Thescreescore – John Wick creator and director Chad Stahelski recently unleashed a scathing critique of superhero action sequences in a candid interview with THR, arguing that the genre often sacrifices narrative cohesion for spectacle. He contends that the prevalent use of second-unit directors for action scenes creates a jarring disconnect between the film’s dramatic core and its fight choreography, resulting in visually inconsistent and emotionally detached sequences. Stahelski emphasizes that truly effective action must be intrinsically linked to the story, not an afterthought tacked on.
"This is only my opinion," Stahelski clarifies, "but some things I think don’t work might work for some people. It’s the execution. Like Die Hard. There’s not a lot of action, but John McClane is a great character. You have to connect with the character." He uses John Wick as another example, highlighting that the choreography, however impressive, wouldn’t resonate without the audience’s investment in Keanu Reeves’ performance. He dismisses the long-held industry belief that action scenes should be secondary to the narrative, or vice-versa, stating that both must be conceived as a single entity.
Stahelski directly addresses the superhero genre’s shortcomings: "In some superhero stuff, when a second unit guy is doing half the movie, everything looks different during the action. Even the coloring and editing is different. [The film] never feels aligned. So if you don’t want to shoot your own action, then don’t do the movie." He points out that prominent directors like Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and the Wachowskis all actively participate in the creation of their films’ action sequences.
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While acknowledging exceptions like Captain America: Civil War‘s final battle (though noting its fortuitous, last-minute planning), Stahelski contrasts this with films like Black Widow, suggesting that the relegation of action to second-unit directors, as potentially hinted at by director Lucrecia Martel’s comments, contributes to the genre’s inconsistencies. He argues that this detachment undermines the emotional impact and visual unity crucial for compelling action sequences.
The decline in recent Marvel and DC films’ box office performance, despite successes like The Suicide Squad and the upcoming Thunderbolts, underscores the need for a reevaluation of the genre’s approach. Stahelski’s critique serves as a potent reminder that even the most spectacular action can fall flat without a strong narrative foundation and consistent directorial vision. The future of superhero action, it seems, hinges on a return to the principle of integrated storytelling and a commitment to seamless visual cohesion. Source: THR
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