Constantine

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Plot and Summary

The story of irreverent supernatural detective John Constantine, who has literally been to Hell and back. When Constantine teams up with skeptical policewoman Angela Dodson to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, their investigation takes them through the world of demons and angels that exists just beneath the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles. Caught in a catastrophic series of otherworldly events, the two become inextricably involved and seek to find their own peace at whatever cost.

Information

Director: Francis Lawrence
Writer: Jamie Delano & Garth Ennis (comic book “Hellblazer”)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Action, Horror

Released on February 16, 2005

Cast

Keanu Reeves … John Constantine
Rachel Weisz … Angela Dodson / Isabel Dodson
Shia LaBeouf … Chas Kramer
Djimon Hounsou … Midnite
Max Baker … Beeman
Pruitt Taylor Vince … Father Hennessy
Gavin Rossdale … Balthazar
Tilda Swinton … Gabriel
Peter Stormare … Satan

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Trivia

In the comic book “Hellblazer” on which the movie is based, the character of John Constantine is from Liverpool. In the movie, the character is from Los Angeles.
Although the movie Constantine is based on the comic book Hellblazer, the movie title was changed because it was too similar to Hellboy (2004). The movies were scheduled to be released within a short space of time between them and it was decided that having such similar titles would hurt the sales of tickets. Therefore Hellblazer was changed to Constantine.
The tattoo on Constantine’s arms is the alchemical symbol of the Red King, which was worn (by him) for protection. It is “the fire triangle with three radiating arrows below represents the ‘Perfect Red King,’ the Sulfur of the Philosophers.”
Keanu Reeves bought the Holy Shotgun prop and gave it to director Francis Lawrence as a gift.
It is widely believed that the character of John Constantine was changed to an American so that Keanu Reeves could play the role. The truth is the original script retained his nationality but got no response from producers. So the writer changed him to an American and the script quickly gained attention.
Besides being addicted to smoking cigarettes, Constatine is seen drinking “Ardbeg” – A Scotch single malt, with a powerful smoked flavour.

Quotes

John Constantine: Angels and Demons can’t cross over onto our plane. So, instead we get what I call half-breeds. The influence peddlers. They can only whisper in our ears. But a single word can give you courage, or turn your favorite pleasure into your worst nightmare. Those with the demon’s touch like those part angel, living alongside us. They call it the balance. I call it hypocritical bullshit.
Satan: Hello, John. John, hello. You’re the one soul I would come up here to collect myself.
[claps giddily]
John Constantine: So I’ve heard.
John Constantine: [speaking to God] I know I’m not one of your favorites, and I’m not welcomed in your house, but I could really use some attention.
John Constantine: [whispering into the ear of a possessed girl] This is Constantine. John Constantine. Asshole.
John Constantine: [about God] He always had a rotten sense of humor. And his punchlines are killers.
Gabriel: Your ego is astounding.
John Constantine: Gabriel. Figures. “And the wicked shall inherit the Earth”.
Gabriel: You judging me now, John?
John Constantine: Betrayal, murder, genocide, call me provincial.

Links and Goodies

IMDB
Official Site
Videos and Trailers

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