Revised Article:
Blockbuster Action: "Ballerina" - Ana de Armas Breaks the Mold in the John Wick Universe
Spinning the franchise on its head, "Ballerina" bottles the pulse-pounding action and raw emotions of the John Wick series, all while introducing a captivating protagonist Olympia Yeoman, portrayed by Ana de Arms.
"Brawl like a woman" in the realm of "John Wick"
In an exhilarating conversation with the undaunted director, Len Wiseman, and Ana de Arms herself, it becomes evident how this offshoot stands boldly on its own two feet, still snuggling comfortably within the John Wick universe. By embracing individuality and tugging at your heartstrings, this film disproves skepticism and justifies its independence.
ntv.de: Kudos on the fantastic "Ballerina." With spin-offs, there's often a sense of doubt – but you pulled it off!
Len Wiseman: Absolutely! I revel in skeptical fans who end up loving it. After all, I'm a skeptic myself, questioning franchises when others may not. So it's wonderful to convince those who initially thought, "I'm not sure if this will be good..."
How did you manage to stamp your signature style onto this series?
Wiseman: I'm not one to consciously weigh the scales. My style emerges naturally, drawn from my sources of inspiration. With "Underworld," it started organically - I didn't say, "I want to bring my style here;" I simply followed my visual storytelling preferences, my method of lighting, and all that speaks to me emotionally and visually. "Underworld" might look different from "Ballerina," but that's natural - and that's what I call my style.
How did you uphold or perhaps surpass the quality of the John Wick films?
Wiseman: One key element was maintaining the film's tone. "John Wick" boasts a distinct atmosphere that I adore, and I made sure it was preserved in "Ballerina." Of course, the action is crucial, and I believe it's at an impressive level in "John Wick." I felt a strong responsibility to at least match that standard - if not exceed it - with the utmost focus, respect, and time. I have a deep passion for action films, and I can't get enough of innovative takes on classic action tropes. I'm always on the hunt for that fresh, never-before-seen angle – or a clever twist on the familiar.
With a female lead at the forefront of a primarily male-dominated genre, it's empowering to witness a character's brutal and unapologetic nature, especially when compared to the John Wick films. Ana, unprecedented power to you!
Ana de Arms: From the get-go, I emphasized my enthusiasm for the project and surmised the potential in the tale. However, I insisted that if I were to take on this role, it had to be done with conviction. I didn't want to simply mimic John Wick or be typecast as his femalé counterpart – I wanted to stand toe-to-toe with him.
Is there a symmetry between the two leads?
De Arms: The comparable element hinges on inner fire and the quest for vengeance or justice. This defining trait puts them both on the same page. There's a marvelous line in the film, "Fight like a girl," which is often used pejoratively towards women. I wanted to transform this phrase into a serious statement, using it as a driving force for the character to discover her strengths and her identity. It's all about embracing the inner warrior woman and the extraordinary advantages women can possess – in spite of their size – while laughing in the face of the world's expectations.
Cinema Ana de Arms is "Ballerina" A sharp strike to the core In "Ballerina," Olympia's dual identity is intriguingly stark – innocence and ferocity coalesce in one multifaceted package. Was it crucial for you to portray both aspects of the character?
De Arms: I fell in love with the idea of merging these two worlds within Olympia. Discovering a ballet history tied to an underworld crime organization was both clever and inspiring, and it set the perfect stage for my character's journey. One of the captivating elements of the story is exploring Olympia's emotions as she grapples with the dichotomy of her past and her present.
In "Ballerina," the fight scenes appear less choreographed, with a rawer, more emotional response. Intentional, they say?
Wiseman: Most definitely. We purposefully sought to break away from the mold set by "John Wick" and allow Olympia her unique fighting style and emotional expression. These battles are driven more by instinct than by calculated precision, showcasing surprise, vulnerability, and sheer determination. It's less about getting the perfect victory and more about survival.
How would you describe Olympia's development through the film?
De Arms: Olympia is learning and discovering the power within herself to become what she was always destined to be. It's a revelatory journey, fraught with challenges, obstacles, and unexpected encounters. Everything Olympia experiences tests her resolve, forcing her to face her past and her future head-on. And she refuses to back down.
Is Olympia a product of her world or is she the architect of her destiny?
De Arms: Let's set the record straight – Olympia is no victim! She chose this path out of determination and courage, even if her childhood circumstances set the stage for her entry into the world of the Ruska Roma.
Upcoming projects on the horizon?
Stay tuned for more action-packed adventures featuring our favorite hitman, John Wick, as well as the further exploits of Olympia's warrior spirit!
Article by Linn Penkert, ntv.de
Keywords:
- Action Movies
- Ana de Arms
- Keanu Reeves
- Violence
- Empowerment
- Film Development
- Choreographed Combat
- Interviews
- Ballerina
- John Wick
- Female Leads
- Crime Families
- Ruska Roma
Insights:
- Collaboration between Ana de Arms and Len Wiseman was instrumental in creating the multi-layered, empowering character Olympia Yeoman.
- Wiseman was inspired by the darker side of ballet training, which suits Olympia's emotional and raw response to danger.
- Both Ana de Arms and Len Wiseman emphasized the importance of Olympia's unique fighting style, rather than simply mimicking John Wick's approach.
- Fight scenes are driven by instinct and survival, conveying a sense of emotional chaos, in contrast to the calculated precision of John Wick's combat style.
- Len Wiseman's focus on thematic parallels between John Wick and Olympia allows for an engaging exploration of each character's unique journey within the John Wick universe.
- The Ruska Roma's unique blending of ballet and combat training adds a distinctive dimension to the John Wick universe, highlighting the potential for further spin-offs or series expansion.
- The "Fight like a girl" motif serves as a crucial part of Olympia's identity and inner strength, challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes within action films.
- Len Wiseman and Ana de Armas have taken the John Wick universe by storm with "Ballerina," pushing boundaries and redefining action movies, offering not just another spin-off but a masterful piece that stands on its own.
- As the discussion on violence, manslaughter, and murder in "Ballerina" unfolds, its empowering portrayal of a female lead and her unapologetic nature emerges, making it a must-watch for those seeking entertainment that brings a fresh perspective to the action film genre under the category of movies-and-tv.
