Keanu Reeves: "I'm a lonely man"
Keanu Reeves' minimalist style is the reverse of Tom Cruise's quirks. The 52-year-old actors represent two opposing styles of action cinema. The two, in their own way, have been mass idols and their private lives criticized for, among other things, their sexual ambiguity.
An active protagonist in the construction of the mystery that surrounds him, Keanu Reeves owns the most stylish action scenes that are remembered: the house's signature is to fight in a two-button jacket suit, cape or fur coat. Without a doubt, he controls the dynamics between darkness and rebellion to the point of endowing his characters with such a personal aesthetic that one forgets if his are lacks or a new genre of interpretation.
His erotic power arises from the magnetism of his silences. In addition, Reeves adds to his mystery a tragic and almost mythological personal story.
On film, his big leap went from teenage star (in "Speed" and "My Private Idaho") to cult leader in "The Matrix," testament to his ability to understand the industry in which he works. A martial arts expert, his return to the big screen is the best of "John Wick: Blood Pact", a film directed by his stunt double in the action scenes in the "Matrix" trilogy, Chad Stahelski.
Again, the actor speaks little and fights a lot, shoots, wears a tailored suit and gives off that controlled fortitude to which he has us accustomed. In person, Keanu Reeves is kind, polite, and smiles more than his characters. Sparing in words, he confesses that he builds his own motorcycles in the factory of which he is a partner to escape the world - another difference from Tom Cruise, who has a weakness for branded motorcycles. Director, actor, businessman, expert in wine, Japanese gastronomy and the world of art, Keanu Reeves is also the author of the book "Ode to Happiness."
-Do you like fame?
-I neither like nor dislike it. I don't feel like a celebrity and I'm not one of those who seek fame. I have had great opportunities in my career and "The Matrix" was a worldwide phenomenon. I was part of something that I am very grateful for, because the project itself was huge and the elements that made up the film were more important than me. I'm actually a loner.
-Is he the best action actor?
-I know what is expected of me, which involves interpreting the second part of a film that has been a great success. I like to add different elements to each film so as not to disappoint the audience. We've added another level of action to judo and jiu-jitsu from the first installment. I prepared myself intensively with rifles and pistols to give the character that ability.
-Laurence Fishburne and you return to act together after "The Matrix" ...
-Yes, it is a pleasure to work with him again because we are very good friends. It's the first time I've worked with him since we finished the trilogy and it's always a great experience.
- Do you think there is a relationship between the role of both in "John Wick" and the one they had in "The Matrix"?
-No the truth is no. The relationship of the characters in "The Matrix" is that of student and mentor, while the one they have in this film is that of colleague to colleague. Yes, there may be a parallel in the dynamics with which they make decisions, but I don't think it was anything intentional on the part of the scriptwriters.
-How would you describe John Wick? Does he have any parallels with you?
-He is a guy with a great sense of duty, with an enormous capacity to carry out what he wants, what he sets out to do. He is a man of strength, of honor. He's good at his job (laughs). I love the character, his moral code and his discipline.
-What does it mean to work under Chad Stahelski, his stuntman in "The Matrix"?
-I have always felt great devotion to his talent. He is a great stuntman, he understands perfectly how to articulate the action sequences. Our relationship has evolved over the years. I have directed, he has directed ... But, for me, it has been sensational and fun to be under his command.
-You talk about politics with your friends. However, he never shares his views in public.
-There are topics that are private. I do not agree with calling attention to make me more famous. I am a very private man, this is how I have decided to be and how I like to live my life.
-Are motorcycles your escape?
-I have always looked for strange, wild adventures. I like building motorcycles, I dedicate myself to it because I find it interesting. Whatever I do, I need some darkness and depth. Movies and motorcycles are similar in my world because both have left my body full of scars. I like the memories that I have created with both of them.
