Constantine/Keanu

SGVN column

Feb. 5, 2005

By Kyra Kirkwood

The first things you notice about Keanu Reeves are his eyes. Not just brown, but nearly black and endless. Evidence that there's more going on behind them than is reveled to the general public, or the movie camera.

Little is know about the personal life and passions of Reeves, who most recently starred in the creepy, special-effects-laden "Constantine." Sure, anyone who sees him act can note his endearing smile, his dark hair, his crooked bottom tooth. Those who surf the Web can find out Reeves likes to play hockey, ride motorcycles, give expensive gifts to the crew of his films. But what about who this Lebanese-born thespian really is?

Don't expect him to tell you. Unlike most actors hell bent on protecting their privacy, Reeves is practically apologetic when telling reporters he's rather not discuss certain topics (like religion) or people (his love interests). At times, he's even been known to graciously thank the media for dropping the subject.

Not what you'd might expect from a guy who battles Satan ("The Devil's Advocate"), diddles with Dracula ("Dracula"), time travels with his pot-smoking pal ("Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure") and rages against the machine ("The Matrix").

In his latest film "Constantine," Reeves plays a chain smoking, hard-boiled, cynical slayer born with an ability to see the half-breed angels and demons that walk the Earth. After a failed suicide attempt decades ago, John Constantine is now doomed to win his way into heaven, lest he live an eternity in the abyss he glimpsed as a teenãand where he's sentenced scores of monsters now waiting for his arrival.

At a recent press event for the film, Reeves arrived dressed head to toe in black, sporting a scruffy beard that looked nothing short of endearing instead of grungy. He politely brushed past questions of his dedication to the role and focused instead on the quality of the script and how he hoped fans of the comic book "Hellraiser," from which the movie is based, will be pleased. He chatted with the journalists in attendance, putting everyone into a hanging-with-Keanu kind of mood. Reeves even joked quite a bit (answering the question of a "Speed" sequel with, "Don't laugh. We might make it. What would it be called? åSped!'") But politely, almost invisibly, he kept his distance in such a skillful way, most felt not the least put off.

The cast and crew of this film rallied behind Reeves, sculpting a far more detailed rendition of the man behind the black sunglasses than ever revealed before.

"Keanu is more a spiritual person," said screenwriter Frank Cappello. "He wants to affect the world in a positive way."

Director Francis Lawrence admitted many are unable to see past Reeve's "personas," like Neo or Ted. And it baffles him, as it does "Constantine" co-star Shia (pronounced like "hiya") LaBeouf from "Holes."

"He has one of the most elaborate resumes and worked with the best actors in this business," says LaBeouf.

Preparation is as essential to Reeves as eating or breathing. LaBeouf noted how, when he attended rehearsal, he saw a pile of notebooks, assuming they belonged to the producer Akiva Goldsman. But noãthey were Reeves, filled with information about the various predicaments and afflictions his character faced.

"When we're filming, he is Constantine," said LaBeouf. "He still works on films like they were his first."

Director Lawrence took a different angle in explaining why Reeves is able to meld so seamlessly with his characters, such as John Constantine:

"He has some similar qualities," he said. "There's a sad weight he carries around with him. He's haunted in a way."

LaBeouf remarked how curious it was that people often overlooked Reeves, or downplayed his abilities as an actor.

"I know a lot of people thinkähe's just the åWhoa' guy, or the guy in åSpeed.' But the truth isähe's on that level with Tom Cruise, the biggest and the big.

"When you really think about it, Keanu Reeves is the all-American superstar."

Perfecting his craft and staying at the top of the Hollywood food chain have little to do with fame or fortune.

"He's working for respect. That's what he's all about inside," said LaBeouf. "When you tell Keanu, åI loved you in the Matrix. It was awesome!' that's not really a compliment to him. But if you [say] åI really respected your performance in åDracula.' That one scene, spot on,' he's a totally different person. He'll become so bright and full of energy, so happy. That's Keanu. It's about getting respect as an actor."