Frenetic, visceral, violent are all ways to describe the perfect shootout; they form one of the cornerstones of the action genre. While there are many generic cinematic shootouts, few stand out and are truly artistically crafted.
With John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum releasing in theatres, I’ve decided to share some of my favourite cinematic shootouts.
5. Desperado – Bar Fight
“What’s in the guitar case?” It’s a classic 90’s era shoot out from the dual-wielded pistols to the insane amount of bloodletting. This well-choreographed dance of death sets the tone of the rest of the film. It’s violent and messy, and I love every moment of it.
4. Kick-Ass – Warehouse
If I had one word to sum up this scene, it would be visceral. The scene sees Nick Cage’s Big Daddy butchering D’Amico’s thugs and destroying his operation. It’s a brutal scene which changes the tone of the film and really ups the ante for the heroes.
3. The Matrix – Lobby
The Lobby shootout is iconic. As Neo and Trinity head to save Morpheus, they blast their way through security. The bulletstorm that ensues is breathtaking and would inspire many filmmakers to employ the slow-mo technique to their action set pieces.
2. Heat – Bank Robbery
The scene that inspired the opening sequence for The Dark Knight and probably one of the most recognised shootouts put to screen. What truly sets this one apart is how real it feels. You feel like you’re caught in this warzone in Downtown LA. The tension is palpable and the stakes are high as the crew make their getaway.
1. John Wick – Red Circle Club
I’m a HUGE fan of the John Wick franchise, which has revitalised the rather stale action genre. This scene embodies everything that John Wick represents, a man of focus, commitment, and sheer will, as he merciless guns down Viggo’s goons in his hunt for Iosef. It’s a symphony of violence and it’s exquisite.
Do you have a favourite shootout? Let us know in the comments.
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