“Constantine 2005” is a supernatural thriller about a chain-smoking, demon-fighting exorcist named John Constantine.
He’s a lone wolf, haunted by his past and literally living on borrowed time – in the form of cancer.
When a detective asks for his help investigating the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, he uncovers a conspiracy that could lead to Armageddon.
With allies like an angel and enemies like Satan himself, Constantine must use all his wit and magic to save humanity from damnation.
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Review
Constantine: The Movie that Pushes the Boundaries
Are you ready to delve into the world of demons, angels, and supernatural beings? Then, watch Constantine, a movie directed by Francis Lawrence in 2005. This thriller is a perfect combination of action, suspense and mythology. It stars Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, a man who made a deal with the devil to win back his life. But after years working as an exorcist and demon hunter in Los Angeles, John develops lung cancer due to his smoking habit. If he dies, he would go straight to hell because of his past mistakes. His only chance for redemption is finding a way to earn God’s forgiveness before it’s too late.
In this article, we will explore Constantine through Robert Cialdini’s principles of persuasion: scarcity, authority, social proof, commitment and consistency, liking and similarity. We will analyze how these psychological triggers work in this movie to captivate the audience’s emotions and imagination.
Scarcity: The Urgency of Time
The scarcity principle states that people value things more when they are rare or in short supply. In Constantine’s case, the scarcity factor is time. John must figure out how to prove himself worthy of God’s mercy before his cancer takes him down. This creates tension and urgency throughout the plotline.
In one scene, John visits Father Hennessy (Pruitt Taylor Vince), who is dying from terminal cancer caused by demonic possession. Father Hennessy tells John about a woman who committed suicide named Isabel Dodson (Rachel Weisz). Her twin sister Ana (also played by Rachel Weisz) believes that Isabel was possessed by a demon before she died because she had been declaring repeatedly that “they’re coming for me.” Ana wants John to investigate her sister’s death but he refuses because it would not help him save his soul.
However, when John learns that suicide is a mortal sin which can lead to hell, he changes his mind and visits Ana. Ana demands that John make contact with Isabel’s soul, but John has no intention of doing so until he realizes that Isabel was a psychic medium who could see things from the supernatural realm. She saw demons and angels fighting for control over human souls. This information becomes crucial to John because it gives him a way to prove that demons are crossing over into our world without God’s permission.
Authority: The Power of Knowledge
The authority principle states that people follow those who are experts or have credentials in the field they are discussing. In Constantine, the protagonist is an expert in demonology and exorcism due to his years of experience battling evil forces. His knowledge gives him an edge over others who do not understand what is happening around them.
John also has access to powerful artifacts like holy water, crucifixes, and Latin spells which he uses to fight demons. He knows when to use his knowledge and when to improvise if things don’t go as planned.
One example of this occurs when John tries to exorcise Father Hennessy’s demon by using holy water but it doesn’t work because the demon has become too strong. He then uses a shotgun loaded with blessed shrapnel as an improvised weapon which finally banishes the demon back to hell.
Social Proof: The Influence of Peers
The social proof principle states that people follow what others do or say when they believe they share a similar interest or motive. In Constantine, there are multiple instances where characters support each other by sharing information or assisting in battles against demonic forces.
For instance, Chas Kramer (Shia LaBeouf) is John’s sidekick who drives him around town and handles technical tasks like research and hacking files. Chas looks up Isabel’s apartment address for John when Ana asks him for help. Later in the movie, Chas uses his knowledge of ancient languages to translate a demon’s message that leads John to the final confrontation with Satan.
Commitment and Consistency: The Power of Belief
The commitment and consistency principle states that people tend to act in ways that align with their beliefs or values. In Constantine, John is struggling with his past sins and current condition which forces him to reassess his beliefs about God, heaven, and hell.
John meets Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz), who is an LAPD detective trying to solve her sister Isabel’s death case. Angela is a skeptic who does not believe in supernatural phenomena until John takes her on a tour of hell through his magic mirror. During this journey, Angela sees the tormented souls of those who committed suicide or other mortal sins. She realizes that evil exists beyond our world’s boundaries.
Liking and Similarity: The Power of Connection
The liking and similarity principle states that people prefer those who share similar interests or qualities. In Constantine, John is a loner who keeps everyone at arm’s length because he does not want them getting hurt due to his line of work. However, he still forms connections with others who share his passion for fighting demons.
One such person is Midnite (Djimon Hounsou), who runs a club specializing in occult items where both good and bad guys come to shop or socialize. Midnite has an unwritten agreement with John to keep each other informed of any significant supernatural events or threats happening on their turf.
Another person is Beeman (Max Baker), a doorman who works at Isabel’s apartment complex. Beeman shares some history with John from their previous encounters as exorcist and demonic servant respectively. Beeman helps John track down one of Satan’s acolytes named Balthazar (Gavin Rossdale) by pointing him to Isabel’s old apartment where he fought and defeated the demon.
Score and Popularity: The Music of the Movie
The score of Constantine was done by Brian Tyler, who composed a mix of haunting themes, heavy metal riffs, and choir chants to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The musical score enhances the movie’s intensity and helps to build tension during battle scenes or significant revelations.
In terms of popularity, Constantine has gained a cult following among comic book fans who are familiar with the original Hellblazer series by Alan Moore. Although the movie did not receive critical acclaim upon its release, it has since become a beloved classic among horror enthusiasts for its unique take on religious mythology and stunning visuals.
Filming: The Magic Behind the Scenes
The filming of Constantine took place in Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Mexico City. The production team created realistic sets like John’s apartment which had religious symbols scattered throughout to signify his guilt and faith struggles. They also built elaborate underground tunnels where demons could move undetected around the city.
Some of the most visually stunning scenes involved supernatural creatures like half-breed angels or hellhounds that wreaked havoc on humans. These scenes required extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to bring them to life realistically. However, there were also practical effects used for smaller details like prop blood or prosthetic makeup for demonic features.
Evaluation: The Overall Impression
Overall, Constantine delivers an exciting mix of action, horror, and fantasy genres that leave viewers wanting more. Keanu Reeves carries the role of John Constantine brilliantly with his stoic demeanor and fierce determination to save his soul even against impossible odds. Rachel Weisz adds depth to her dual role as Isabel/Ana by showcasing different personalities when interacting with John or other characters.
The supporting cast also shines with reliable performances from Djimon Hounsou as Midnite and Shia LaBeouf as Chas Kramer. Gavin Rossdale brings an unsettling presence to his role as Balthazar, a demon working for Satan. However, Max Baker’s portrayal of Beeman feels slightly underused compared to other secondary characters.
Cinematography: The Art of Visual Storytelling
The cinematography in Constantine is a testament to the creative vision of director Francis Lawrence and his team. They use various techniques like low-angle shots, close-ups, and slow-motion sequences to highlight the characters’ emotions or actions.
One scene that stands out is when John visits the psych ward where Isabel was held before her death. He sees demonic symbols etched into the walls and hears whispers from entities waiting for their next prey. The camera moves fluidly as John navigates the maze-like hallways until he discovers Isabel’s cell.
Special Effects: The Magic of Movie-making
The special effects used in Constantine add realism to the supernatural elements and bring them to life in a way that captivates the audience’s attention. The practical effects range from realistic fake blood pumps to prosthetic horns and tails for demons. In contrast, CGI effects create complex backgrounds like hellscapes or angelic hosts flying through clouds.
One effect that stands out is when John visits Midnite’s club looking for information about Isabel’s death. Midnite shows him a half-breed angel named Gabriel (Tilda Swinton), who is seeking an item that can open up heaven’s doors. Gabriel has no wings and dresses up as a man with punk rock hair and clothes. However, when she decides to become his enemy upon realizing that John knows how to defeat half-breeds, she reveals her true form by sprouting golden wings behind her back.
Development: From Comic Book to Film
Constantine is based on DC Comics’ Hellblazer series written by Alan Moore and illustrated by various artists like Steve Dillon or Richard Corben. The comic follows John Constantine’s exploits as a British exorcist facing supernatural threats in London and other locations.
The movie adaptation kept the basic premise of John battling demons but changed his location to Los Angeles. It also introduced new characters like Chas, Angela, and Balthazar, who were not part of the original comics. The script went through multiple revisions before finalizing with Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello.
Dialogue: The Words that Carry the Story
The dialogue in Constantine is sharp and crisp, reflecting the characters’ personalities and motivations. John’s lines are usually short and to the point as he takes charge in battle or reveals important information about his past. In contrast, Angela’s dialogue is more verbose as she struggles to reconcile her skepticism with what she has seen firsthand.
One memorable quote from John comes when he confronts Satan (Peter Stormare) after defeating Balthazar: “God has a plan for all of us. I had to die twice just to figure that out. Some people like it. Some people don’t.” This line encapsulates John’s acceptance of his fate while challenging Satan’s claim that God is absent or indifferent.
Crews: Bringing the Movie Together
A movie requires a team effort from various departments working together to create a cohesive product. In Constantine’s case, the crew included:
– Francis Lawrence (director)
– Akiva Goldsman (producer)
– Lorenzo di Bonaventura (producer)
– Brian Tyler (composer)
– Philippe Rousselot (cinematographer)
– Wayne Wahrman (editor)
Each crew member contributed their skills to make Constantine a standout film in its genre. The result was an intense experience for viewers who wanted something different from standard Hollywood fare.
Criticism: The Flaws and Praises
No movie is perfect; there will always be criticisms or praises depending on how audiences perceive it. In Constantine’s case, some critics found fault with its convoluted plotline, which relied too much on exposition to explain things. They also felt that Rachel Weisz’s dual role was underdeveloped, and the movie’s pacing was inconsistent.
However, many fans of the comic book series praised the movie for staying true to its supernatural roots and creating a unique interpretation of John Constantine’s character. They appreciated Keanu Reeves’ performance as well as the fantastic visuals and action sequences. The movie has become a cult classic among horror and comic book fans alike.
Gossip: Behind-the-Scenes Stories
There are always stories that circulate behind the scenes of every movie production. In Constantine’s case, there were rumors of tension between Keanu Reeves and director Francis Lawrence due to creative differences. Lawrence allegedly wanted more action scenes while Reeves wanted more character development.
There were also reports of Shia LaBeouf getting into trouble on set for not following directions or causing distractions. Still, he managed to deliver a solid performance as Chas Kramer, John’s sidekick.
Soundtracks: The Music Beyond the Film
The soundtrack of Constantine features many popular bands from various genres like hard rock, metal, and electronica. Some notable songs include:
– “Passive” by A Perfect Circle
– “Judith” by A Perfect Circle
– “The Outsider” by A Perfect Circle
– “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck Quartet
– “I Will Not Be Afraid” by Toadies
These songs add an extra layer of excitement and emotion to the movie’s scenes and connect viewers with its unique atmosphere.
Analysis: The Deeper Meaning
Like any great work of art, Constantine has multiple layers of meaning that can be analyzed and interpreted in various ways. One possible analysis is that it explores themes related to guilt, redemption, and free will.
John Constantine is a man burdened by his past sins, which he tries to atone for by fighting demons and exorcising them. He believes that he can earn God’s forgiveness by doing good, but his cancer diagnosis reminds him that time is running out. He must balance his desire for salvation with his need to keep others safe from the forces of evil.
Another possible analysis is that Constantine reflects the anxiety and uncertainty of our age in terms of religious beliefs. The movie invites viewers to question their assumptions about good and evil, heaven and hell, and the afterlife. It presents a world where supernatural phenomena are real but also leaves room for skepticism.
Production: The Making of a Movie
The production of Constantine was not without its challenges. The team had to deal with multiple location changes, rewrites, and budget constraints throughout the filming process. However, they persevered and delivered a unique movie that defied expectations.
In conclusion, Constantine is a fascinating movie that pushes the boundaries of what we expect from horror and fantasy genres. It uses Robert Cialdini’s principles of persuasion like scarcity, authority, social proof, commitment and consistency, liking and similarity to engage viewers’ emotions and imagination. This article has explored various aspects of the movie from storyline to behind-the-scenes gossip to deeper analysis. If you haven’t watched it yet or want to revisit its fantastic world-building, give it a chance!
Technical Data
- Runtime : 121
- Release : 2005-02-08
- Genre : Fantasy, Action, Horror
- Cast : Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, Rachel Weisz as Angela Dodson / Isabel Dodson, Shia LaBeouf as Chas Kramer, Djimon Hounsou as Midnite, Max Baker as Beeman
- Crew : Naomi Shohan as Production Design, David Lazan as Art Direction, Klaus Badelt as Original Music Composer, Denise Chamian as Casting, Philippe Rousselot as Director of Photography
- Popularity 60.081
- Budget : $100,000,000
- Revenue : $230,884,728
- Company : Village Roadshow Pictures, Lonely Film Productions GmbH & Co. KG., The Donners’ Company
- Summary : John Constantine has literally been to Hell and back. When he teams up with a policewoman to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, their investigation takes them through the world of demons and angels that exists beneath the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles.
- Tagline : Hell wants him. Heaven won’t take him. Earth needs him.
