The Fate and Coincidence of John Wick's Encounters in Viggos Son
The encounter between John Wick and Viggos son Iosef at the beginning of the film is a pivotal moment that can be interpreted through several lenses: coincidence, fate, and narrative necessity. This article explores these perspectives in detail and provides insights into the significance of this pivotal event in the film's narrative structure.
Coincidence: A Catalyst for Conflict
From a surface level, Iosef's attack on John Wick seems like a random incident. John is a retired hitman trying to live a quiet life, and Iosef's decision to assault him appears to be a spur-of-the-moment event. However, in storytelling, coincidences often serve a greater purpose. They set the stage for the unfolding conflict and introduce audiences to the central themes and stakes of the narrative.
Fate: The Inevitability of John Wick's Past
The idea of fate can also be applied to this encounter. John Wick is portrayed as a character with a compelling and inescapable past. His former life as an assassin is always lurking beneath the surface, and Iosef's actions can be seen as a catalyst that brings this past to the forefront. This suggests a sense of inevitability—John's past and present are destined to collide, leading to the events that follow.
Narrative Necessity: The Inciting Incident
From a storytelling perspective, the encounter is crucial for establishing the central conflict of the film. It not only sets off Johns quest for vengeance but also introduces the audience to the stakes involved. Iosef's actions serve as the inciting incident that propels the narrative forward. The universe, it seems, is pulling John back into his old life for a reason, despite his attempts to live differently.
A Mythical Turn of Events
Given Iosef's nature, it can be argued that he was destined to anger the wrong person sooner or later. It was simply a matter of bad luck for him that it happened to be John Wick. The film portrays Iosef and his crew as completely unaware of who they are dealing with. They have no clue about John Wick's past, his capabilities, or the dangerous trail he leaves in his wake.
The universe, in the film's narrative, seems to orchestrate a series of mythical events that bring John Wick, the reluctant warrior, back to his old self. This return to his former self is portrayed as a necessary journey to overcome the grief of his wife's death. The universe, it seems, does not allow him to escape his identity as a trailed and lethal killer. This is who he is, and he will always be pulled back into his old life.
The Inevitability of John's Past
Thus, you could say that it's fate. The encounter of Iosef with John Wick is not just a random event but a fateful moment that reveals the inescapable nature of John's past. This pivotal event serves a vital role in the narrative structure of the film, propelling the story forward and inviting audiences to explore the complex layers of fate and coincidence that shape John's journey.