Limbo rocks

Unpublished Review by Vives Anunciacion

Constantine
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Written by Kevin Brodbin, Frank Capello
Based on characters from the "Hellblazer" graphic novels from DC Comics/Vertigo
Starring Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz
PG 13/ 117minutes
Warner Brothers Pictures / Village Roadshow

The opening scene features John Constantine exorcising a demon from a young girl in the suburbs of Los Angeles (the girl’s name is Jhoanna Trias). The demon hisses in Tagalog, “papatayin natin sila!” just before Constantine sends it to oblivion. Now why would a demon, in the plural, speak Filipino?

I’ve recommended this movie to friends who somehow seem unconvinced that it’s really an interesting movie. The catch probably lies whether the permanently stoic Keanu Reeves can mass-hypnotize the world into believing that he can play the role of Constantine. At the very least, he’s fooled me. This may be Keanu’s best casting yet, though the role had something akin with Mr. Reeves’ thespian prowess, hence the perfect casting. But he does act in this movie, for once. Oh no, I sound like I’m a fan. I’m damned.

Anyway, Constantine is a cancer-stricken, chain smoking occultist / exorcist trying to buy his way to heaven by helping out maintain the balance between good and evil on earth. When half-breed angels and demons try to tilt this delicate balance to their favor, Constantine intervenes by sending the violators to kingdom come.

A failed suicide in his past has given Constantine the special ability to see and interact with the non-mortals that roam the earth, as well as a sure booking in Hell. Constantine suspects the balance is about to be tipped over after a string of exorcisms and demonic attacks. Angela Dodson, a police detective investigating the mysterious death of her twin sister, finds herself thrown into the celestial struggle. Add to this a hellishly underdeveloped plot involving a Spear of Destiny and the son of the Devil.

Constantine is loosely based on the Hellblazer graphic novels from Vertigo and DC Comics.
Fans of the comic book series will be much disappointed, as this Constantine is far, far removed from his blonde and British origins. But I dearly welcome the changes (truly from a non-fan). It’s almost unbelievable to say Reeves is perfect as the acerbic, cynical and clinically depressed exorcist, but he is, all prejudices aside. The biggest and most welcome surprise are Tilda Swinton as the misguided but deliciously androgynous Archangel Gabriel, and Swedish actor Peter Stormare as a snazzy Satan. Great performances from all members of the cast including former Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale as half-demon Balthazar.

By now we are all aware of the ill effects of smoking, let alone chain smoking, which this movie more than once reminds us of. Unfortunately, no amount of benevolent warning from the surgeon general can match the sheer power of corporate-sponsored mass addiction. That shows who really lords over this earth.

If anything, Constantine looks good with spectacular visuals – especially of Hell – and brooding cinematography. In a way it looks like a supernatural detective noir – The Exorcist meets Dick Tracy meets Hellboy.

The movie isn’t without its faults, most notably the vast discrepancy with the comic book material. Narratively speaking, it plays out as a simplified graphic novel without explanations. There’s no back-story how Constantine got the part as Fate’s arbiter as well as how he learned the stuff he’s doing. But that’s the stuff of the sequel. On the other hand its simplified mythology and theology takes too much for granted, creating some plot holes.

Unlike typical action-horror movies, Constantine doesn’t rush the narrative, no matter how thin it is. The film would have been a classic if it had better writing. Constantine may not blaze new trails in filmmaking, but it does sear our eyes slowly and pleasurably.