Keanu Reeveswasnt anyones first choice for Neo in theWachowski SiblingsThe Matrix.
Reports vary but everyone fromBrad PittandVal KilmertoTom CruiseandJohnny Deppwere reportedly in the running for the role of Neo.
In hindsight, the choice of Reeves seems obvious.
The curtness of Neos demeanor on the page and Reeves oft-whispered vocal tone work melodiously together.
In 1994, he starred inJan De Bonts excellentSpeed, but he played a hot shot.
The assuredness that turned into wisdom and self-knowledge forThe Matrixcould also be utilized to convey brash cockiness.
Image via Warner Bros.
Thats the oft-forgotten greatness of Reeves abilities: he can often look both vacant and overwhelmed by complicated thought.
I had a man around.
He used to wake me up every morning by flicking lit cigarettes at my head.
Image via Orion Pictures
He’d say, “Hey, asshole, get up and make me breakfast.”
You know, Mrs. Buckman, you need a license to buy a dog, or drive a car.
Hell, you need a license to catch a fish!
Image via 20th Century Fox
But they’ll let any butt-reaming asshole be a father.
Reeves delivers this small speech without righteousness or anything like pride.
Instead, he conveys exhaustion and experience, and the difference matters.
Image via Lionsgate
Its in the vaguely outrageous that Reeves has always worked best in.
Image via 20th Century Fox
Image via Paramount
