Ballerina: Breaking the Mold in the World of John Wick
"Girl-Power Brawls in the Realm of John Wick"
In an unexpected twist, the franchise's universe expands with the release of "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina". This film takes a different approach, shedding the spotlight from Keanu Reeves as the stoic assassin, John Wick, to focus on Ana de Armas as Eve, a young, fierce killer seeking vengeance for her family's murder - all while defying the rules of the underworld. This action-packed film retains the franchise's signature style but offers surprising emotional depth.
In an exclusive discussion with director Len Wiseman and lead actress Ana de Armas, it becomes clear that the film boasts a unique direction that sets apart its connection to the franchise.
Congratulations on "Ballerina" - a truly outstanding film. With spin-offs "in the world of...", one is often skeptical.
Len Wiseman: That's the best response! I love it when skeptical fans end up enjoying it. As a film enthusiast myself, I share the same trepidation when approaching new franchise entries. It's fantastic when you manage to convince those who initially weren't sure it would be good...
Can you describe how you infused your style into this franchise?
Wiseman: Honestly, it's not a deliberate process. I don't think about "How do I bring my style in?" My style comes from what inspires me, and that's what set the tone for "Ballerina" - my unique visual language, storytelling methods, and approach to lighting - all the elements that resonate with me and visually and emotionally speak to me.
How did you strive to maintain or surpass the level of quality displayed in the "John Wick" films?
Wiseman: A significant focus was placed on preserving the film's tone. The "John Wick" series boasts a distinct atmosphere, and it was essential that this feeling didn't get lost in translation. Besides the tone, action sequences play a crucial role in the success of this franchise, and I wanted to meet the high standards and do justice to every shootout and fight scene.
Ballerina boasts a female protagonist in a male-dominated genre, particularly when it comes to violence. Was it a conscious choice to make the film's action comparable to that of "John Wick"?
Ana de Armas: One of the first things I made clear to Len was my desire to portray Eve honestly – not just as the "female version of John Wick," but as an equal, giving my all. I emphasized that I wanted to push boundaries and prove that women can excel in the genre. Fortunately, we were all on the same page, and we agreed that the character should be strong, but in her own unique way.
But are there similarities between the two protagonists?
De Armas: I believe that the similarity lies in their inner fire and an unwavering thirst for justice. There's a powerful line in the movie: "Fight like a girl," which is often used as an insult towards women. I wanted to reclaim this phrase and imbue it with strength, using it as a driving force for Eve to discover who she truly is - to unearth her strengths and embrace them. Finding out how women can outperform men in unexpected ways, without being bound by societal stereotypes, was crucial to my performance.
The contrast between portraying Eve as a graceful ballerina versus a ruthless killer is remarkable. Was it important to depict both facets of the character?
De Armas: I love the idea that these two aspects of Eve consistently clash, ultimately merging to form a whole. The script presents the Ruska Roma organization as a place where young girls are trained in both ballet and combat techniques. The beauty of ballet, often perceived as delicate and feminine, serves as a stark contrast to the underlying darkness of the training these children receive. This fascinating juxtaposition lies at the core of Eve's character and influenced my performance throughout the film.
The fight scenes in "Ballerina" have a rawer, more emotional quality than those in "John Wick." Was this an intentional choice?
Wiseman: Absolutely. Our goal was to differentiate the fight scenes and create a style unique to Eve's character. Rather than a polished, calculated approach to fighting, we wanted to emphasize Eve's desperation and her struggle for survival. The action in this film is primarily driven by instinct, rather than strategy.
Ana, did you have creative control over the development of your character?
De Armas: Absolutely! Working with Len was an effortless, collaborative process. We exchanged ideas, and discussions flowed freely during the pre-production period. The combination of Len's vision and my own interpretation of Eve culminated in a character that was authentic, honest, and true to the script.
Sources:
- [1] IMDB - Ballerina (2021)
- [2] Rotten Tomatoes - Ballerina Reviews
- [3] ntv.de's interview with Ana de Armas and Len Wiseman
- [4] An interview with Chad Stahelski and David Leitch for "Deadline" - The Directors Talk "John Wick 3: Parabellum" (2019)
- [5] The Guardian – ‘John Wick 3’: ‘I want there to be as many female characters as possible’ (2019)
- Fans of the "John Wick" franchise might initially approach "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina" with skepticism, but Len Wiseman's unique direction and Ana de Armas' captivating portrayal of Eve ensure that it stands out from other spin-offs in the entertainment sector, particularly in the genres of movies-and-tv focused on action, crime, and violence.
- The film "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina" offers a fresh perspective on the action movie genre by delivering extraordinary performances, raw and emotional fight sequences, and a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of a female protagonist - making it a must-see for cinema enthusiasts.
