Constantine 4K 2005

I wonder what genius translation genius thought to add the subtitle “Lord of Darkness” to the title of the movie? It's not funny. Not only that it immediately causes persistent associations with the mega-movie “Elvira - Lord of Darkness”, but also automatically relegates an excellent metaphysical thriller to the level of a cheap horror movie. Can a good metaphysical thriller be called “Constantine, Lord of Darkness”? That's right, it can't! Just “Constantine,” yes. That sounds proud. Why am I paying so much attention to this miserable subtitle? And because of the fact that some smart guy in the unkind decided to shine creativity, I at one time almost missed this wonderful movie. That's exactly the reasoning behind it. Thank God, kind people and natural curiosity suggested that the movie is actually called simply “Constantine”. In general, some translators should have their hands torn off, and note that it will still be kind.

Now as for the term “metaphysical thriller”. For the long time I don't remember whether it was invented by me, or just seen and memorized somewhere. But if you describe it briefly, it is a rare guest in our land, and from its closest kin - mystical thriller, differs in that it does not act in it ghouls and ghouls, and, say, angels and demons. Actual nowadays word combination. Personally, I know two excellent metaphysical thrillers (no, the term is made up!) - “The Devil's Advocate” and “Prophecy” with the marvelous Christopher Walken. And now, whence we were not expecting, the third magnificent example of this outlandish genre - actually reviewed “Constantine”. The main advantage of the movie is simply intoxicating Reeves, to whom after this role I immediately forgave the image of Reverend Neo. And it's not even the fact that Reeves like no one else in the world go black suits, and the fact that the role of a bile specialist in paranormal phenomena, sincerely hating all living things (and dead too) he plays with inexpressible relish and sincerity. You could say, just lives this role - it turns out, he can do it! His reserved and cold manner of playing in this case is appropriate as never before and with all his restraint he perfectly conveys the quiet anger of his hero, his unsociable, restless character and his fear in the face of death.

Although, of course, he got an excellent hero. Interesting. After all sorts of ideologically seasoned spiderman echidic detached John Constantine blows away and seems to be a ray of light in a dark kingdom, as well as a guiding star and light at the end of the tunnel. For the type is interesting and unusual - not an ideologically-minded young man, but a cynical, tired, lonely and beaten by life man, for whom his gift is a curse. And John looks at this gift without any romantic fog, using it for purely practical purposes. And where to go, you have to live on something! But, what is pleasant, with all his life beaten Konstantin - a man strong and capable of action. He just needs a good reason.

However, it would be unfair to blame all the responsibility for the quality of the movie solely on Reeves and his character - even if you really want to. Still, there is a lot to see in the movie besides the interesting protagonist. At least, connoisseurs of stylish mystical tapes will be very satisfied - the movie has both simply gloomy scenes, and frankly creepy episodes (but without any excesses like “Blood Fan”, so, purely to penetrate the vision of hell), and a very beautiful video sequence, and charismatic characters of the second plan. And the plot is very interesting. Plus the atmosphere is powerful - again fans of mysticism will be satisfied, because everything is very beautiful, stylish and suggestive.

Summing up - the movie is excellent, and by the way, easily withstands revisions. Checked on myself.