The Art of Pencil Combat: Why John Wick’s Killing Techniques Are Impressive

Why is John Wick killing people with pencils so impressive? Wouldn't someone with knowledge of martial arts be able to use any sharp object as a weapon?

Understanding the Techniques and Their Implications

The impressive nature of John Wick killing people with pencils in the film series can be attributed to several factors. Skill, precision, symbolism, cinematic impact, and realism all play crucial roles in making these scenes both memorable and effective.

Skill and Precision

John Wick's ability to efficiently kill with a pencil showcases his exceptional skill and precision as an assassin. This highlights his training and experience, demonstrating that he can turn even the most mundane objects into lethal weapons. It is a testament to his proficiency in combat situations, where adaptability and rapid response are key.

Symbolism

The pencil represents Wick's resourcefulness and adaptability. In a world where he is often outnumbered or in environments where traditional weapons are unavailable, his ability to use a pencil as a weapon symbolizes his ingenuity and the idea that danger can come from unexpected places. This adds depth to his character and underscores the unpredictable nature of his missions.

Cinematic Impact

The scenes are choreographed to be visually striking and memorable. The use of a pencil adds to the dramatic flair of the action sequences, making them stand out in a genre often filled with firearms and standard melee weapons. This visual emphasis helps to create a memorable sequence that is as much about the spectacle as it is about the story.

Realism in Combat

While a person with martial arts knowledge could use any sharp object as a weapon, the films emphasize that combat is not just about technique but also about the context and environment. Wick's use of a pencil shows that he can capitalize on the situation, using what is at hand to achieve his goals in a realistic and gritty manner.

Character Development

The pencil kills serve to reinforce John Wick's character as a relentless and feared assassin. It underscores the lengths he will go to and the brutality of his world, enhancing the overall narrative of the franchise. These scenes are not just about the technique but about the psychological and emotional impact they have on the audience.

Real-World Application: The Pyramid of Skill

Well, could this 'someone' actually do it for real? There's a steps-on-the-pyramid to climb here. Let's break it down:

Random, untrained nobody A person who in theory knows what parts of the body are vulnerable enough that a pencil will be fatal A person who has the reflexes and strength to actually do that in practice A person who has the ruthlessness and willpower to do that in real life Finally, a person who in a stressful and potentially fatal situation is mentally collected enough to, in a split second, grab a pencil and actually use it as a weapon.

Your theoretical 'someone with knowledge of martial arts' might have climbed all the steps up from step 1. Or they might not. No matter how much you train, you're never going to know about numbers 4 and 5 until it actually happens in real life. John Wick is on level 5.

By asking this question, you're demonstrating that you're on level 1.

Conclusion

While martial arts knowledge allows for the use of various objects as weapons, the impact of John Wick's pencil kills is more about the skill, creativity, and narrative depth they bring to the story. These scenes are designed to be both visually and emotionally impactful, elevating the franchise to new heights.