John Wick 4 Behind the Scenes - Stunts, Cinematography & VFX Explained
John Wick 4 behind the scenes - how the filmmakers capture realistic action in a stylized world with a breakdown of the stunts, cinematography, and VFX.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the John Wick Universe
02:22 - Cinematography
07:16 - Visual Effects
10:07 - Stunts
13:46 - Takeaways
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JOHN WICK 4 BEHIND THE SCENES
In 2014, the first John Wick film burst onto the action scene with guns blazing. It instantly raised the bar for what action films could do - a feat surpassed by each successive entry in the franchise. The fourth chapter represents the pinnacle of this style, and in this video breakdown, we’re looking at John Wick 4 behind the scenes to see how they shot it. Specifically, how the stunts, cinematography, and VFX blend seamlessly to create realistic action in a stylized world.
JOHN WICK 4 CINEMATOGRAPHY
Two things are immediately apparent when studying John Wick cinematography - the steady and slow camera movement during action scenes and the preference for wide frames. This lends itself to a great tradition of fight scenes done “in-camera.” While most films opt for plenty of coverage and editing to construct the action, the John Wick filmmakers let the action choreography speak for itself. The fighting might be grounded in realism, but the lighting is hyper-stylized with bold, saturated colors.
JOHN WICK 4 VFX
To pull off the type of action we see in these films, VFX is both a safety concern and a time-saver. First, with so much weaponry, especially at close range, a lot of work needs to be done in post. This includes adding smoke and muzzle flares to prop guns, digitally creating throwing weapons like knives and axes, and, of course, the insane amount of blood effects. As explained in the video, if they had attempted this many blood effects practically, they would have gotten half the work done in the same amount of time.
JOHN WICK 4 STUNTS
You can’t have realistic action without realistic stunts. Former stuntman and stunt coordinator Chad Stahelski stepped into the director’s chair for the John Wick series (co-directing the first film and solo directing the rest). With Stahelski’s background, the stunts and action choreography could be done as realistically as possible - and when you have an action star like Keanu Reeves willing to do most of his own stunts and fights, you can’t go wrong. By knowing what’s possible, what looks good on camera, on where action choreography could be elevated, the John Wick films prove that action cinema is far from dead.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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♬ SONGS USED:
"Wetwork" - Le Castle Vania
"Big Wick Energy" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"LED Spirals" - Le Castle Vania
"Think" - Kaleida
"High Table in Osaka" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Change Your Nature" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Stairs Arrival" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Urban Cowgirl" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Shots Fired" - Le Castle Vania
"Antique Gun Assembly" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Ten Paces" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Really Pissed Off (End Credits)" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Winter" - Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Stephen Gunzenhauser
"Guns & Turtlenecks" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"1986" - Angel Salazar
"Blood Code" - Le Castle Vania
"Action Drums (Instrumental)" - Rhythm Scott
"Marie Douceur, Marie Colère" - Manon Hollander, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards
"Taxi Ride" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Back In The Ground" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"War Dance (Instrumental)" - Rhythm Scott
"Paris Radio Intro" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
"Boot Sequence" - Jimmy Svensson
"Genesis" - Justice
"Change Your Nature" - Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
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Music by Artgrid ► utm.io/umJy
Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
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Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the John Wick Universe 02:22 - Cinematography 07:16 - Visual Effects 10:07 - Stunts 13:46 - Takeaways
Explain james gunn visual style
What made John Wick stand out was how real the action scenes were. Now seeing those who worked in the background shows what actually made the movie stand out.
Only part 1 and 2. 3 and especially 4 turned into a ridiculous slugfest, with unrealistic combat.
How realistic is it to fall from the top of a nyc building and surviving
@@jangdi. shot on less camera movements and no speed alterations
@@tabiforking6501 camera movements needed.
The stuntman who fell from the stairs needs to get the Oscar for the best stunt
Again, and again this series proves that the stunt performers need to have a category at the Oscars. They are the only one of the nine major departments that do not have one.
Wild there isn't one
Hey John, Let's thank Studio Binder for teaching us about filmmaking in the best possible way without any charge. What a contribution in the cinema world. Thank you, Studio Binder. ❣️❤️
Yeah
Thanks for watching!
@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style
To me, the John Wick franchise is a breath of fresh air. Considering it came out in a time of shaky cam, the first movie was Lighting in a Bottle. After this, the series became one of cinema's most consistent action franchises. From the cinematography to action choreography, John Wick is an iconic franchise for a reason.
Incredible to see how far its come
@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style
Yep.. reminds me of classic Hongkong films.. and that one take stairs scene from the movie "The Protector" staring Tony Jaa.. also the corridor scene from "Old Boy" the korean one.. no shaky cams less camera cuts, pure art of motion and action.
Cinematography is not my forte but I was mesmerised by chapter four’s cinematography. Thanks for adding insight and clarity into what camera, lens, technique and formats that were used. This makes so much sense because the shots and angles used in this film are just breathtaking. The scene of Winston walking into an art gallery as he approaches the marquee, is a tracking shot. This is perhaps my favourite scene in the entire film. Although it conveys a character walking past art paintings, the colour palette and art design is so majestic. Not the most significant scene in the film but subjectively it conveys so much thematically within the narrative and story. I just love that shot. I also loved the closeup shots too. However the wide angle lens technique used throughout this movie is just immaculate because I was fully engrossed from start to finish. My favourite shot is the wide shot of the sun rising at dawn whilst John is chasing those guys on horses. That sequence is Lawrence of Arabia inspired for sure but wow what a way to immerse the audience into the spectacle that is unfolding before our eyes. Chapter four was pure art from start to finish. A love letter to action cinema. I actually cried whilst watching it, it cured me of my depression and reminded me why I love cinema, and IMAX. It’s not just another movie, it’s an experience!
The cinematography of the last 2 John Wick films is absolutely beautiful.
They really leveled up each time!
@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style
Cinematography is not my forte but I was mesmerised by chapter four’s cinematography. Thanks for adding insight and clarity into what camera, lens, technique and formats that were used. This makes so much sense because the shots and angles used in this film are just breathtaking. The scene of Winston walking into an art gallery as he approaches the marquee, is a tracking shot. This is perhaps my favourite scene in the entire film. Although it conveys a character walking past art paintings, the colour palette and art design is so majestic. Not the most significant scene in the film but subjectively it conveys so much thematically within the narrative and story. I just love that shot. I also loved the closeup shots too. However the wide angle lens technique used throughout this movie is just immaculate because I was fully engrossed from start to finish. My favourite shot is the wide shot of the sun rising at dawn whilst John is chasing those guys on horses. That sequence is Lawrence of Arabia inspired for sure but wow what a way to immerse the audience into the spectacle that is unfolding before our eyes. Chapter four was pure art from start to finish. A love letter to action cinema. I actually cried whilst watching it, it cured me of my depression and reminded me why I love cinema, and IMAX. It’s not just another movie, it’s an experience!
One of the best action franchises that has ever existed!! Thank you StudioBinder for doing an analysis on a film franchise that has the best action!!
we had to :)
John Wick has been a fascination for me.
For us too!
I work for a VFX company, and we took part in creating VFX for that film. :)
Kudos to you then mate! Incredible work by the entire crew!
Congrats!
👍
This is the peak of action movies!
Yes and no. The action is fantastic and the cinematography amazing. But I have no idea anymore what happened in the previous 3 films plot wise. This did not happen with action movies like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon
Impeccable craftmanship
Additionaly, in one of the cast interview, they praised the director for the fact that he was a martial artist himself and was able to physically show the actor what moves he wanted her to do.
Chad Stahelski is the best!
As always, compliments and loud applaus to StudioBinder for one heck of an informative video on the how to and how they did it. What would I ever have done without this channel?
Happy filming!
@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style
One of the best things about John Wick movies is the stable camera. I hate those shaky cam movies.
a must when you have talented actors and stuntmen
Another straight to the point masterclass. I've been interested in hyper-stylized lighting work for a long time and yet couldn't find adequate explanation online which wouldn't more so confuse than explain things. Thank you.
Hope it helps!
@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style
How Keanu Reeves is still doing stunts in his late 50s is simply beyond me!! This man takes his job seriously and stays fit with his diet and exercise regime!!
Guys like him, Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tom Cruise are remarkable in that respect
The visual effects is one part that I didn’t know about much and how seamless it had been used!! Credit has to go to the visual effects team for doing such a wonderful job!!
And part of what made the VFX great was the in-camera work it could work off of!
One of the best sagas of the century and another great video.
Cheers!
The beautiful cinematography was always one of the biggest selling points of this movie for me (aside from the style of the hand-to-hand and gunplay scenes of course). But I never did truly consider the absence of camera shake most modern action films rely on these days. That was a great choice on Stahelski and company’s part. I’m also a big fan of how Stahelski was inspired by Bertolucci (by extension Vittorio Storaro). For me Wick parts 1 and 4 are where it’s at for the cinematography and beautiful use of color.
All the elements came together spectacularly
The narrator has the best calming and convincing voice in the world!
Thank you to the entire team of Studio Binder for enlightening us with all film making concepts and techniques. Just a small request to the team, please make a detailed video on IMAX. Like it's basic technology, and why directors like CHRISTOPHER NOLAN loves to use it. ❤
Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you guys for this , they really did set a standard for stylised action
Much to learn from it!
Respect for highlighting this, Studio Binder!
Happy to!
One of the best action movies of all time
Agreed!
This movie and a franchise are masterpiece of action
All wonderful!
Just watched the movie yesterday and saw this video today. Thanks Studio Binder for another amazing video.
Hope it was illuminating :)
Man I need a “I love Studio Binder” T-shirt!
Time to make some merchandise!
that club scene in john wick 4 amazing cinematography with the falling down scene and getting up and fighting
Thank you so much I LOVED this movie and its cinematography, it was great
Us too!
@@StudioBinder 🙏 I know it's often said but your videos are the best for directing, screenwriting, etc... I discovered your channel about 8 months ago and the clarity of them and how straightforward they are make them really enjoyable and instructive ! I already wanted to be an actor and liked visuals, story and cinematography in films, but you made me want to direct too ! As a French guy, I'm glad I know English because there's so much great content like StudioBinder and other ones I wouldn't have discovered
DAMNNNNNNNNNNNN!! These vids are like million dollar quality. They are so fun and engaging while I'm learning heaps while keeping it simple at the same time. Mad thanks for this, from a newly blooming filmographer!
A over the top action-packed movie is not enough to emphasis the fact when talking about john wick 4. I hope they start handling out awards for stunts after this.
So many great stunts in one film
I have seen all 4 of the John Wick trilogy movies so far. Keanu Reeves is so amazing and athletic too!
The production of this series is just beautiful- Equal parts action movie, arthouse, and artsy music video. There's been maybe a dozen in the last decade that I was really impressed with. And I have a VERY low attention-span for sequels; I just assume they're probably gonna be lazy, farted-out cash-grabs. But ALL the John Wick have been consistently amazing (actually, I just downloaded jw4 today, and haven't watched it yet. But the first three were incredible)
When talented filmmakers don't settle for doing the same thing 🔥
Thankyou , i had asked for it many tmes and you guys delivered. I have learnt more from you, than any other channel or course.
It was highly requested!
StudioBinder is the BEST 😍
🙏🙏
This was AWE and then SOME! THANKS! We have all 4 now and watch every few months. Thanks for the great ride Keanu et al!!!!!
over the top heroism, masculinity, goosebumps, 💯
🔥🔥
i really love this franchise! Great video!
Glad you liked it!
9:03 YESSSSS BLOOD CODE
Awesome track
You're so good at this StudioBinder. Thanks again for sharing your insight on youtube.
Enjoy!
As always quality tutorial by Studio Binder
Glad you liked it!
Now I understand what makes the John Wick Franchise a Great Action Movie Franchise. Thank you StudioBinder for this Inspiring video.
Thanks for watching!
Oh man !! I can feel butterflies in my stomach 😂 thats amazing!!
Glad you liked it!
🌞the wide shots call to mind how the dancer, Fred Astaire, liked his dance scenes shot-without cuts-it just makes the “action“ flow so much better; thank you Fred & Chad!
That's the idea!
We appreciate how well made this video is. Keep up the good work as always.
Cinematography is not my forte but I was mesmerised by chapter four’s cinematography. Thanks for adding insight and clarity into what camera, lens, technique and formats that were used. This makes so much sense because the shots and angles used in this film are just breathtaking. The scene of Winston walking into an art gallery as he approaches the marquee, is a tracking shot. This is perhaps my favourite scene in the entire film. Although it conveys a character walking past art paintings, the colour palette and art design is so majestic. Not the most significant scene in the film but subjectively it conveys so much thematically within the narrative and story. I just love that shot. I also loved the closeup shots too. However the wide angle lens technique used throughout this movie is just immaculate because I was fully engrossed from start to finish. My favourite shot is the wide shot of the sun rising at dawn whilst John is chasing those guys on horses. That sequence is Lawrence of Arabia inspired for sure but wow what a way to immerse the audience into the spectacle that is unfolding before our eyes. Chapter four was pure art from start to finish. A love letter to action cinema. I actually cried whilst watching it, it cured me of my depression and reminded me why I love cinema, and IMAX. It’s not just another movie, it’s an experience!
Studio binder ❤is here to cater for us ,thanks for ur contribution
Happy to help!
You really get me interested in the artform of shooting video... Thank you so much for that
I really love this channel! As one of the guys that wrote a bunch of the music in the John Wick Series and I just wanted to drop a comment and say hello!
I love Led Spirals from you! So badass
i think john wick had one of the greatest characterisations in movies in my opinion
They certainly did a great job in that department
Brilliant movie, brilliant video! 👏
Cheers!
Thank you for pointing out the eye-lighting cue, I never noticed that. (I also enjoyed the use of matrix clips for examples - partly because they show off Chad Stahelski and where he came from - but also that it gives that tiny bit of extra life to the theory that the John Wick movies are in the Matrix universe :-)
same architect ;)
*This is great work.*
Excellent, thank you💯
The fact that Chad knows his stuff and Keanu being Legendary is quite the combination
StudBinder you're the best. Thank you for the information
🙏🙏
Beautiful video essay. Thanks for all the work. Really really greatfull that I found your channel.
Thanks for watching!
This was great, thanks Studio Binder, now need to see this for Extraction2, how they shot the oners, specially the train seq, would love to see BTS in details. Thanks
This channel is awesome.
Appreciate it :)
John Wick Chapter 4 makes a serious case for the franchise as whole becoming action cinema's greatest, certainly of the decade and maybe of the 21st century. I appreciate the second wind Reeve's is getting for his career as a bonus. Watching this behind the scenes look gives me hope for the genre to continue to push boundaries as cinematically as possible.
Always wanted you guys to cover this incredible movie! Thanks for the incredible and informative content StudioBinder!
Glad you liked it!
@@StudioBinder also I have a video idea.. Do a full in-depth analysis on how they shot and did the Camera Movement in the movie called "Upgrade". You've mentioned it before in some of your videos but it's smooth camera movement is something that shouldn't be overlooked 😅
Thank you StudioBinder, I was hoping to get a HTSI on John Wick! ♥
Hope you liked it!
@@StudioBinder oh yes, you bet I did!
you know the one thing you never see in all these movies, is studio binder.
Our logo is missing in their shots
I remember someone asking you to do a JohnWick scene in the comments of the previous video and you replied you'll try your best, and YOU DID IT!!! You kept your promise! I'm so glad... May I request anything Shakespeare related??? I've been using you guys for my ELA class and I'm struggling to find good Shakespeare videos. Mainly on depth and themes.
You are the best...I love a lot StudioBinder videos...
Love our viewers!
PLZ make video on how to write a specific genra like how to write comedy or suspence. By the way love this video❤
Thanks for the suggestion!
Stunning
🔥🔥
Edifying! Had hoped to hear a bit more though about what Director Chad referred to as their having pushed the color gradient/contrast to the limit in JW4. Still, great insights here, and I'd add that the music in all the Wicks has been a superb key element as well - certain song choices and original compositions had been staggeringly perfect for their scenes.
Great video, very informative!
Cheers!
I took an online film making course, with some money. But that didn't help me. What I could not learn in that whole course, I learned more from just one video of this channel. Lot of love and Respect Sir💖🙏, From India 🇮🇳💖🫂🌎👑
haha cheers!
Thanks for this 😊
Cheers!
I want to see an episode about how actions are filmed and what techniques are used.
This was a great video Studiobinder and I would like if u guys make a video on Akira Kurosawa about his film making style
We want to! He's a unique challenge to cover; in the meantime you should watch our video on Rashomon! kzhead.info/sun/gJdscqdrkX58emw/bejne.html
Hey Guys love your work 🙏🏾♥️ Pls breakdown Ninja Assassin (2009) it’s such an underrated movie
Thanks for the suggestion!
have a gr8 day! I wanted u to have a gr8 day throughout the past month but I just missed it cuz I've been busy...
Hope you have one too!
I hope we will get another video on the sound used in all movies
Probably will!
How you do anything is how you do everything.
✔✔
yea John wick changed movies forever just the other day I was watching a movie blood and gold on Netflix and there's a fight scene they shot almost similar to how fight scenes in John wick are shot incredible tbh
The gun fu legacy lives on
Fantastic video
Glad you liked it!
I would like to see Jackie, lee, and donnie all in john wick or any other spinoff series
That would be insane
Lets goooo ❤❤ Love studio binder Apreceate all things i learn on this chanell #capvert
💕💕
Can you guys do a video on sound design and is it better to record audio on set or record it in the studio ? Couldn't find many video on this topic...
Oh man I m sorry for feeling sorry for you but you are most underrated youtuber
we're on our way :)
Awesome :)
Thanks for watching!
Donnie Yen said in an interview that Chad understood the art of action in film making, just like how they do it on classic Hongkong films.. that's why John Wick don't have those shaky cams and several camera cuts you see in modern action films.
He even said he's never worked with someone that understood what he was trying to do like Stahelski, incredible praise
I like this! This place!)))
The StudioBinder Space
Superb video
Cheers!
Harika bir youtube kanalısınız.
Just you guys know, Lionsgate posted a 10 hour video of John Wick falling the stairs. It's glorious! 😂
Saw it, that's hilarious
@@StudioBinder perfect background video 🤣
If you look at when they were in the hotel in Japan, when John appears, and there is no action going on, the lights are red, but as soon as they’re about to start fighting all the lights turn green
The color for battle
13:23 May that stuntman rest in --- May he one day stop falling down the stairs and return to his family.
"till he kills 100%".nice
👍👍
Shout-out for the team behind StudioBinder for creating deeper how they shot it John Wick: Chapter 4
Thanks for watching!
Was looking for a john wick 4 video, figured, nah not right now, maybe some studiobinder video first, and i'll be damned..
Thanks to Studio Binder, going deep bts of John Wick actions really are worth learning it!
Hope it helps :)
5:23 I wonder if Michael b Jordan got inspired by Bernardo because that shot is the same one in creed iii
He might've!
I must know, where do you get all these behind the scene videos??
👀
The reason why i think John Wick was successful as a franchise is that the creative team got blank check on what they wanted to do and the executive knew to trust their filmmakers. Aka, what I've been preaching for years. Let the filmmakers make films.
True
Let the camera move as little as possible and focus on the action, that was exactly what Fred Astaire said about his dancing in the 1950s
If you can feel tired, even mentally, then the actors and scene was effective.
haha the adrenaline dump from a great fight scene
Are you guys going to do an analysis on the Alonzo Harris character from training Day?
we might!