Enhancing the John Wick Series: A Revised Plot for Cohesive Action and Deep Character Development
The John Wick series offers a blend of action, suspense, and emotional depth. However, some elements in later installments, such as John Wick 3, could be improved to enhance overall coherence and character development. For instance, the first film's success lay in its compelling protagonist and clear motivation, which was deflated in subsequent films. This article proposes a revised plot for John Wick 3 that aligns with these principles.
The Problem with John Wick 3
John Wick 3 introduces several narrative inconsistencies. The protagonist, John Wick, undergoes a journey filled with internal conflict and external hurdles, but his motivations are sometimes unclear or inconsistent. For example, in the film, the motivation for John's actions becomes vague and even contradictory. At times, he seeks revenge for his wife, other times, he explores an existential journey, and in the final act, he is driven by a complex mix of motives that lack cohesion.
Revised Plot: A Clearer Path to Revenge and Redemption
To address these issues, we propose a revised plot that maintains the intensity and pacing of the second installment while aligning the primary motivation and character arc. In the new plot, John Wick's journey becomes more focused and compelling:
The New Motivation: Revenge for His Wife and Identity
In the revised plot, John Wick's motivation is to avenge his wife's death and to reclaim his lost identity. His wife, Helen, gave him her wedding ring with a specific wish:
“I want you to remember me, through this.”
This wish becomes the driving force behind John's actions. He must confront the criminal underworld that took his wife from him and regain a sense of self. The structure of his plot can be refined as follows:
Step 1: Escalate the Conflict
John realizes that the only way to remove the river of criminals demanding exorbitant marks from him is to take down the 'Table', the oppressive group of organized crime leaders. The leader of this group, the Elder, is the key figure to eliminate. Knowing that he cannot face the Elder directly, John decides to disrupt the criminal hierarchy by initiating a series of well-planned assassinations that drive the various factions to conflict amongst themselves.
Step 2: Redefine His Relationship with Sofia
The relationship with Sofia, played by Halle Berry, is also refined. Rather than having Sofia blindly assist John, he must threaten her daughter to ensure her cooperation, adding depth to their dynamic and showcasing John’s resolve. The ring he hands to the Elder is not just a sentimental gift but a device with advanced technology, which only becomes active under satellite command. This adds an element of surprise and makes the plot more believable.
Step 3: Execute the Campaign Against the Table
John meticulously discredits and eliminates key figures within the criminal organizations, causing chaos and disorder. By leaving incriminating evidence and making it look like enemy factions are turning on one another, he creates a disorganized and fragmented underworld. This strategy not only destabilizes the criminal hierarchy but also brings the Elder to a point where he must take action to reassert control.
Step 4: Confrontation with the Elder
When the Elder finally confronts John, he demands an explanation. In a heartfelt, yet bitter monologue, John explains his journey and why he must live:
“I grew up in this life. It gave me everything. When I met Helen, I saw a way to be something different. But when she died, I realized that this life is who I am. And it’s the only thing that gives me meaning.”
John then cuts off his ring finger and hands the wedding ring to the Elder, knowing that it contains a tracking device. He activates the satellite, and just as the Elder concludes his speech, the ring sends coordinates to the tracking device on the Elder, leading to a climactic showdown that John wins by leveraging his skills and knowledge of the criminal underworld.
Step 5: Final Reckoning and Revenge
In the final act, the Elder is left with John's dog, which contains a tracking device and is armed with explosives. The dog explodes, killing the Elder, and John gains his revenge. As a final coup de grace, it is revealed that the gold coins used by the underworld as currency have been irradiated, adding a dark and clever twist to the plot.
Conclusion
By refining the plot and motivations, the revised version of John Wick 3 creates a more cohesive and compelling narrative. The focus on identity, revenge, and the dynamic between John and the criminal underworld provides a richer and more satisfying viewing experience. This reimagined plot not only addresses the shortcomings of the original but also elevates the entire franchise.