The 2005 movie Constantine stands apart as one of the most unique takes on comic book superheroes ever. The DC character has seen a number of different live-action versions recently — there was Matt Ryan’s comic book-accurate version from The CW’s Arrowverse, and Jenna Coleman’s Johanna Constantine, who appeared in newly released series The Sandman.
Keanu Reeves’ Constantine, however, was released during a time before the MCU changed the concept of superhero movies for the better. Filmmakers who took up the odd comic book adaptation were free to interpret in any way they saw fit, giving rise to movies such as the 1994 film The Crow. Constantine director Francis Lawrence envisioned the movie as a unique blend of film noir, biblical horror, and the superhero genre. The end result has been unforgettable for fans, who have been clamoring more and more for a sequel — a wish that has finally been fulfilled. So, while we await more updates on Constantine 2, let’s check out the best moments from the Keanu Reeves-starrer Constantine.
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6 Constantine Performs A Routine Exorcism
The movie effectively showcases its unique genre sensibilities from the very beginning by taking Reeves’ Constantine through a routine exorcism that does not go as planned. It’s a shame this scene isn’t talked about more often, because it is genuinely memorable. Constantine doesn’t linger on the horror elements, but presents them as just another possession in its world of angels and demons. The use of a mirror to trap and destroy the demon alludes to a huge body of esoteric knowledge that Constantine has good expertise in. But the highlight of this scene must be the moment when Constantine punches the victim’s throat to control the possessing entity — you don’t see that in too many horror films!
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
5 Constantine Clears Out a Room Full of Demons
Warner Bros. Pictures
This particular take on John Constantine is equal parts cunning and hardcore action. When Constantine goes in to save Rachel Weisz’s Angela from becoming the vessel of the antichrist, the movie turns into an all-out action spree as he has to clear his way through a room full of demons. After weakening the demons’ defenses with holy water-activated sprinklers, he picks up his holy shotgun and proceeds to blow out demons left and right. The action cinematography of this scene is absolutely phenomenal, especially the overhead shot that gives you a bird’s eye view of the beautiful chaos — and the demons being blown into smithereens.
4 Constantine Visits Isabel In Hell
Director Francis Lawrence had very specific ideas about what the look he wanted for the movie’s version of hell, as outlined by AWN. He wanted to move away from the classical imagery of fire and brimstone, instead envisioning Lucifer’s dominion as an alternate dimension overlapping our own. He took inspiration from footage of nuclear blasts and settled upon the vision of a parallel dimension that is perpetually going through a nuclear heat wave. It’s a visual spectacle unlike anything you might have seen before, or since.
When Constantine visits Isabel in hell, we see this scene for the very first time as he tracks through nuclear blast-ridden streets, all the while being prowled upon by demons who detest his presence in their lands. Equally interesting is the strange ritual he undergoes to transport into hell — sitting on a chair while staring into the eyes of a black cat. It is one of the many details that add to the distinctive feel that fans have come to love about the movie.
3 Angela’s Exorcism
After a chaotic scuffle with the possessed Angela in a swimming pool, Constantine and his apprentice Kramer, played by Shia LaBeouf, hold her down in an attempt to exorcise her. It soon becomes apparent that the antichrist has a different game plan than simply possessing a human body; he seeks birth into physical form through a human womb. The scene in which Constantine tries to banish the antichrist from Angela’s womb is one of the truly horrid moments in the film.
2 Gabriel Reveals Their Grand Plan
At the movie’s climax, the archangel Gabriel, played by Tilda Swinton, reveals themselves to be the ultimate villain of the Constantine story. It’s a classic case of the well-intentioned extremist as Gabriel explains to the incredulous Constantine how bringing the apocalypse will enable humans to become their noblest selves. Swinton’s angel only has two scenes in the movie, but her character is developed quite meticulously. Gabriel’s intentions aren’t simply misplaced; they also spring from a sense of envy towards god’s love of humans. Watching Swinton as she goes on her manic rant about the greater good will definitely give you the creeps. It is also the perfect casting and characterization of the superhuman characters including Gabriel that makes Constantine such a compelling movie.
1 The Devil Comes to Collect Constantine’s Soul
The devil’s cameo is perhaps the most impressive scene in the entire film. Constantine features one of the best cinematic portrayals of the devil, ever. Played by Peter Stormare, this version of the devil makes you want to walk in tiptoes around him. Stormare approaches this role with a predatory playfulness, holding a great deal of ruthlessness at bay. Quite surprisingly, he appears in the movie as a deus ex machina — except that it appears as a fitting resolution to the climax rather than an implausible one. To be fair, where else would you ever see the devil appear in such a plot role?
The scene is of dual significance, as the devil arrives only to collect Constantine’s soul. Constantine takes the opportunity to convince the devil to avert the apocalypse, on account of his own self-interest — a very Constantine thing to do. At the same time, Lucifer also saves Constantine’s life as a freebie — not in exchange for anything, but so that he may prove that his soul truly believes in hell. This passionate belief in humans’ inherent corruption is what allows this version of the devil to truly leave a mark.
