank you for making 4 absolutely amazing action movies. John Wick is AWESOME. Chapter 4 is my favorite. So excited for the future of this franchise.

[@vsreedattasarraju]

Absolutely outstanding. What a guy, the way he speaks, his passion for the cinema is respectable. JW4 is a visual action masterpiece

[@LegoJourney]

This guy is the best action director ever in my opinion

[@jainee4507]

Gareth Evans is the master.

[@blazingangel5463]

@@jainee4507 Nah

[@jainee4507]

@@blazingangel5463 The fight scenes in the Raid have yet to be topped so yes.

[@aquaticlibrary]

Jackie Chan’s Police Story is pretty insane even to this day. Garreth Evan’s Raid 2 is up there too. Chad definitely put his name in the hat with the John Wick series

[@kwxl]

That top down shot was amazing!

[@Verse1234567]

Love these movies. Thanks for making them! They do elevate the genre and are the ones to beat when it comes to close quarter combat action scenes.

[@Verse1234567]

@Keanu Charles Reeves Thank YOU for entertaining all of us.

[@wc999]

great video! please do this with more action films like mission impossible or extraction!!!

[@johnny-lx4bv]

“yeah so in this one he’s fighting”

[@merehuman5488]

Fantastic, incredible to see how much effort and thought goes into making the scenes, and it shows, personally, I'm not a fan of gore for the sake of gore, I've always appreciated the lack of it in these films, find it can really cheapen a movie, they found a way to still make an impact for the sake of the movie, class act :)

[@goatgamingftw1337]

Interesting thought: I don't think dragons breath actually has enough backblast to cycle the gun, meaning you have to do it manually after every shot. But obviously they gave him an auto shotgun for the top-down scene because it's super cool.

[@MwayiComfort]

I wanted the top down shot wooow one of the best scenes av watched in cinema

[@americanpancakelive]

The little bits of comedy (some so quick as to nearly miss) were amazing like iconic Jackie Chan bits as Keanu is beating an opponent about the face so he covers his face only to get struck in the stomach. Classic Chan. Ha.

[@frusci.t]

the hotline miami scene was incredible.

[@QuincyKane]

Amazing filmmaking! I could watch a whole lot more of this!

[@TheManfio]

Did not expect references to both Wuxia and freaking Caravaggio in the same video, but here we are!

[@nikeshsarki6310]

I want chad to make a live action call of duty, this time more gun tactical battles lmao that would be awesome

[@fang-yinlim298]

If you're reading the subtitle, I believe is the [indistinct] best the end is "Zhang Yimou"

[@shinoteseu]

John Wick 4 solidified Chad as my all time favorite director of modern action films. And to see him break this down and see the love behind the art, I have to say I can only look forward to what else he'll do.

[@snakekingblues3017]

I love people complaint about john fall down a building in 3 and looking like he broke his back so in 4 they did it again but they do it like 3 time just to be like yeah we don't care its just fun

[@JensaRahm]

The level of details is amazing. John wick really has changed action in hollywood. All other action movies has to compete with this. No more Jason Bourne shaky cams. Hopefully

[@Outpost31Research]

This franchise is simultaneously keeping action movies alive and breaking new ground. So tired of all these movies overusing CGI....its actually sad.

[@johanstinson]

It's sad because it's just laziness and a lack of creativity. Pretty much sums up most of Hollywood these days.

[@reedOsama]

These comments are so lazy. You want more puppets in your super hero movies Kevin? People need to watch 'The Menu'

[@Outpost31Research]

@@reedOsama Notice how I didn't even need to say the word superhero to get my point across? 😉 Thats how oversaturated we are.

[@VincentLui-kt7dw]

Honestly speaking, I didn't enjoy so much in the threatre because it was a little bit exhuasting for me sitting there for almost three hours. But when I re-watched some of the scenes, including the club hunting and the dragon-breath scene on the final part had me thrilled and shocked by how insanely interesting this movie was written. You truely put enormous efforts on every fraction on this movie rather than making pointless and garbage stuffs. One of the greatest movies of all times.

[@manishhkr]

This is literally the best Action film of the century....

[@joelpabalinas7457]

Keanu practicing driving on Dom's Plymouth GTX

[@LateCambrian]

This guy seems like a visual genius.

[@Ton369]

i cant believe how technically amazing this film was

[@Cyrus-137]

It's really refreshing to see action movie with great standards and efforts behind these days. Since Superhero movies are turning into garbage Every production focusing on live action game/cartoon adaptations and remakes with abit of race swap and wokeness is used like a shield to excuse horrible writing, Im glad some out there puting actual consideration,efforts blood sweat and tears behind testing new things and ideas. We need John Wick and Continental franchise keep going as long as it can

[@thribs]

The stair fall felt more comedic than anything to me

[@jkwinley]

Goated for the Wong Kar Wai name drop.

[@saxmanphd]

Looking forward to the box set- 4 or 5 chapters still one of the best movie franchises ever made.

[@ReservoirGaming]

Now bring in sam hargrave to breakdown extraction 2

[@pratikpatel1850]

Mr Stahelski, this is most satisfying movie ever. Stay classy!

[@kinluke]

@7:38 - in John wick we try to not be overly expressive with violonce or gore- Hold on a second am I missing something here??? 😂

[@alihassan-628]

The best action movie of all time. I don't know if my comment can reach you but have you thought about doing Demon Slayer, as you seem like a fan of anime too.

[@SlashRfnR]

can we take a moment and appreciate Chad's direction? Also, this guy was Keanu's stunt double for the Matrix, so you know he's got his sh*t down, and knows what he's talking about. Also, what a Chad...

[@rateekrawat6644]

Cant wait for ghost of tsushima

[@eddiegreencheez]

John Wick and The Equalizer have curious similarities, especially the music

[@wdudi]

Amazing director and actions 🎬 👏 Chad

[@connormcleod9595]

Great director

[@SKINLE55GRAVY]

Brilliant director

[@hmak2009]

Oscar for Best Picture