2005 was the year I witnessed Keanu Reeves breathe life into one of DC Comics’ most cherished characters on the silver screen, none other than John Constantine in Constantine. Although his portrayal deviated slightly from the page version, the movie-bound Constantine was still a captivating blend of cynicism and chain-smoking. Reeves delivered an unforgettable performance, which has kept this film a cult classic over the years, with a sequel in the works.
Later, a more comic-accurate John Constantine emerged on NBC’s Constantine and The CW’s Arrowverse, played by Matt Ryan. However, many fans, including myself, continue to hold Keanu Reeves’ interpretation of this intriguing character near and dear.
Reeves’ fervor, particularly in more recent times, has significantly uplifted the movie, showcasing the delight he took in his role and affection for the character. Moreover, during the gathering for the 15th anniversary of Constantine, he openly discussed the distinctions between his portrayal and the original comic book version by DC.
As a non-native English, non-blonde critic, I found myself in a unique position when approached to portray this intriguing character. This humanitarian cynic, weary from the complexities of the world, had captured my imagination, and I couldn’t resist the allure of his wit. However, I needed to find my own connection with him, understand his essence, and determine what aspects of myself could resonate with this character. The challenge was daunting, but the beauty of this role made it irresistible.
Keanu Reeves’ Constantine Lives in America
When modifying characters and stories for a screen adaptation, it’s common to stir up some indignation. However, the adaptation of Constantine doesn’t need to mirror John Constantine as portrayed in Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing or Hellblazer from Vertigo exactly; instead, it stands on its own.
As a die-hard film enthusiast, let me share my take on the adaptation process: First off, when it comes to Keanu Reeves’ portrayal, he sticks resolutely to an American setting, unlike the original comic character who hails from the vibrant streets of Liverpool and eventually finds himself in London. His persona was influenced by none other than Sting, adopting his distinctive blond hair and hometown for his on-screen appearances. Moreover, this adaptation doesn’t shy away from embracing the raw energy of punk rock, a nod to iconic bands like The Clash or Sex Pistols. In fact, they even depict John Constantine as a member of his own punk band at one point, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the rebellious spirit of the storyline.
Shifting the movie location to Los Angeles and sacrificing the British style was a setback initially, but surprisingly, it turned out to be successful.
Keanu Reeves’ Constantine Leaves Behind His Roots
In addition, the movie doesn’t include John Constantine’s Liverpool accent, which Keanu Reeves has attempted before with mixed success. His choice to maintain his own accent and hair color (since Constantine is blonde like Sting in the original literature) likely improved the film overall.
In the movie, Constantine becomes less harsh compared to his comic book counterpart. The comics portray him as very cynical, concerned primarily with self-preservation, investigating the occult, and using people for his own purposes. He’s not the heroic character we see on screen, but both versions retain their cynicism. Reeves, however, is depicted as a more traditional hero from the beginning of the film, skillfully blending his rough demeanor with an understanding that the audience recognizes him as the protagonist, and he’s presented accordingly.
In the comic series Hellblazer, John Constantine can be considered a hero, yet he exhibits a much more skeptical and playful demeanor. His driving force is not just the thrill but also an inherent fascination with the bizarre. Unlike other portrayals of this character, the original version often resorts to petty theft or trickery when dealing with demons; he might swindle them out of their powers instead of simply vanquishing them.
Keeping ‘Dangerous Habits’
In parts of the movie, the plot is drawn from Garth Ennis’ initial work in “Hellblazer,” specifically the storyline called “Dangerous Habits.” In this original tale, Constantine learns he has severe lung cancer as a result of his long-term smoking habit. However, in the film, instead of succumbing to his illness, Constantine’s will to live serves as the primary motivation for his actions aimed at thwarting the powers of Hell.
The movie version of this character deviates significantly from the original comic book plot. Instead of sacrificing himself to defeat the Devil, as depicted in the comics, Constantine in the film is focused on outsmarting Satan and his minions like Beelzebub and Azrael, with the aim of saving himself. By setting Satan against these demons for control over his soul, he manages to create a conflict that ultimately forces them to heal him, rather than let him die from cancer. This unexpected turn of events weakens the demons to potential attacks from Heaven.
In the movie, Lucifer assumes the character of Satan and decides to rescue Constantine after he attempts suicide for a second time, as part of a deal with the ruler of Hell. However, this presents a challenge for the film’s portrayal of Satan, who must maintain his dignity in the face of a significant defeat, while also reaching into Constantine’s lungs to remove the illness and ensure that he remains on track for a later stay in Hell.
Maintaining Your Soul
The main differences between Hellblazer and Constantine, as it pertains to John Constantine’s journey to Hell, stem from the reasons behind his damnation. In the comics, he is condemned due to summoning a demon that accidentally kills a young girl. This key detail drives the plot of “Dangerous Habits,” pushing Constantine towards self-redemption without intervention from celestial or infernal forces.
In the movie, his relentless determination to survive isn’t so much a plot device as it is a defining characteristic of his character. Following her sister’s suicide, Detective Angela Dodson turns to him for assistance. As the story unfolds, Constantine shares his past and the reason he attempted suicide – his ability to see beings that are half human and half something else. In the film, Constantine’s redemption is less self-serving than it was in the comics.
If you gain one key insight from this, it’s that a humorous film can still be high-quality even without strong ties to its original source. The character John Constantine on paper may differ significantly from his cinematic version, but they both retain an essential spirit, which wasn’t sacrificed for the sake of the movie.
Stream Constantine for free on Tubi.
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2025-04-12 07:10