He is willing to become honest and reflective about his work.
Hollywood superstar Keanu Reeves, who is best known for his appearances in action blockbusters like “The Matrix” and “John Wick,” has opened up about his early acting difficulties and accepted that some of the criticism he faced was deserved.
Speaking on the Smartless podcast in March, Reeves mentioned his role as Jonathan Harker in the 1992 movie Bram Stoker’s Dracula, stating that he “got kicked in the teeth and maybe deservedly so for my English accent.”
With that, the actor’s performance was criticized heavily, with reviewers calling it “plain bad” and saying he “struggles with his Anglo-toff accent.” It was even mentioned that he was “speaking as if English vowels had been injected into his gums during a painful session at the dentist’s.”
Even so, Reeves still loves the film, saying, “I think my English accent aside, I think that’s a wonderful film. I think Francis Ford Coppola made a work of art that was maybe ahead of its time. The performance, Gary Oldman, so good.”
Reeves has had a diverse career, beginning with early parts in films and getting typecasted by Bill and Ted, which led to difficulties getting roles in plays that were considered serious. He nevertheless persisted in taking chances, acting in indie movies like “My Own Private Idaho” and “The Last Time I Committed Suicide” and performing Shakespeare in “Much Ado About Nothing.”
And despite the backlash against “Dracula,” Reeves’ career flourished because of appearances in blockbusters like “Speed” and “Johnny Mnemonic” as well as extended runs in movies like “The Devil’s Advocate” and “The Gift.”
“For me, personally, it’s always been, how can we have a variety?” Reeves explained his criteria when choosing a role to play. “What’s the filmmaker? Where’s it being made? Again, what’s the script? What’s the story? What’s the role?”
Following his recent comeback with “John Wick 3,” Reeves has established himself once again as a talented and respected actor in the entertainment industry. He is a fan favorite because of his commitment to his creative work, willingness to take chances, and sense of humor.
Regardless of any future critiques, Reeves’ supporters will undoubtedly keep up their support for him. Furthermore, Reeves’ career is far from being over, given the number of new projects under development.