Dark, rich film (no spoilers)

Rating: 8/10 (10 February 2005)

Wow. Trite, I know, but the word captures how I feel about Keanu's performance in "Constantine". "Wow" describes the whole movie. Wow.
I just arrived home from an advanced screening in Toronto. I wasn't prepared for how adult Keanu's newest film is. With John Constantine's birth taking place in the pages of the "Hellblazer" comic book, I was expecting at least some comicesque touches to the movie adaptation. There were none, with the exception perhaps of the darkness -- literally and spiritually -- that I've heard the comic book is beloved for. Leaving the theatre so impressed with the script, the performances, the cinematography, the special effects and, of course, the direction, I was perplexed as to why Warner Bros. hadn't marketed the product more to the adult moviegoer.
Without giving away any spoilers, it's my opinion that Keanu gives one of his best performances as John Constantine. Even more laudable, he gives his most natural portrayal I've seen yet in any of his roles. His acting wasn't the least bit forced, he didn't ever reveal any subconscious discomfort. He was sublime. His world weariness. His sardonic delivery. His walk and posture. I don't care about the comic book character. Keanu was John Constantine.
Before I say anything about the film's other actors, I want to share my belief that Keanu's mastery of this role -- especially his emotion-charged scenes near the end of the story -- herald a new direction for his career. I'm not referring to an increase in his earning power, but an escalation in respect from the movie critics who haven't always been kind to him. Undeniable, wide-spread recognition within the industry of Keanu's higher plateau of acting. I wish I knew what new lessons and insights helped Keanu unleash the powerful actor within himself for this dark role. Francis Lawrence's direction may have been a factor, but after being brought to tears at Keanu's stunning performance in the most pivotal scenes of the movie, I think Mr. Reeves must have reached a deeper place in his soul and consciousness to serve up such a perfect disease-ridden, spiritually bankrupt, hard-bitten loner like Constantine.
To sum up the performances of Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Max Baker and Tilda Swinton: wonderful. The female lead was confident in her delivery: strong when needed, vulnerable at times, conveying a deep pool of emotions with her eyes. Her second on-screen pairing with Keanu is far better than her first. A great script and excellent direction makes a big difference. Shia gives a solid performance that promises more meaty roles ahead for this young actor. Max Baker. What can I say except "superb"? His facial twitches, eye contortions and laboured breathing are subtly delivered and perfect. The very talented Tilda is a work of art, thanks to her heavenly bone structure and feather-light performance. Warner Bros. is done well by this talented ensemble, lead by the no-longer-so-inscrutable Keanu Reeves.