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

Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick franchise, discusses everything about the intense fight sequences from 'John Wick 4,' like creating "movable mazes" for the Arc de Triomphe car chase scene, the intricate details inspired by the painter Caravaggio for the Dragon Breath scene and so much more.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is available now on Digital and 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & On Demand from Lionsgate



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[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.

[nirmalghosh]

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.

[smjoshkim]

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

[hisoka]

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.

[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.

[thedreamcapture]

This guy is actually cracked, goated action film director.

[romasmarc]

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

[nobodyexceptme]

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.

[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!!!

[TotallyNotElPresidente]

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

[MD]

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

[ExiledExia]

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

[thedarkknight]

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

[savant]

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

[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

[Smjn]

Hearing Chad talk about filmmaking is such a joy

[angiem]

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.

[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.

[sean]

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