r/todayilearned • u/Milwambur • 2d ago

TIL that Eva Longaria spent 6 million dollars saving a film after her agent told her it was the right call. She now says its the best money she ever spent. That film? John Wick

https://variety.com/2024/film/news/eva-longoria-john-wick-checks-1236196504/
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u/Nose-Nuggets 2d ago

For the first John Wick the stunt guys turned directors probably had extra help so they could concentrate on bringing to life what they're best at

I think it has to do with them having so much experience on high budget sets. they were the stunt guys in The Matrix as i recall, which is how they got Keauna to sign on, they had history.

Other than a bunch of music videos and the worst Die Hard movie in the series, the DOP didn't have the kind of experience we might think. It was a pretty low budget film as i recall, especially going in (hence this article). Granted, an alarming roster of great directors started with music videos, but it's still a fuckin gamble.

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u/Plasibeau 2d ago

Hell, there was a time when a music video was art, and honestly, that's what made MTV the powerhouse it once was.

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u/quarrelau 2d ago

Music videos are still a huge part of YouTube’s revenue.

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u/Nose-Nuggets 20h ago

Totally. Just look at what Fincher and Fuqua have done. Amazing stuff.

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u/Guildenpants 2d ago

That's fascinating! Also makes me wonder if all the long, solidly framed stunt work might have been out of necessity to have as few setups as possible for a scene.

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u/Nose-Nuggets 20h ago

I don't think so. I believe it was entirely intentional and wanted, and is a serious aspect as to why we love the action in this film. ITS ALL WIDE SHOTS. You can see the entirety of the combatants fighting. Generally, you get a lot of close shots and quick cuts, doing their damndest to sell hits. This is trickery to hide the fact that no billed actor in front of the camera is capable of fighting.

Letting everything happen in static wides is reminiscent of Jackie Chan movies, where everyone in front of the camera could fight, and it shows. Lord, does it show.