‘John Wick’ starring Keanu Reeves is unanimously one of the slickest assassin stories. The narrative about the world of mercenaries and Jonathan Wick’s resurrection with sidetracking from the thriller genre and opting for noir is plausible. The makers utilized the references to create something unique to the franchise. One of the most unique aspects of the narrative is the gold coin economy of the High Table.
The films introduced something new characterizing every installment. Whether it was the ubiquitous Mustang race car in the first film or the unique arsenal in the third installment, it becomes a significant part of the narrative. However, apart from the brooding Keanu Reeves performance, there is the gold coin exchange taking place during the run of all the installments. This gold coin economy makes the High Table and its mercenaries a civilization in itself. Though there is no concrete origin of it, let’s explore this unique and intriguing currency system in place.
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The Gold Coins In ‘John Wick’ Are Bartered For Trust And Loyalty
The High Table is “older and bigger than any government on the planet.” It made sure a traditional economic system gets in place. The socialist model of all-cost-uniform does not have to do with face value, but a little to do with its intrinsic value. In the ‘John Wick’ franchise, we see the protagonist barter coins for services. The Continental, which is the center for all mercenaries to gather and network, serves as a bastion for coin transactions and level playing field.
Winston lays down certain protocols to be followed on the ground of The Continental. One of the most important rules is that no business (re: assassination) can be conducted on the premises of the hotel. It is considered a safe space for the mercenaries where everyone lay on an equal footing. However, it also serves as the manufacturer of these coins in circulation. But, how can a gold coin buy someone a drink and get an arsenal with it as well? The Wick world works in a favor economy. The coins represent trust, loyalty, and security for the members of the high table.
So, if you buy a weapon or share a piece of information, secrecy is maintained to keep the code of conduct in place. There is uniformity and decorum maintained with the economy that is in place in Wick’s world. As said in the first installment, “Coin represents commerce of relationship; a social contract you agree to partake.” The exchange rate in this economy is vague. The system is a larger extension of the “markers” tradition in place.
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Chad Stahelski, The Director Of The Film Weighs On The Gold Coin Economy
Since 2014, director Chad Stahelski has been mounting the Keanu Reeves world making it grander and slicker. During an interview with the Consequence Film, Chad explained the various aspects of this mythical civilization that Wick inhabits. There is no guide to Chad’s world as per his admission. The stuntman weighed the importance and role of the gold coins.
During the interview, Chad Stahelski said, “The gold coins were simply because it was a currency that you couldn’t track. It was good in any country, it had a solid weight. One gold coin was one life, equal to about $1,000… It meant you’re a member of the club.”
The director continued, “Like it is a secret handshake, it didn’t matter if it costs $100 or $1,000. The coin simply proved you’re of the world and it had a whole different kind of monetary system to it — more of a business card, an entry kind of thing.”
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