Constantine (2005) Movie Review: A Dark and Visually Striking Dive into the Supernatural
Constantine (2005), directed by Francis Lawrence, is a supernatural action-thriller that brings to life the DC Comics character John Constantine from the Hellblazer series. Starring Keanu Reeves in the titular role, the film weaves together elements of noir, horror, and religious mythology into a visually compelling and thematically rich narrative. While it deviates in several ways from the comic source material, Constantine stands out for its unique atmosphere, thought-provoking themes, and strong performances, making it a memorable entry in the comic book movie genre.
Plot Overview
Constantine follows John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a chain-smoking, world-weary exorcist and occult detective who has the rare ability to see angels and demons walking the Earth in human form. Damned to Hell for a past suicide attempt, Constantine is desperately trying to earn his way into Heaven by battling the forces of evil and sending demons back to Hell.
The story kicks off when Constantine is approached by Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz), a skeptical LAPD detective seeking help in investigating the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, Isabel. As Constantine delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a sinister plot involving Mammon, the son of Lucifer, who plans to unleash Hell on Earth with the help of renegade angels and demons. The film takes viewers on a dark and atmospheric journey through the underbelly of Los Angeles, where Constantine battles demonic forces, questions his faith, and confronts his own mortality.
Keanu Reeves as John Constantine
Keanu Reeves delivers a subdued yet intense performance as John Constantine. While the character in the comics is a blonde British man, Reeves brings his own interpretation to the role, portraying Constantine as a brooding, cynical anti-hero who is haunted by his past and burdened by his knowledge of the supernatural. His Constantine is a man on the edge, driven by a mix of desperation, guilt, and a deep-seated need for redemption.
Reeves’ performance is understated, but it works within the film’s grim and moody aesthetic. He effectively conveys Constantine’s inner turmoil and his complex relationship with the divine and infernal realms. While some fans of the comics may take issue with the changes to the character, Reeves’ portrayal has a unique charm that aligns with the film’s overall tone.
Visually Striking and Atmospherically Dark
One of Constantine’s greatest strengths is its visual style. Director Francis Lawrence, in his feature film debut, creates a world that is both gritty and fantastical. The film’s depiction of Hell is particularly memorable—an apocalyptic landscape of fire, ash, and tortured souls that feels both otherworldly and disturbingly real. The use of practical effects and CGI is well-balanced, creating a visually cohesive world that immerses viewers in the film’s dark and foreboding atmosphere.
The film’s cinematography by Philippe Rousselot is also noteworthy. The use of shadow, light, and color helps to enhance the mood, with the film often bathed in muted tones that reflect the bleakness of Constantine’s world. The visual effects, particularly in the scenes involving exorcisms and encounters with demons, are executed with a level of creativity that elevates the film beyond typical supernatural thrillers.
Themes of Redemption and Faith
At its core, Constantine is a film about redemption and the struggle between good and evil. John Constantine is a man who has seen the worst of both Heaven and Hell, and his actions are motivated by a desire to right his wrongs and escape eternal damnation. The film explores themes of faith, morality, and the idea of salvation—both personal and universal.
Constantine’s relationship with God, or rather, his lack of one, is a central theme of the film. He is a man who performs acts of good not out of a sense of righteousness, but out of a selfish desire to save his own soul. This creates a complex and morally ambiguous character who operates in the gray areas between the divine and the damned. The film raises questions about the nature of sin, free will, and the possibility of redemption, making it more than just an action-packed supernatural thriller.
Supporting Cast and Performances
The supporting cast in Constantine delivers strong performances that complement Reeves’ lead role. Rachel Weisz brings depth and emotion to the role of Angela Dodson, a character torn between her belief in logic and the supernatural reality she is forced to confront. Her chemistry with Reeves adds an additional layer to the film, grounding the supernatural elements in a more relatable human experience.
Tilda Swinton is a standout as the androgynous archangel Gabriel, delivering a performance that is both ethereal and menacing. Her portrayal of Gabriel as a being who views humanity with a mixture of disdain and pity adds a fascinating dynamic to the film’s exploration of divine intervention and justice. Peter Stormare’s appearance as Lucifer in the film’s climax is another highlight, with his portrayal of the devil being both charming and terrifying.
Streaming Availability
For those interested in watching Constantine, the film is available for streaming on various platforms, including HBO Max. It can also be rented or purchased on services such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. This wide availability ensures that viewers can easily access the film, whether they are revisiting it or watching it for the first time.
Conclusion
Constantine (2005) is a film that, while not a perfect adaptation of its source material, succeeds on its own merits as a visually striking and thematically rich supernatural thriller. Keanu Reeves delivers a memorable performance as John Constantine, bringing a unique interpretation to the character that works within the film’s dark and atmospheric world. Supported by strong performances from the cast and guided by Francis Lawrence’s stylish direction, Constantine remains a compelling and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences nearly two decades after its release.
Whether you are a fan of the Hellblazer comics or simply enjoy supernatural thrillers with a deeper philosophical edge, Constantine is a film worth watching, offering a blend of action, horror, and existential drama that sets it apart in the genre.
