The 2014 film John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves, is a high-energy, intense action movie about a former assassin who embarks on a vengeful mission. Known as a masterful professional in the criminal underworld, John Wick is cold-blooded and unyielding in achieving his goals. The film captivates viewers and raises heart rates as they root for the protagonist. Residents of Queens might recognize a few familiar spots in the movie. Read more about the film and its locations on queens-trend.
Plot Summary
For money, hitman John Wick carries out the most ruthless killings. His wife, however, is the only person he listens to. Upon learning the truth about his work, she begs him to leave his violent job and take up a regular career. Wick agrees, though only after his beloved, who has cancer, passes away.
Now a solitary widower, he finds a new job and settles into a large mansion. But his peace is shattered when the son of an influential mobster steals his prized 1969 Mustang and kills his dog. The dog, a gift from his late wife, was meant to bring John solace. Always greeting him with joy when he returned and seeing him off each morning with soulful eyes, the dog had become his only companion.
Fueled by grief and rage, Wick sets out to track down the culprits, who have yet to leave the mansion. He catches up with one of the criminals and kills him in cold blood, but another manages to escape. Now, the former assassin is on a mission to avenge his beloved pet.
Filming Locations in Queens
New York City served as the primary filming location for John Wick. The following Queens locations appear in the movie:
Calvary Cemetery: The funeral scene for Helen Wick in the rain was filmed here. Established in 1848, this historic cemetery offers cinematic views of New York City. It is the final resting place of several New York governors, senators, and mayors, as well as infamous criminals like Vito Bonventre and Stefano Ferrigno.
Laurel Hill Boulevard: The exterior shots of Aurelio’s garage were filmed at Pine Non-Ferrous, a scrap metal company located on Laurel Hill Boulevard.
Additionally, York Studios in Queens was used for production. Established in 2012, this studio provides a wide range of production and media services. Its facilities offer the latest equipment for the creative industry.
Brilliant Lead Actor
Keanu Reeves, a Canadian actor, director, producer, and musician, was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to an English mother and a Hawaiian-Chinese father. The name Keanu translates from Hawaiian as “cool breeze over the mountains.” When Keanu was three, his parents separated, and he moved to New York with his mother.
In school, Reeves developed a passion for hockey, though he struggled with academic subjects due to dyslexia. Reeves dreamed of playing hockey for Canada, but a physical injury derailed his plans. At 17, he left school to work, spending his free time taking acting classes. He went through several jobs before landing his first roles on Canadian television.
After acting on stage and in lesser-known TV films, Reeves secured a supporting role in the hockey film Youngblood (1986), shot in Canada. Soon after filming, he packed his bags and headed to Hollywood. Critics took notice after his role in the teen drama River’s Edge (1986).
Reeves achieved widespread fame with his role as Ted “Theodore” Logan in the science fiction comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), following the time-traveling adventures of two high school friends. Although initially typecast as a comedic actor, Reeves worked hard to establish himself in serious roles, ultimately gaining recognition as a versatile actor skilled at portraying complex characters.
Interestingly, Reeves’ portrayal of the grief-stricken John Wick is rooted in personal experience. In the late 1990s, Reeves began dating Jennifer Syme, who became pregnant. However, their child died in the womb due to a detached blood clot. Heartbroken, Jennifer turned to alcohol and drugs, and in 2001, she died in a car accident while driving under the influence.
Devastated by her loss, Reeves withdrew from the public eye and remained single for nearly 20 years. In his private life, Reeves is known as a modest and kind-hearted person, a true A-list star who avoids the glamorous party scene and scandalous stories. For Reeves, acting is simply a way to earn a living, and he always prioritizes time with close friends over fame. This balance between his iconic status and down-to-earth demeanor is truly inspiring.
Fun Facts
- The film’s original title was almost Scorn. This was the name suggested by screenwriter Derek Kolstad. However, during production, Keanu Reeves frequently referred to the script by his character’s name. The distributor eventually agreed that naming the film after the protagonist would serve as free advertising and enhance the film’s appeal.
- The character was named after a real person. Screenwriter Derek Kolstad chose the name John Wick in honor of his grandfather, a businessman by the same name. Kolstad was concerned that his grandfather might dislike the idea, but he was actually flattered.
- Reeves collaborated with the same stunt coordinators who worked on The Matrix. He invited Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, heads of 87Eleven Action Design, known for their expertise in stunts and action choreography.
- Initially, John Wick was supposed to be 75 years old. Kolstad wanted to create a spry older character who had been retired for 25 years. However, Reeves expressed interest in playing the role as a 35-year-old (even though he was nearly 50 at the time), and Kolstad agreed.
- Reeves recovered after filming by taking ice baths. Despite his age, he performed many difficult stunts. After long shooting days, he would immerse himself up to his neck in cold water.
- Bridget Moynahan, who plays Helen Wick, didn’t read the entire script. She chose not to learn all the details about her on-screen husband’s work, so her affection toward him would remain genuine on screen.
- According to the script, John Wick has a hobby that wasn’t shown to viewers: he restores old books in leather bindings. A few scenes displaying this hobby were filmed but were left out of the final cut.
- The filmmakers were initially hesitant to include the death of John Wick’s dog. Although the dog’s death is the catalyst for John’s return to the assassin life, Lionsgate Entertainment was concerned about the negative reaction viewers might have to seeing an animal harmed. However, they ultimately decided the scene was necessary to justify Wick’s return to violence.
