The Connection Between Art and Power in John Wick: Chapter 4
Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix (1830)
NO SPOILERS! Just art talk.
Late March cinemas across the world screened one of the most talked about franchises and its new chapter, John Wick.
The franchise is known for its incredible action, gun-fu (or kung fu with guns), close combat, and of course, love for dogs. But one thing that really stood out for me in this chapter was the story's respect for fine art. Anything from paintings, to sculptures, and decor, and even the weapons. The elite assassins enjoy the finest things, just like the rest of us normies.
There was one particular scene that caught my interest, and that's the gallery room where characters Winston and Marquis have a discussion in regards to Wick. I said no spoilers, so I'll stop here.
Liberty takes centre stage
The gallery room that Winston walks through gradually introduces the viewers to the great paintings behind him, with a sense of power and fear hovering in its atmosphere. Each painting reflects the cinematic light perfectly, creating a mood fit for the darkest of discussions. During this scene, one particular painting took centre stage, which also reflected the overall story of not only Wick, but also Chapter 4's plot. The painting is Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.
Delacroix was commissioned by the French government to commemorate the July Revolution of 1830, and initially got rejected (no surprise there). The year after, 1831, the painting became a symbolic image for the power of liberty and freedom among the masses.
The painting itself is also filled with symbolism. The woman being barefoot and bare-chested is historically known to symbolise freedom and liberty. The Phrygian cap she is wearing was associated with the concept of liberty at the time. Carrying the French tricolour echoes the Revolution's three principles: liberty, equality, and fraternity. The colours of the painting also sing along with the freedom-symbolism through the warm and cool, and light and dark colours. The warmth and light surrounding the woman in gold communicates strength and new beginnings. The composition of the figures leads the viewer's eyes to the woman, with guns angled towards her direction, as well as figures positioned at angles that create lines leading up to her. The woman is placed higher than the rest, creating a pyramid-like composition. Perhaps another subtle reference to the uprising.
The context of the painting resonates with John Wick's own mission towards liberty and freedom. A battle that he has been fighting for for the last three chapters. A great symbolic reference in the movie that discusses not only Wick's own battles, but also the world in which he is a part of, which goes above and beyond to suppress and terminate any undesired ideologies that challenge the High Table. A full story told through discussion over a painting.
Surviving the odds
The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault (1818-19
Towards the end of the scene, another painting is brought up by Winston. The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault (1818-19). The painting depicts the aftermath of the wreck of the French naval frigate Méduse, which ran aground off the coast of today's Mauritania. The crew abandoned the ship with the passengers still onboard, on which only 15 survived. The painting shows the survivors surfacing on a piece of wreckage, setting the harsh conditions ahead for them. This became a powerful image for human suffering and pulling through struggles. Yet again, referring to the main plot of the story.
This scene was shot in the Mollien Room at the Louvre Museum. Here are some of its other most notable paintings:
The Death of Sardanapal by Eugène Delacroix (1827)
The Massacre at Chios by Eugène Delacroix (1824)
Napoleon on the Battlefield of Eylau by Antoine-Jean Gros (1807)
David Playing the Harp for King Saul by Antoine-Jean Gros (1818)
Joachim Murat by Antoine-Jean Gros (1810)
The Souliot Women by Ary Scheffer (1826)
The Women of Algiers by Eugène Delacroix (1834)
If you've watched the movie, let me know what you thought of it! And if you know of a movie which is heavily influenced by the art it features, I would love to know. I'm always interested in movies that show admiration for arts and design.
'til next time!
R