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{{Short description|2005 American superhero horror film}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox film {{Infobox film
| name = Constantine | name = Constantine
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| caption = Theatrical release poster | caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = ] | director = ]
| screenplay = {{Plainlist|
| producer = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| screenplay = Kevin Brodbin<br />] * ]
* ]
}}
| story = Kevin Brodbin | story = Kevin Brodbin
| based_on = Characters from<br />'']''
| starring = {{ubl|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
| music = ]<br />]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| cinematography = ] | cinematography = ]
| editing = ] | editing = Wayne Wahrman
| music = {{Plainlist|
| studio = ]<br />]
* ]
| distributor = ]
* ]
| released = {{Film date|2005|2|8|Hong Kong}}<br />{{Film date|2005|2|18|United States}}
}}
| runtime = 121 minutes
| production_companies = {{Plainlist|
| country = United States
* ]<ref name=afi>{{cite web|url=http://www.afi.com/members//catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=63356|title=Constantine|work=]|access-date=July 13, 2017|archive-date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623002738/http://www.afi.com/members//catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=63356|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{nowrap|]<ref name=SuperHeroHype>{{cite web|url=https://www.superherohype.com/features/87589-a-perfect-circles-passive-in-constantine|title=A Perfect Circle's Passive in Constantine|work=]|date=January 11, 2005|access-date=January 2, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102155206/https://www.superherohype.com/features/87589-a-perfect-circles-passive-in-constantine|archive-date=January 2, 2021}}</ref>}}
* ]
* ]<ref name=Seeing-Stars>{{cite web|url=https://www.seeing-stars.com/meet/MoviePremierePressReleases/Constantine.shtml|title=Constantine World Premiere; Wednesday, February 16, 2005|work=Seeing-Stars|access-date=January 2, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102155525/https://www.seeing-stars.com/meet/MoviePremierePressReleases/Constantine.shtml|archive-date=January 2, 2021}}</ref>
* ]<ref name=Seeing-Stars/>
* ]<ref name=Seeing-Stars/>
}}
| distributor = Warner Bros. Pictures<ref name=afi/>
| released = {{Film date|2005|2|7|Paris|2005|2|18|United States}}
| runtime = 121 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 120:39--><ref>{{cite web | url=http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/constantine-2005-3 | title=''CONSTANTINE'' (15) | work=] | date=January 31, 2005 | access-date=August 16, 2015 | archive-date=January 9, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109151838/http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/constantine-2005-3 | url-status=live}}</ref>
| country = United States<ref>{{cite web|title=Constantine (EN)|url=http://lumiere.obs.coe.int/web/film_info/?id=23717|website=Lumiere|access-date=July 12, 2017|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623161617/http://lumiere.obs.coe.int/web/film_info/?id=23717|url-status=live}}</ref>
| language = English | language = English
| budget = $70–100 million<ref name=budget>{{Cite web |url=https://fandomwire.com/keanu-reeves-constantine-co-star-confirms-sequel-is-in-works/ |title=Keanu Reeves' Constantine Co-Star Confirms Sequel Is In Works |website=fandomwire.com |date=November 13, 2020 |access-date=December 29, 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205135239/https://fandomwire.com/keanu-reeves-constantine-co-star-confirms-sequel-is-in-works/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Numbers">{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Constantine#tab=summary|title=Constantine (2005)|work=The Numbers|access-date=July 17, 2020|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718060544/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Constantine#tab=summary|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=mojo/>
| budget = $100 million
| gross = $230,884,728 | gross = $230.9 million<ref name=mojo/>
}} }}


'''''Constantine''''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|k|ɒ|n|s|t|ən|ˈ|t|iː|n}} {{respell|KON|stən|TEEN}})<ref>{{Cite web |last=Orquiola |first=John |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Why Constantine's Name Is Pronounced Differently Than Usual In The Sandman |url=https://screenrant.com/sandman-constantine-name-pronunciation/ |access-date=August 5, 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811025917/https://screenrant.com/sandman-constantine-name-pronunciation/ |url-status=live}}</ref> is a 2005 American ] ] directed by ] in his directorial debut. Written by ] and ] from a story by Brodbin, it is loosely based on the ]/] '']'' graphic novels. The film stars ] as ], a cynical ] with the ability to perceive and communicate with half-angels and half-demons in their true forms and to travel between Earth and Hell. ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] also feature.
'''''Constantine''''' is a 2005 American ] ] directed by ], starring ] as ], with ], ], ] and ]. The film is based on ]’ '']'' ], with plot elements taken from the “Dangerous Habits” story arc (issues #41-46) and the “Original Sins” trade paperback.


''Constantine'' was released theatrically in the United States on February 18, 2005, and grossed $230.9 million worldwide against a production budget between $70–100 million. While it received mixed reviews from film critics, it has since garnered a ] in the years following its release.<ref>{{cite news |title='Constantine 2' – everything you need to know |url=https://www.timeout.com/news/constantine-2-everything-you-need-to-know-092022#:~:text=Released%20in%202005%2C%20Constantine%20might,to%20become%20a%20cult%20classic.&text=Since%20then%2C%20versions%20of%20the,appeared%20in%20several%20DC%20productions. |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=timeout.com |date=March 14, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314040130/https://www.timeout.com/news/constantine-2-everything-you-need-to-know-092022#:~:text=Released%20in%202005%2C%20Constantine%20might,to%20become%20a%20cult%20classic.&text=Since%20then%2C%20versions%20of%20the,appeared%20in%20several%20DC%20productions.}}</ref> In 2022, a sequel was announced and is currently in development.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=2022-09-16 |title=Warner Bros Sets 'Constantine' Sequel; Keanu Reeves & Francis Lawrence To Reunite, Akiva Goldsman Scripting & Producing With Bad Robot's JJ Abrams & Hannah Minghella |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/constantine-sequel-keanu-reeves-francis-lawrence-warner-bros-dc-akiva-goldsman-scripting-producing-bad-robot-jj-abrams-hannah-minghella-1235121127/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202175943/https://deadline.com/2022/09/constantine-sequel-keanu-reeves-francis-lawrence-warner-bros-dc-akiva-goldsman-scripting-producing-bad-robot-jj-abrams-hannah-minghella-1235121127/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
The film, which was met by film critics with mostly mixed reactions, portrays John Constantine as a ] with the ability to perceive and communicate with half-] and half-] in their true form. He seeks salvation from ] in ] for a ] in his youth. Constantine exorcises demons back to Hell in a bid to earn favor with ] but has become weary over time. With ] looming, he helps a troubled police detective learn the truth about her sister's death while simultaneously unraveling a much larger and darker plot.

''Constantine'' was released in ] on February 8, 2005, and in the ] and ] on February 18, 2005.


==Plot== ==Plot==
<!---Gabriel has been established as androgynous, being neither male nor female. Please keep this in mind as you edit so that you may avoid using terms which would apply to a gender.-->
{{Plot|date=April 2011}}
In Mexico, a scavenger discovers the tip of the ] and, after becoming possessed, takes it to Los Angeles. There, cynical occult expert ] exorcises a demon from a young girl after witnessing its attempt to reach Earth through her, something that should be impossible because of the treaty between Heaven and Hell. Suffering from terminal lung cancer, Constantine meets with the half-breed angel ] to request an extension to his life in exchange for his work deporting Hell's forces. Gabriel responds that performing good deeds for selfish reasons will not secure his way into Heaven.
<!-- Gabriel has been established as androgynous, being neither male nor female. Please keep this in mind as you edit so that you may avoid using terms which would apply to a gender.-->


Meanwhile, detective Angela Dodson investigates the death of her twin sister Isabel, who leaped from a psychiatric hospital roof. Angela refuses to believe her sister, a devout ], would commit suicide and condemn herself to Hell. Watching security footage, Angela hears Isabel say "Constantine", and seeks out his assistance. He refuses to help until he witnesses demons pursuing Angela and fends them off. Constantine then performs a ritual to see Isabel in Hell, confirming she killed herself. He reveals to Angela that he committed suicide as a teenager because of the trauma of seeing supernatural creatures. Although he was revived, his attempt has condemned him to Hell when he eventually dies.
After a case involving a full-fledged demon trying to break onto the "]," Constantine (]) seeks an audience with the ] half-breed angel Gabriel (]). Gabriel advises that because he performs the exorcisms for his own benefit, they are vain acts that will not spare him from Hell. After his meeting with Gabriel, Constantine is attacked by a full-fledged demon but quickly dispels it. He then meets with Papa Midnite (]), a former ] who now owns a nightclub serving as neutral ground for half-breeds. Constantine prods for information about the attack, but is rebuffed and dismissed. Unperturbed, Constantine along with his associates Beeman (Max Baker), Hennessy (]), and Chas Kramer (]), begins investigating the situation.


At the morgue, Constantine's friend Father Hennessy discovers a mysterious symbol on Isabel's wrist but is killed by the half-breed demon Balthazar. Constantine and Angela later uncover that Hennessy carved the symbol into his own hand for them to find. Angela also discovers a hidden message from Isabel referencing a chapter from Hell's Bible. Before being killed by Balthazar, Constantine's ally Beeman reveals that the symbol represents the antichrist ], ]'s son. The chapter foretells Mammon usurping his father and conquering Earth using a powerful psychic and divine assistance; Isabel, a powerful psychic, sacrificed herself to thwart Mammon's plan. Angela confesses that she possessed similar psychic abilities but repressed them to avoid being labeled insane like her sister. To help Angela rediscover her powers, Constantine induces a near-death experience. With her reawakened abilities, Angela locates Balthazar. Constantine interrogates Balthazar, who reveals that the ] on the spear tip is Mammon's divine assistance, and Angela will be his host. An unseen entity destroys Balthazar and abducts Angela who becomes possessed by Mammon.
] Detective Angela Dodson (]) shows up at Constantine's condo seeking consultation with her investigation of the death of her twin sister Isabel, who leapt from the roof of the mental hospital. She explains that Isabel was a psychic and her unrelenting visions eventually led to her institutionalization. Constantine tells Angela that God and Lucifer are engaged in a ]; a standing wager for the souls of all mankind. Neither true angels nor demons can manifest on Earth, but they are allowed to possess and influence humans. He and Angela form an accord after Constantine repels a swarm of winged-demons sent to abduct her. Through Hennessy and Beeman's findings, Constantine learns that Mammon, Lucifer's son, seeks to create his own kingdom on Earth by breaking through onto the human plane. To do so, Mammon requires a powerful psychic, Isabel, who was provided by the half-demon Balthazar (]). After reporting the information, Hennessy and Beeman are found dead and Constantine concludes that Balthazar was responsible.


With the help of ] ], Constantine induces visions to locate Angela at the psychiatric hospital. Alongside his apprentice, Chas Kramer, Constantine arms himself and assaults the building, battling through hordes of demons to Angela. Constantine and Chas seemingly exorcise Mammon from her, but Chas is killed by the unseen force, revealed to be Gabriel. Resentful at ]'s favoritism for humanity and forgiveness for even the most wicked, Gabriel intends to unleash Hell on Earth so that those who survive will become truly worthy of His love. Gabriel tosses Constantine away and prepares to stab Angela with the spear tip to unleash Mammon.
Angela reveals that she possessed the same gift as her sister but denied it to the point that it became inactive. At her request, Constantine reawakens Angela's psychic ability through a ]; drowning her in the bathtub. Constantine hunts down and interrogates Balthazar who reveals that Mammon has obtained the ], which has the ] encrusted on it. Angela is then suddenly abducted by an unseen force and taken to Isabel's hospital to be used as the portal for Mammon’s entrance to Earth. Constantine storms Midnite’s club and after a brief scuffle, Midnite allows him to use "The Chair", an old ] from ] that had killed over 200 inmates. The Chair provides Constantine with visions that the Spear was discovered in ] and has been brought to ]. Constantine and Chas head to Isabel’s hospital, where Mammon is conducting the ritual to rise in Angela’s body. After exorcising numerous half-breed demons with "The Holy Shotgun," the pair interrupt the ritual and attempt to exorcise Mammon from Angela. Chas is killed in the process when he's beaten to death by an invisible force.


Desperate, Constantine commits suicide by slitting his wrists, knowing that Lucifer will personally come to collect him. Time pauses and Constantine convinces Lucifer to intervene and stop Mammon. Gabriel attempts to smite Lucifer, but finds that they are unable to, as they no longer have God's favor. Lucifer burns Gabriel's wings away while also banishing Mammon back to Hell. He then reluctantly offers to restore Constantine to life for his assistance. Constantine instead asks that Isabel be sent to Heaven. Lucifer releases Isabel and starts dragging Constantine to Hell, but Constantine begins ascending to Heaven for his selfless sacrifice. Infuriated, Lucifer restores Constantine to life and removes his cancer, believing that, in time, Constantine will prove he belongs in Hell. Constantine punches the now-mortal Gabriel before leaving and entrusts Angela with securing the spear tip. In a ], Constantine visits Chas's grave and witnesses him in an angelic form.
Using ]s and ] tattooed on his arms, Constantine forces Gabriel to appear but the angel promptly subdues Constantine. Gabriel laments God’s favoritism towards humans and the forgiveness they are readily given as opposed to any other species. Gabriel believes that bringing Hell to Earth will enable those who survive to become truly worthy of God’s ] through repentance and faith. Gabriel then throws Constantine from the room and begins to release Mammon. As Gabriel moves to stab Angela with the Spear and release Mammon, Constantine ]. Time stops as ] (]) arrives to personally collect his soul. Constantine tells Lucifer about Mammon’s plan and Lucifer sends Mammon back to Hell to keep Mammon from conquering Earth before him. When Gabriel attempts to smite Lucifer, the angel's wings are burned away and, relieved of holy powers, Gabriel becomes human.

In return for helping Lucifer, Constantine is owed a favor and asks that Isabel be allowed to go to Heaven. Lucifer happily obliges, but is prevented from dragging Constantine to Hell. Heaven appears before Constantine and Lucifer acknowledges that by ] himself for Isabel, Constantine has proven himself worthy to enter Heaven. Infuriated and wishing to reacquire Constantine's soul, Lucifer heals his wounds and cures him of his lung cancer so that he may live again. Constantine departs with the Spear after refusing to kill Gabriel at her request, deciding to simply punch Gabriel instead. He then gives the Spear to Angela and instructs her to hide it. Constantine later visits Chas’ grave and watches as he rises into Heaven as an angel.


==Cast== ==Cast==
* ] as ]: A chain-smoking cynical ] with the ability to perceive the true ] of half-angels and half-demons on the human ]. John is damned to Hell for attempting suicide — a mortal sin — and has terminal lung cancer.
** Connor Dylan Wryn as young John Constantine
** Quinn Buniel as child John Constantine
* ] as Angela Dodson: A troubled ] detective investigating the suicide of her twin sister Isabel (also portrayed by Weisz).
** Weisz also portrays Mammon, the son of Lucifer who has no patience for his father's rule of Hell and uses Angela's body as a means of escaping to rule over Earth.
* ] as ]: Constantine's driver and apprentice. Chas has a strong interest in the occult and helps Constantine whenever possible in order to gain knowledge and experience from him.
* ] as ]: A "half-breed" Archangel with a disdain for humanity who plots to free Mammon as a means to unleash Hell on the Earth.
* ] as Father Hennessy: An insomniac, alcoholic priest with the ability to ]. He wears a protective charm in order to "keep the voices out".
* ] as ]: A former ] who once fought against Hell. After swearing an oath of neutrality — unless one side should tip the balance of power — he opened a nightclub to serve as neutral meeting ground for both sides of the war between Heaven and Hell.
* ] as Balthazar: A "half-breed" demon, and son of Lucifer. He has a special interest in, and personal history with, Constantine.
* ] as ]: A fallen Archangel who is in a proxy war with ] for the souls of all mankind, and ruler of Hell. He is feared on Earth as Satan or The Devil. Lucifer loathes Constantine with such vigor that Constantine's soul is the only one he would ever come to personally collect, due to Constantine's many fights against demons.
* Max Baker as Beeman: A friend of Constantine's with extensive knowledge of exotic occult materials and insects. He supplies Constantine with both holy objects and information.
* ] as Father Garret: A priest Angela talks to about getting Isabel a Catholic burial.
* ] as Det. Weiss: Angela's partner.
* Jesse Ramirez as Manuel: A scavenger and treasure hunter who finds the ] that grants various powers and places him in a trance-like state.
* April Grace as Dr. Archer: Constantine's doctor.
* ] as the bouncer at Midnite's club.
* ] as Angel in bar turning water into wine.


Additionally, ] filmed several scenes as Ellie, a half-breed demon Constantine sleeps with and asks for information, who is based on a succubus of the same name in the ''Hellblazer'' comics. In the finished film, however, the role consists of two brief shots and one line of dialogue ("Holy water?") during Constantine's climactic confrontation with the group of half-breeds in the hospital. Director Francis Lawrence said Ellie's relationship with Constantine was cut to make him more of a lonely character.<ref>{{cite web |title=Director Francis Lawrence Discusses "Constantine" and Keanu Reeves |url=http://movies.about.com/od/constantine/a/constntfl021705.htm |work=About.com |access-date=November 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621111241/http://movies.about.com/od/constantine/a/constntfl021705.htm |archive-date=June 21, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://screenrant.com/constantine-michelle-monaghan-ellie-cut-why-explained/ | title=Constantine: Why Michelle Monaghan Was Cut from the Movie | website=] | date=July 26, 2020 | access-date=March 25, 2023 | archive-date=February 12, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212144528/https://screenrant.com/constantine-michelle-monaghan-ellie-cut-why-explained/ | url-status=live}}</ref>
]
* ] as ]: A chain-smoking cynical individual with the ability to perceive the true ] of half-angels and half-demons on the human ]. Constantine is damned to hell for suicide - a mortal sin - and has ] lung cancer.
* ] as Detective Angela Dodson & Isabel Dodson
** as Angela Dodson: A troubled Los Angeles Police Department Detective investigating what she believes to be the murder of her twin sister, Isabel.
** as Isabel Dodson: A powerful ] and ] mental patient with the ability to see half-demons and half-angels. She is damned to hell for committing suicide.
* ] as Chas Kramer: John Constantine's driver and student, Kramer has a heavy interest in the occult and helps Constantine whenever possible in order to gain knowledge and experience from him.
* ] as Papa Midnite: A former witch-doctor who once fought against hell. After swearing an oath of neutrality - unless one side should tip the balance of power - he opened a nightclub to serve as neutral meeting ground for both sides of the war between heaven and hell.
* ] as Father Hennessy: An ]c, ] ] with the ability to ]. He constantly drinks in order to "keep the voices out".
* ] as Balthazar: A half-breed demon with a special penchant for, and personal history with Constantine.
* ] as Gabriel: An androgynous, half-breed angel with a ].
* ] as ]: A fallen angel who is in a proxy war with ] for the souls of all mankind. Lucifer loathes Constantine with such vigor that Constantine's is the only soul which he would ever come up to the ] from Hell to personally collect.
* Max Baker as Beeman: A friend of Constantine's with a liking for exotic materials and insects. He serves as both a supplier of holy objects and relayer of information to Constantine.


==Production== ==Production==
The character of ] was introduced by comic book writer/creator ] in '']'' #37, released in June 1985.<ref>Markstein, Don. "Don Markstein's Toonopedia: John Constantine". Retrieved May 31, 2007</ref> In 1988, the character was given his own comic book title, '']'', published by ].
{{Expand section|Further production details|date=October 2010}}
''Constantine'' was written using some elements from ]’ “Dangerous Habits” story arc (issues #41–46)<ref>{{cite web |last=Rotten |first=Ryan |title=Update: Francis Lawrence Would Do Constantine 2 |date=November 2007 |url=http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=3842 |accessdate=December 17, 2008}}</ref> and others—such as the inclusion of Papa Midnite—from the ''Original Sins'' trade paperback.<ref>{{cite web |title=Keanu Reeves, Djimon Hounsou and Director Francis Lawrence on "Constantine" |url=http://movies.about.com/library/weekly/aaconst072904a.htm |accessdate=December 17, 2008}}</ref> However, the film changed several aspects of the source material, including a number of cosmetic changes to the lead character’s appearance: Reeves played the role with his natural accent and hair colour<ref name="Page2">{{cite web |title=Keanu Reeves, Djimon Hounsou and Director Francis Lawrence on "Constantine" Page 2 |url=http://movies.about.com/library/weekly/aaconst072904b.htm |accessdate=December 17, 2008}}</ref> whilst the original character was intentionally drawn to resemble English musician ] and originally came from ].<ref name="Vert-Hell"/> The film was also set in Los Angeles, with the director pointing out that the comic book was not exclusively set in London either.<ref name="Page2" />


Producer ] began developing the film in 1997.<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Hindes|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/news/aguilar-moving-to-donner-111662407/|title=Aguilar upped to prod'n exec|work=Variety|date=October 9, 1997|access-date=October 14, 2014|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220081121/https://variety.com/1997/film/news/aguilar-moving-to-donner-111662407/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ] was attached to direct in 1999,<ref>{{cite news|first=Army|last=Archerd|url=https://variety.com/1999/voices/columns/callner-goes-from-tv-specs-to-film-1117503651/|title=Callner goes from TV specs to film|work=Variety|date=July 1, 1999|access-date=October 14, 2014|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220081104/http://variety.com/1999/voices/columns/callner-goes-from-tv-specs-to-film-1117503651/|url-status=live}}</ref> and he was replaced by ] in 2001.<ref>{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Fleming|title=Donners shoot for Winchester|url=https://variety.com/2001/film/news/donners-shoot-for-winchester-1117799268/|work=Variety|date=May 14, 2001|access-date=October 14, 2014|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220081113/http://variety.com/2001/film/news/donners-shoot-for-winchester-1117799268/|url-status=live}}</ref> Warner Bros. hoped to begin filming in 2002 with ] in the lead role,<ref>{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Fleming|title=DreamWorks logs Logan as Lincoln scribe|url=https://variety.com/2001/film/news/dreamworks-logs-logan-as-lincoln-scribe-1117856825/|work=Variety|date=December 5, 2001|access-date=October 14, 2014|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220081116/http://variety.com/2001/film/news/dreamworks-logs-logan-as-lincoln-scribe-1117856825/|url-status=live}}</ref> but Singh dropped out, resulting in opposing lawsuits filed by himself and Warner Bros. ] became attached to the film in 2002.<ref>{{cite news|first=Dana|last=Harris|url=https://variety.com/2002/film/news/wb-fewer-pix-more-punch-1117869140/|title=WB: fewer pix, more punch|work=Variety|date=June 30, 2002|access-date=October 15, 2014|archive-date=December 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212214200/https://variety.com/2002/film/news/wb-fewer-pix-more-punch-1117869140/|url-status=live}}</ref> ], the original creator of John Constantine, was disappointed by the previous adaptations of his comics '']'' and '']'', and refused to be credited or associated with this film, asking that his royalties be distributed among the other creators of the character.
Other differences to the character were made, such as giving him the psychic ability to see “half-breeds” as they truly are. That ability, in the movie, is what caused him to attempt suicide and which led to his damnation<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |title=Constantine Vs. Hellblazer |publisher='']'' |date=February 28, 2005 |url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/591/591991p1.html |accessdate=December 17, 2008}}</ref> rather than his role in summoning a demon that killed a young girl.<ref name="Devil">{{cite book |last=Delano |first=Jamie |author-link=Jamie Delano |title=Hellblazer: The Devil You Know |publisher=''DC Comics'' (Vertigo) |date=May 8, 2007 |ISBN=1401212697}}</ref> The resolution of the lung cancer plotline in the film was also amended, with Lucifer saving the redeemed Constantine to give him a second chance at falling rather than being tricked into doing so as was seen in the comic book.<ref name="IGN" />


The film’s title was changed from ''Hellblazer'' to ''Constantine'' to avoid confusion with the ] '']'' films.<ref name="Page2" /> The comics series itself was originally to be titled ''Hellraiser'' but was also retitled to avoid confusion with the film, released the previous year.<ref name="Vert-Hell">{{cite book |last=Irvine |first=Alex |author-link=Alexander C. Irvine |contribution=John Constantine Hellblazer |editor-last=Dougall |editor-first=Alastair |title=The Vertigo Encyclopedia |pages=102–111 |publisher='']'' |location=New York |year=2008 |ISBN=0-7566-4122-5 |oclc=213309015}}</ref> ''Constantine'' incorporated some elements of ]'s "]" story arc from the comic (issues #41–46),<ref name=shock>{{cite web |last=Turek |first=Ryan |title=Update: Francis Lawrence Would Do Constantine 2 |date=November 2007 |url=http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=3842 |work=ShockTillYouDrop.com |access-date=December 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928031949/http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=3842 |archive-date=September 28, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and others, such as the inclusion of ], from the ''Original Sins'' trade paperback.<ref>{{cite web |title=Keanu Reeves, Djimon Hounsou and Director Francis Lawrence on 'Constantine' |url=http://movies.about.com/library/weekly/aaconst072904a.htm |work=About.com |access-date=December 17, 2008 |archive-date=September 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929132022/http://movies.about.com/library/weekly/aaconst072904a.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> The film's title was changed from ''Hellblazer'' to ''Constantine'' to avoid confusion with ]'s '']'' films.<ref name="Page2" /> In fact, the comic series was originally going to be titled ''Hellraiser'', but was also retitled to avoid confusion with the first ''Hellraiser'' film, which was released a year before the debut of ''Hellblazer''.<ref name="Vert-Hell">{{cite book |last=Irvine |first=Alex |author-link=Alexander C. Irvine |contribution=John Constantine Hellblazer |editor-last=Dougall |editor-first=Alastair |title=The Vertigo Encyclopedia |pages=102–111 |publisher=] |location=New York |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7566-4122-1 |oclc=213309015}}</ref>


The film changed several aspects of the source material. For one, it was set in Los Angeles, rather than England, which director ] justified by claiming that the comic book was not exclusively set in London.<ref name="Page2" /> Reeves played the role of John Constantine with his real-life American accent and black hair,<ref name="Page2">{{cite web |title=Keanu Reeves, Djimon Hounsou and Director Francis Lawrence on 'Constantine' Page 2 |url=http://movies.about.com/library/weekly/aaconst072904b.htm |work=About.com |access-date=December 17, 2008 |archive-date=July 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719021315/http://movies.about.com/library/weekly/aaconst072904b.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> while the character in the comics was drawn to resemble the blond musician ] and came from ].<ref name="Vert-Hell" /> For the film, Constantine was also given the psychic ability to see "half-breeds" as they truly are, and this led him to attempt suicide, causing his damnation,<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |title=Constantine Vs. Hellblazer |work=] |date=February 28, 2005 |url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/591/591991p1.html |access-date=December 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011025727/http://comics.ign.com/articles/591/591991p1.html |archive-date=October 11, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> which, in the comics, was punishment for summoning a demon that killed a young girl.<ref name="Devil">{{cite book |last=Delano |first=Jamie |author-link=Jamie Delano |title=Hellblazer: The Devil You Know |publisher=DC Comics (Vertigo) |date=May 8, 2007 |isbn=978-1-4012-1269-8}}</ref> Additionally, the resolution of the lung cancer plotline in the film was amended so that Lucifer willingly saves the redeemed Constantine to give him a second chance at falling, rather than being tricked into doing so.<ref name="IGN" />
] Director Francis Lawrence decided to base the idea of Hell "on the geography of what's around us now."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.horror.com/php/article-697-1.html |title=Interview with "Constantine" director Francis Lawrence |publisher=''Horror.com'' |accessdate=2011-01-31}}</ref> He further explained:
{{cquote|That was actually a combination of me and the visual effects supervisor and the production designer sitting down and sort of coming up with the biological growth that’s growing all over the cars and what that looks like and the color palette. And we started to look at the nuclear test films from the 1940s of the nuclear blasts and just decided that it would be great if the landscape was not only violent with these creatures, but also the atmosphere. So we decided that it was kind of an eternal nuclear blast except nothing ever really gets obliterated because it's eternal and it's constantly going.}}


]
The novelization further ascribes Hell's setting in that the buildings are lined with blood instead of mortar and the built with the souls of the damned rather than brick.<ref name="Novelization">{{cite book |last=Shirley |first=John |author-link=John Shirley |title=Constantine (Mass Market Paperback) |publisher=''Pocket Star'' |date=January 25, 2005 |ISBN=0743497554}}</ref>
Director Lawrence decided to base the film's conception of Hell "on the geography of what's around us now".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.horror.com/php/article-697-1.html |title=Interview with 'Constantine' director Francis Lawrence |work=Horror.com |access-date=January 31, 2011 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928065310/http://www.horror.com/php/article-697-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He further explained:
{{blockquote|That was actually a combination of me and the visual effects supervisor and the production designer sitting down and sort of coming up with the biological growth that's growing all over the cars and what that looks like and the color palette. And we started to look at the nuclear test films from the 1940s of the nuclear blasts and just decided that it would be great if the landscape was not only violent with these creatures, but also the atmosphere. So we decided that it was kind of an eternal nuclear blast except nothing ever really gets obliterated because it's eternal and it's constantly going.}}


==Music== ==Music==
===Soundtrack===
{{Infobox album <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox album
| Name = Constantine: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
| Type = ] | name = Constantine: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
| type = ]
| Artist = ]<br>]
| artist = ] and ]
| Cover = Constantine-Original-Soundtrack.jpg
| cover =
| Released = February 15, 2005
| Recorded = | caption =
| alt =
| Genre = ]<br>]
| Length = 51:47 | released = February 15, 2005
| recorded = 2004
| Label = ]
| Producer = | venue =
| Reviews = | studio =
| genre = ]<br />]
* ] {{Rating|2|5}}
| length = 51:47
| Artist = ]
| label = ]
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}} }}


{{Music ratings
'''''Constantine: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack''''' is a 2005 soundtrack album from the film, ''Constantine''. The soundtrack is a orchestral compilation of songs in the film, performed by the Hollywood Studio Symphony and composed by ], composer for films such as ] and ], and ], composer for Disney's ] film series.
| rev1 = ]

| rev1Score = {{rating|2|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r730223|access-date=2011-12-30|tab=review|first=James Christopher|last=Monger}}</ref>
The songs "]" by ] (released in conjunction with the film and heard in the walk through Midnite’s bar) and "]" by ] (heard on a record played by Constantine) were not included. The soundtrack was panned by ], who referred to it as "clichéd and religiously formulaic."<ref></ref>

{{Tracklist
| extra_note = Performer
| total_length = 51:47
| title1 = Destiny
| extra1 =
| length1 = 2:00
| title2 = The Cross Over
| extra2 =
| length2 = 2:42
| title3 = Meet John Constantine
| extra3 =
| length3 = 2:39
| title4 = Confession
| extra4 =
| length4 = 2:32
| title5 = Deo et Patri
| extra5 =
| length5 = 1:16
| title6 = Counterweight
| extra6 =
| length6 = 2:47
| title7 = Into the Light
| extra7 =
| length7 = 2:54
| title8 = I Left Her Alone
| extra8 =
| length8 = 1:40
| title9 = Resurrection
| extra9 =
| length9 = 2:04
| title10 = Circle of Hell
| extra10 =
| length10 = 5:38
| title11 = Last Rites
| extra11 =
| length11 = 1:55
| title12 = Encountering a Twin
| extra12 =
| length12 = 1:06
| title13 = Flight to Ravenscar
| extra13 =
| length13 = 0:52
| title14 = Humanity
| extra14 =
| length14 = 2:58
| title15 = John
| extra15 =
| length15 = 1:31
| title16 = Someone Was Here
| extra16 =
| length16 = 1:44
| title17 = Hell Freeway
| extra17 =
| length17 = 2:43
| title18 = Ether Surfing
| extra18 =
| length18 = 1:13
| title19 = The Balance
| extra19 =
| length19 = 2:26
| title20 = Absentee Landlords
| extra20 =
| length20 = 1:35
| title21 = John’s Solitude
| extra21 =
| length21 = 1:25
| title22 = Lucifer
| extra22 =
| length22 = 1:56
| title23 = Rooftop
| extra23 =
| length23 = 1:18
| title24 = Constantine End Titles
| extra24 =
| length24 = 2:39
}} }}
'''''Constantine: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack''''' was released on February 15, 2005. It is an orchestral compilation of songs from the film, performed by The Hollywood Studio Symphony & The Hollywood Film Chorale and composed by ], the composer for films such as '']'' and '']'', and ]. Two songs heard in the film, "]" by ] (heard as Constantine walks through Midnite's bar) and "]" by ] (heard on a record played by Constantine), were not included on the soundtrack.

The album was panned by ], who referred to it as "clichéd" and "religiously formulaic".<ref name="allmusic"/>


==Release== ==Release==
===Theatrical===
{{Ref improve section|date=April 2011}}
The original release date for the film was September 17, 2004,<ref>{{cite news|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|url=https://variety.com/2003/biz/news/comics-in-development-1117889467/|title=Comics in development|work=Variety|date=July 16, 2003|access-date=October 14, 2014|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220081101/http://variety.com/2003/biz/news/comics-in-development-1117889467/|url-status=live}}</ref> but was subsequently pushed back to February 2005. Although the film was intended to be rated ], it received an R-rating from the ], which Lawrence attributed to its religious overtones.<ref>{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title=Why Wasn't There Ever A 'Constantine' Sequel? Keanu Reeves, Francis Lawrence & Akiva Goldsman Look Back At DC Movie – Comic-Con@Home |url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/constantine-sequel-keanu-reeves-francis-lawrence-akiva-goldsman-comic-con-1202995044/ |website=] |access-date=March 24, 2021 |date=July 25, 2020 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101175926/https://deadline.com/2020/07/constantine-sequel-keanu-reeves-francis-lawrence-akiva-goldsman-comic-con-1202995044/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
''Constantine'' was a financial success, grossing $230,884,728 in worldwide gross sales.{{citation needed|date=April 2011}} To tie into the films release, a novelization by ] and a ] of the film was also produced. ] announced that the film was to be released on ] on March 28, 2006.<ref>Business Wire. . January 5, 2006.</ref>{{dead link|date=March 2011}} It would be one of the earliest titles to be released on that media format. However, following delays to the launch of the HD DVD format (which pushed back the release of many of the initially announced titles), ''Constantine'' eventually made its debut on HD DVD on June 6, 2006. ] released a ] version of the movie on October 14, 2008.{{citation needed|date=April 2011}}


===Home media===
In a 2011 interview with MTV Splash Page director Francis Lawrence spoke of a potential sequel, saying:
The film was released on VHS and DVD in 2005. ] intended to release the film on ] on March 28, 2006,<ref>Business Wire (January 5, 2006). . '']''. Retrieved 2011-10-29. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060220052504/http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060105/20060105005946.html?.v=1 |date=February 20, 2006}}</ref> making it one of the earliest titles released on that media format, but, following delays to the launch of HD DVD, it actually debuted on June 6 the same year. It was released on ] Disc by Warner Home Video on October 14, 2008.<ref>{{Citation |title=Constantine Blu-ray (Blu-ray + Digital HD) |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Constantine-Blu-ray/14/ |access-date=2022-05-13 |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513183345/https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Constantine-Blu-ray/14/ |url-status=live}}</ref> For its 20th anniversary, the film is scheduled to be released on ] on February 18, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/constantine-4k-ultra-hd-release-date/|title='Constantine' Sets the Date for Its 4K Ultra HD Resurrection|first=Ryan|last=O'Rourke|work=Collider|date=December 18, 2024|access-date=December 24, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=December 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224231459/https://collider.com/constantine-4k-ultra-hd-release-date/}}</ref>
{{blockquote|"It's interesting that over the years, 'Constantine' seems like it's become... like it has this sort of cult following, which has been great It's been embraced It would be great to figure out a sequel, and if we did, and we've been trying to figure one out, it would be great to do the really dark, scary We got caught in that weird PG-13 - R no man's land, and we should do the hard-R scary version, which I would love to do."<ref>{{cite web| first=Rick | last=Marshall | url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/05/03/constantine-sequel-francis-lawrence/ | title='Constantine' Director Hoping To Make 'Hard-R, Scary' Sequel | publisher=MTV Splash Page | date=2011-05-03 | accessdate=2011-05-12}}</ref>}}


==Reception== ==Reception==
===Box office===
''Constantine'' was met by critics with mixed reviews. At the review aggregation site ], the film holds a ] rating of 46% based on the reviews of 214 critics with an average rating of 5.5/10.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/constantine |title=Constantine Movie Reviews, Pictures |publisher='']'' |accessdate=2011-01-31}}</ref> At ], an aggregation site which assigns a ], the film holds a rating of 50 out of 100 based on the reviews of 41 critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/constantine |title=Constantine Reviews, Ratings, Credits |publisher='']'' |date=2005-02-18 |accessdate=2011-01-31}}</ref>
''Constantine'' opened in 3,006 theaters in the United States on February 18, 2005, earning $29.8 million in its opening weekend and ranking second behind ]'s second weekend.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2005&wknd=07&p=.htm | title=Weekend Box Office Results for February 18-20, 2005 | work=Box Office Mojo | publisher=Amazon | date=February 21, 2005 | access-date=April 8, 2016 | archive-date=February 22, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222140417/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2005&wknd=07&p=.htm | url-status=live}}</ref> It ended its run on June 16, having grossed $76 million in the United States and Canada, and $154.9 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $230.9 million, against a production budget of $70–100 million.<ref name=budget/><ref name="Numbers"/><ref name=mojo>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=constantine.htm | title=Constantine (2005) | work=] | publisher=] | date=June 17, 2005 | access-date=April 8, 2016 | archive-date=June 2, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602210928/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=constantine.htm | url-status=live}}</ref>


===Critical response===
Richard Corliss of '']'' magazine praised the film calling it "a one-of-a-kind hybrid: a theological noir action film".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1027514,00.html |title=Movies: Caught Between Heaven and Hell |last=Corliss |first=Richard |work=] |date=2005-02-14 |accessdate=2010-12-21}}</ref> In crediting the actors, he specifically cited Keanu Reeves' ability to "retain his charisma in weird-silly moment" in addition to the performances of Tilda Swinton whom he referred to as "immaculately decadent", Rachel Weisz, and Peter Stormare. He also praised Francis Lawrence's usage of a significant number of camera locations and angles. He was, however, critical of the movies climax, referring to it as "irrevocably goofy".
On ] website ], the film holds an approval rating of {{RT data|score}} based on the reviews of {{RT data|count}} critics, and an average rating of {{RT data|average}}; the site's consensus states: "Despite solid production values and an intriguing premise, ''Constantine'' lacks the focus of another spiritual shoot-em-up, '']''".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/constantine|title=''Constantine'' (2005)|website=]|publisher=]|access-date={{RT data|access date}}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523134754/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/constantine|archive-date=May 23, 2021|url-status=live}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref> On ], which assigns a ], it has a score of 50 out of 100 based on the reviews of 41 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/constantine |title=''Constantine'' Reviews |work=] |publisher=] |date=February 18, 2005 |access-date=January 31, 2011 |archive-date=March 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302101325/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/constantine |url-status=live}}</ref> Audiences polled by ] gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.cinemascore.com/ |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=Cinemascore |language=en-US |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102130540/https://www.cinemascore.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


] of '']'' magazine called the film "a one-of-a-kind hybrid: a theological noir action film".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1027514,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050218012528/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1027514,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 18, 2005 |title=Movies: Caught Between Heaven and Hell |last=Corliss |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Corliss |magazine=] |date=February 14, 2005 |access-date=December 21, 2010}}</ref> He cited Keanu Reeves' ability to "retain his charisma in a weird-silly moment" as proof that he is a "movie star", and referred to Tilda Swinton as "immaculately decadent". Corliss also praised the variety of camera placements employed by Francis Lawrence. He was, however, critical of the climax of the film, referring to it as "irrevocably goofy".
Ella Taylor of '']'' gave the film positive feedback, as did Carina Chocano of the '']'' who each respectively stated, "Constantine, which opts in the end for what I can only describe as a kind of supernatural humanism, is not without its spiritual satisfactions."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.laweekly.com/2005-02-17/film-tv/bewitched-bothered-and-bewildered |title=Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered |last=Taylor |first=Ella |work=] |date=2005-02-17 |accessdate=2010-12-21}}</ref> and, "Keanu Reeves has no peer when it comes to playing these sort of messianic roles -- he infuses them with a Zen blankness and serenity that somehow gets him through even the unlikeliest scenes with a quiet, unassuming dignity."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-constantine18feb18,2,3251823.story |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080327045729/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-constantine18feb18,2,3251823.story |archivedate=2008-03-27 |title=Constantine: When superpowers collide, in this case God and Satan, John Constantine comes to the rescue |last=Chocano |first=Carina |work=] |date=2005-02-18 |accessdate=2010-12-21}}</ref>


] of '']'' wrote: "''Constantine'', which opts in the end for what I can only describe as a kind of supernatural humanism, is not without its spiritual satisfactions".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.laweekly.com/2005-02-17/film-tv/bewitched-bothered-and-bewildered |title=Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered |last=Taylor |first=Ella |author-link=Ella Taylor |newspaper=] |date=February 17, 2005 |access-date=December 21, 2010 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103102321/http://www.laweekly.com/2005-02-17/film-tv/bewitched-bothered-and-bewildered/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Carina Chocano of the '']'' said that "Keanu Reeves has no peer when it comes to playing these sort of messianic roles—he infuses them with a Zen blankness and serenity that somehow gets him through even the unlikeliest scenes with a quiet, unassuming dignity".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-constantine18feb18,2,3251823.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327045729/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-constantine18feb18%2C2%2C3251823.story |archive-date=March 27, 2008 |title=Constantine: When superpowers collide, in this case God and Satan, John Constantine comes to the rescue |last=Chocano |first=Carina |work=] |date=February 18, 2005 |access-date=December 21, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Pete Vonder Haar of ] gave the film 3 stars out of 5, stating that "the film (barely) succeeds, thanks to impressive visuals, the idea of an uncaring God wagering with Satan for souls, and two immensely enjoyable scenes (one with Weisz, one with Stormare) in which Reeves actually plays his character as the cynical asshole he really is."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmthreat.com/reviews/7115 |title=Constantine |last=Vonder Haar |first=Pete |publisher='']'' |date=2005-02-19 |accessdate=2010-12-21}}</ref>{{Verify credibility|failed=y|WP:SPS – reviewers are non-professional enthusiasts|date=April 2011}} He further lamented Keanu Reeves' acting by stating that the film hinged upon Reeves' ability to portray the character of John Constantine - and fails upon his inability to pull it off. He compared his performance to being in a "dazed countenance". "John Constantine is supposedly a world-weary cynic, unsentimental and aloof thanks to his years of demon busting, but Reeves seems incapable of projecting this. He manages well enough during the fight scenes, and had “Constantine” been more of a straight-up action picture, this would be sufficient. Horror seems out of his league, sadly." He was highly in favor of the performances of Djimon Honsou and Peter Stormare, though he found them to be underutilized. Additionally, he applauded the work of Rachel Weisz in the film. He praised, Francis Lawrence's ability to set up a horror environment; citing the films environmental depictions - especially of Hell, its CGI work, and "creepy" atmosphere, however, took issue with numerable plot holes and inconsistencies depicted in the film.


Pete Vonder Haar of '']'' gave the film three stars out of five, writing that "the film (barely) succeeds, thanks to impressive visuals, the idea of an uncaring God wagering with Satan for souls, and two immensely enjoyable scenes (one with Weisz, one with Stormare) in which Reeves actually plays his character as the cynical asshole he really is".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmthreat.com/reviews/7115 |title=Constantine |last=Vonder Haar |first=Pete |work=] |date=February 19, 2005 |access-date=December 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705151559/http://www.filmthreat.com/reviews/7115/ |archive-date=July 5, 2010}}</ref>
Jack Matthews of the '']'' gave the film a 2.5 out of 5, stating, "For all its spiritual angst, Constantine is about as silly as fantasies get."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/02-18-2005/entertainment/col/story/281960p-241618c.html |title=Constantine |last=Matthews |first=Jack |publisher='']'' |date=2005-02-15 |accessdate=2010-12-21}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=March 2011}} Michael Sragow of ] also gave the film a 2.5 out of 5, stating, "It all comes off as a case of filmmakers wanting to have their communion wafer and eat it, too."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/movies/bal-to.constantine18feb18,1,325763.story?coll=bal-artslife-movies |title=Constantine |last=Sragow |first=Michael |publisher='']'' |date=2005-02-15 |accessdate=2010-12-21}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=March 2011}} Desson Thomson, a writer for The Washington Post, had similar sentiments of the film,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32464-2005Feb17.html |title='Constantine': Far From Heaven |last=Thomson |first=Desson |publisher=''The Washington Post'' |date=2005-02-18 |accessdate=2010-12-21}}</ref> specifically panning the films distancing from the series of graphic novels upon which it is based: "If you are a fan of the "Hellblazer" comic book series, on which this movie is based, you'll definitely need a distraction. The relation between 'Constantine' and its source material is, at best, superfluous. The disparity starts with the original John Constantine (Reeves's character) being from Liverpool, England. Reeves from the city of John and Paul? As if." Leonard Maltin's annual publication "TV Movies" gives the film a BOMB rating, describing it as "dreary, to say the least."
Film critic ] gave the film 1.5 out of 4 stars,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050217/REVIEWS/50202001 |title=Constantine :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews |last=Ebert |first=Roger |publisher='']'' |date=2005-02-18 |accessdate=2010-12-21}}</ref> panning the depiction of hell as "a post-nuclear Los Angeles created by animators with a hangover", the premise of the film itself - "You would think that God would be the New England Patriots of this contest, but apparently there is a chance that Satan could win.", plot holes, inconsistencies, and general actions depicted throughout the film. He was not particularly critical of the films acting, only mentioning it by stating, "Reeves has a deliberately morose energy level in the movie, as befits one who has seen hell, walks among half-demons, and is dying. He keeps on smoking."


Jack Mathews of the '']'' gave the film 2 out of 4 stars: "For all its spiritual angst, ''Constantine'' is about as silly as fantasies get".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/02-18-2005/entertainment/col/story/281960p-241618c.html|title=Constantine|last=Matthews|first=Jack|date=February 15, 2005|work=]|location=New York|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050309032216/http://www.nydailynews.com/02-18-2005/entertainment/col/story/281960p-241618c.html|archive-date=March 9, 2005|access-date=December 21, 2010}}<!-- http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/nydn-features/exorcise-futility-no-saving-keanu-laughable-constantine-devil-silly-details-article-1.631351 --></ref> ] of '']'' also gave the film 2 stars out of 4: "It all comes off as a case of filmmakers wanting to have their communion wafer and eat it, too".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2005/02/18/walking-the-line-between-heaven-and-hell/ |title=Walking the line between heaven and hell |last=Sragow |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Sragow |work=] |date=February 18, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054354/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2005-02-18/features/0502180241_1_constantine-satan-hades |url-status=live}}</ref> ], a writer for '']'', had similar sentiments of the film,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32464-2005Feb17.html |title='Constantine': Far From Heaven |last=Thomson |first=Desson |author-link=Desson Thomson |newspaper=] |date=February 18, 2005 |access-date=December 21, 2010 |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111182523/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32464-2005Feb17.html |url-status=live}}</ref> specifically criticizing its differences from the comic book:
==References==
{{Citation style|date=April 2011|details=First three references don't provide full bibilographic information}}
{{Reflist|2}}


{{blockquote|If you are a fan of the ''Hellblazer'' comic book series, on which this movie is based, you'll definitely need a distraction. The relation between ''Constantine'' and its source material is, at best, superfluous. The disparity starts with the original John Constantine (Reeves's character) being from Liverpool, England. Reeves from the city of John and Paul? As if.}}
== External links ==
{{Wikiquote|Constantine}}
* {{Official website|http://constantinemovie.warnerbros.com}}
* {{IMDb title|0360486|Constantine}}
* {{Amg movie|260384|Constantine}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|constantine|Constantine}}
* {{Mojo title|constantine|Constantine}}


]'s annual publication '']'' gave the film a BOMB rating, describing it as "dreary, to put it mildly".<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Leonard |editor-first=Martin |editor-link=Leonard Maltin |title=Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide. The Modern Era. Previously Published as Leonard Maltin's 2015 Movie Guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iPMxDwAAQBAJ |year=2017 |publisher=] |location=London |page= |isbn=978-0-52553631-4 |access-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805124253/https://books.google.com/books?id=iPMxDwAAQBAJ |url-status=live}}</ref> Film critic ] gave it one and a half out of four stars,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/constantine-2005 |title=Constantine :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |newspaper=] |date=February 17, 2005 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}</ref> panning the depiction of Hell ("a post-nuclear Los Angeles created by animators with a hangover"), the premise of the film itself ("you would think that God would be the ] of this contest, but apparently there is a chance that Satan could win"), plot holes, inconsistencies, and general actions depicted throughout the film. He was not particularly critical of the acting, only mentioning it by stating: "Reeves has a deliberately morose energy level in the movie, as befits one who has seen Hell, walks among half-demons, and is dying. He keeps on smoking". Ebert added the film to his list of "most hated" films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/eberts-most-hated |title=Ebert's Most Hated |first=Roger |last=Ebert |work=] |date=August 11, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=August 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802044414/http://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/eberts-most-hated |url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{IMDb title|1071873|Constantine 2}}


==Novelization and video game==
To tie-in to the film's release, a ] by ] and a ] were produced. The novelization states that the buildings in Hell are built with the souls of the damned, rather than brick, and lined with blood, rather than mortar.<ref name="Novelization">{{cite book |last=Shirley |first=John |author-link=John Shirley |title=Constantine (Mass Market Paperback) |publisher=Pocket Star |date=January 25, 2005 |isbn=0-7434-9755-4 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/constantinenovel00shir}}</ref>

==Sequel==
In 2011, director Francis Lawrence stated, regarding a ]:

{{blockquote|It's interesting that over the years, ''Constantine'' seems like it's become ... like it has this sort of cult following, which has been great. It's been embraced. It would be great to figure out a sequel, and if we did, and we've been trying to figure one out, it would be great to do the really dark, scary version. We got caught in that weird PG-13–R no man's land, and we should do the hard-R scary version, which I would love to do.<ref>{{cite web |first=Rick |last=Marshall |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/05/03/constantine-sequel-francis-lawrence |title='Constantine' Director Hoping To Make 'Hard-R, Scary' Sequel |publisher=SplashPage.MTV.com |date=May 3, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2011 |archive-date=May 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507085848/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/05/03/constantine-sequel-francis-lawrence/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

In November 2012, ] signed a deal to write and direct a '']'' film centered around DC Comics' supernatural characters, John Constantine among them.<ref>{{cite news |last = Melrose |first = Kevin |url=http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2012/11/09/del-toro-confirms-hes-discussing-justice-league-dark-style-movie |title=Del Toro Says He's 'Discussing' Justice League Dark-Style Movie |publisher=ComicBookResources.com |date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=November 10, 2012 |archive-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529052136/http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2012/11/09/del-toro-confirms-hes-discussing-justice-league-dark-style-movie/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Reeves said in 2019 and 2021 that he was open to reprise the role in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/05/18/keanu-reeves-wants-to-play-constantine-again/|title=Keanu Reeves Has "Always Wanted" to Play Constantine Again|last=Ridgely|first=Charles|publisher=Comicbook.com|date=May 18, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520101831/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/05/18/keanu-reeves-wants-to-play-constantine-again/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url = https://ew.com/tv/keanu-reeves-talks-constantine-2-stephen-colbert-video/|title = Keanu Reeves on his efforts to get 'Constantine 2' made|magazine = ]|access-date = December 15, 2021|archive-date = December 15, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211215160329/https://ew.com/tv/keanu-reeves-talks-constantine-2-stephen-colbert-video/|url-status = live}}</ref>

In November 2020, Stormare announced in a post on ] that a sequel was "in the works", though neither representatives for Warner Bros. nor Reeves immediately responded to requests for comment.<ref>{{cite web|first=Gael|last=Cooper|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/constantine-star-says-a-sequel-to-the-keanu-reeves-movie-is-in-the-works/|title=Constantine star says a sequel to the Keanu Reeves movie is in the works|website=cnet|date=November 13, 2020|access-date=November 15, 2020|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114080842/https://www.cnet.com/news/constantine-star-says-a-sequel-to-the-keanu-reeves-movie-is-in-the-works/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2022, '']'' reported that Warner Bros. would develop a ''Constantine'' sequel, with Keanu Reeves set to return in the lead role. Francis Lawrence was set to return as the film's director, with ] writing the screenplay. Goldsman would also produce, alongside ] & Hannah Minghella.<ref name=":0" /> Reeves stated that he had spoken to ] co-CEO ] and was told that the sequel would still be made, being part of ], a film series intended to distinguish itself from the upcoming ] (DCU).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/keanu-reeves-confirms-constantine-2-talk/|title=Keanu Reeves Confirms He Has Spoken To James Gunn About Constantine 2|work=]|first=Andy|last=Behbakht|date=March 6, 2023|accessdate=October 31, 2023|archive-date=March 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306153404/https://screenrant.com/keanu-reeves-confirms-constantine-2-talk/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lawrence gave an update on the project in October 2023, indicating that work had proceeded following the conclusion of the ]; he, Reeves and Goldsman have been meeting and discussing the story.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/francis-lawrence-constantine-sequel-keanu-reeves-1235588219/|title=Francis Lawrence Teases 'Constantine' Sequel With Keanu Reeves: "We Have Control"|first=Armando|last=Tinoco|work=]|date=October 31, 2023|accessdate=October 31, 2023|archive-date=October 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031035944/https://deadline.com/2023/10/francis-lawrence-constantine-sequel-keanu-reeves-1235588219/|url-status=live}}</ref> Producer ] revealed that the film's script was complete in September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Tim |date=2024-09-12 |title=Constantine 2 Producer Confirms He Has a Script He's "Too Scared" to Read (Exclusive) |url=https://comicbook.com/horror/news/constantine-2-producer-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-script-too-scared-to-read/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-09-13 |title=Constantine 2 Producer 'Too Scared' to Read Script Because 'I Want It to Be Good So Bad' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/constantine-2-producer-too-scared-to-read-script-because-i-want-it-to-be-good-so-bad |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote|Constantine_(film)|Constantine}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{metacritic film}}

{{Navboxes
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{{Francis Lawrence}} {{Francis Lawrence}}
{{Hellblazer}} {{Hellblazer}}
{{Alan Moore}} {{Alan Moore}}
{{Akiva Goldsman}}}}
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{{Portal bar|Film|United States|Speculative fiction|Horror|Comics|2000s}}


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Latest revision as of 23:20, 24 December 2024

2005 American superhero horror film

Constantine
Theatrical release poster
Directed byFrancis Lawrence
Screenplay by
Story byKevin Brodbin
Based onCharacters from
John Constantine, Hellblazer
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyPhilippe Rousselot
Edited byWayne Wahrman
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byWarner Bros. Pictures
Release dates
  • February 7, 2005 (2005-02-07) (Paris)
  • February 18, 2005 (2005-02-18) (United States)
Running time121 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$70–100 million
Box office$230.9 million

Constantine (/ˌkɒnstənˈtiːn/ KON-stən-TEEN) is a 2005 American superhero horror film directed by Francis Lawrence in his directorial debut. Written by Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello from a story by Brodbin, it is loosely based on the DC Comics/Vertigo Comics Hellblazer graphic novels. The film stars Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, a cynical exorcist with the ability to perceive and communicate with half-angels and half-demons in their true forms and to travel between Earth and Hell. Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Djimon Hounsou, Gavin Rossdale, and Peter Stormare also feature.

Constantine was released theatrically in the United States on February 18, 2005, and grossed $230.9 million worldwide against a production budget between $70–100 million. While it received mixed reviews from film critics, it has since garnered a cult following in the years following its release. In 2022, a sequel was announced and is currently in development.

Plot

In Mexico, a scavenger discovers the tip of the spear that pierced Jesus Christ and, after becoming possessed, takes it to Los Angeles. There, cynical occult expert John Constantine exorcises a demon from a young girl after witnessing its attempt to reach Earth through her, something that should be impossible because of the treaty between Heaven and Hell. Suffering from terminal lung cancer, Constantine meets with the half-breed angel Gabriel to request an extension to his life in exchange for his work deporting Hell's forces. Gabriel responds that performing good deeds for selfish reasons will not secure his way into Heaven.

Meanwhile, detective Angela Dodson investigates the death of her twin sister Isabel, who leaped from a psychiatric hospital roof. Angela refuses to believe her sister, a devout Catholic, would commit suicide and condemn herself to Hell. Watching security footage, Angela hears Isabel say "Constantine", and seeks out his assistance. He refuses to help until he witnesses demons pursuing Angela and fends them off. Constantine then performs a ritual to see Isabel in Hell, confirming she killed herself. He reveals to Angela that he committed suicide as a teenager because of the trauma of seeing supernatural creatures. Although he was revived, his attempt has condemned him to Hell when he eventually dies.

At the morgue, Constantine's friend Father Hennessy discovers a mysterious symbol on Isabel's wrist but is killed by the half-breed demon Balthazar. Constantine and Angela later uncover that Hennessy carved the symbol into his own hand for them to find. Angela also discovers a hidden message from Isabel referencing a chapter from Hell's Bible. Before being killed by Balthazar, Constantine's ally Beeman reveals that the symbol represents the antichrist Mammon, Lucifer's son. The chapter foretells Mammon usurping his father and conquering Earth using a powerful psychic and divine assistance; Isabel, a powerful psychic, sacrificed herself to thwart Mammon's plan. Angela confesses that she possessed similar psychic abilities but repressed them to avoid being labeled insane like her sister. To help Angela rediscover her powers, Constantine induces a near-death experience. With her reawakened abilities, Angela locates Balthazar. Constantine interrogates Balthazar, who reveals that the blood of Christ on the spear tip is Mammon's divine assistance, and Angela will be his host. An unseen entity destroys Balthazar and abducts Angela who becomes possessed by Mammon.

With the help of witch doctor Papa Midnite, Constantine induces visions to locate Angela at the psychiatric hospital. Alongside his apprentice, Chas Kramer, Constantine arms himself and assaults the building, battling through hordes of demons to Angela. Constantine and Chas seemingly exorcise Mammon from her, but Chas is killed by the unseen force, revealed to be Gabriel. Resentful at God's favoritism for humanity and forgiveness for even the most wicked, Gabriel intends to unleash Hell on Earth so that those who survive will become truly worthy of His love. Gabriel tosses Constantine away and prepares to stab Angela with the spear tip to unleash Mammon.

Desperate, Constantine commits suicide by slitting his wrists, knowing that Lucifer will personally come to collect him. Time pauses and Constantine convinces Lucifer to intervene and stop Mammon. Gabriel attempts to smite Lucifer, but finds that they are unable to, as they no longer have God's favor. Lucifer burns Gabriel's wings away while also banishing Mammon back to Hell. He then reluctantly offers to restore Constantine to life for his assistance. Constantine instead asks that Isabel be sent to Heaven. Lucifer releases Isabel and starts dragging Constantine to Hell, but Constantine begins ascending to Heaven for his selfless sacrifice. Infuriated, Lucifer restores Constantine to life and removes his cancer, believing that, in time, Constantine will prove he belongs in Hell. Constantine punches the now-mortal Gabriel before leaving and entrusts Angela with securing the spear tip. In a post-credits scene, Constantine visits Chas's grave and witnesses him in an angelic form.

Cast

  • Keanu Reeves as John Constantine: A chain-smoking cynical exorcist with the ability to perceive the true visage of half-angels and half-demons on the human plane. John is damned to Hell for attempting suicide — a mortal sin — and has terminal lung cancer.
    • Connor Dylan Wryn as young John Constantine
    • Quinn Buniel as child John Constantine
  • Rachel Weisz as Angela Dodson: A troubled LAPD detective investigating the suicide of her twin sister Isabel (also portrayed by Weisz).
    • Weisz also portrays Mammon, the son of Lucifer who has no patience for his father's rule of Hell and uses Angela's body as a means of escaping to rule over Earth.
  • Shia LaBeouf as Chas Kramer: Constantine's driver and apprentice. Chas has a strong interest in the occult and helps Constantine whenever possible in order to gain knowledge and experience from him.
  • Tilda Swinton as Gabriel: A "half-breed" Archangel with a disdain for humanity who plots to free Mammon as a means to unleash Hell on the Earth.
  • Pruitt Taylor Vince as Father Hennessy: An insomniac, alcoholic priest with the ability to communicate with the dead. He wears a protective charm in order to "keep the voices out".
  • Djimon Hounsou as Papa Midnite: A former witch-doctor who once fought against Hell. After swearing an oath of neutrality — unless one side should tip the balance of power — he opened a nightclub to serve as neutral meeting ground for both sides of the war between Heaven and Hell.
  • Gavin Rossdale as Balthazar: A "half-breed" demon, and son of Lucifer. He has a special interest in, and personal history with, Constantine.
  • Peter Stormare as Lucifer: A fallen Archangel who is in a proxy war with God for the souls of all mankind, and ruler of Hell. He is feared on Earth as Satan or The Devil. Lucifer loathes Constantine with such vigor that Constantine's soul is the only one he would ever come to personally collect, due to Constantine's many fights against demons.
  • Max Baker as Beeman: A friend of Constantine's with extensive knowledge of exotic occult materials and insects. He supplies Constantine with both holy objects and information.
  • Francis Guinan as Father Garret: A priest Angela talks to about getting Isabel a Catholic burial.
  • José Zúñiga as Det. Weiss: Angela's partner.
  • Jesse Ramirez as Manuel: A scavenger and treasure hunter who finds the Spear of Destiny that grants various powers and places him in a trance-like state.
  • April Grace as Dr. Archer: Constantine's doctor.
  • Tanoai Reed as the bouncer at Midnite's club.
  • Valerie Azlynn as Angel in bar turning water into wine.

Additionally, Michelle Monaghan filmed several scenes as Ellie, a half-breed demon Constantine sleeps with and asks for information, who is based on a succubus of the same name in the Hellblazer comics. In the finished film, however, the role consists of two brief shots and one line of dialogue ("Holy water?") during Constantine's climactic confrontation with the group of half-breeds in the hospital. Director Francis Lawrence said Ellie's relationship with Constantine was cut to make him more of a lonely character.

Production

The character of John Constantine was introduced by comic book writer/creator Alan Moore in The Saga of Swamp Thing #37, released in June 1985. In 1988, the character was given his own comic book title, Hellblazer, published by DC Comics.

Producer Lauren Shuler Donner began developing the film in 1997. Paul Hunter was attached to direct in 1999, and he was replaced by Tarsem Singh in 2001. Warner Bros. hoped to begin filming in 2002 with Nicolas Cage in the lead role, but Singh dropped out, resulting in opposing lawsuits filed by himself and Warner Bros. Keanu Reeves became attached to the film in 2002. Alan Moore, the original creator of John Constantine, was disappointed by the previous adaptations of his comics From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and refused to be credited or associated with this film, asking that his royalties be distributed among the other creators of the character.

Constantine incorporated some elements of Garth Ennis's "Dangerous Habits" story arc from the comic (issues #41–46), and others, such as the inclusion of Papa Midnite, from the Original Sins trade paperback. The film's title was changed from Hellblazer to Constantine to avoid confusion with Clive Barker's Hellraiser films. In fact, the comic series was originally going to be titled Hellraiser, but was also retitled to avoid confusion with the first Hellraiser film, which was released a year before the debut of Hellblazer.

The film changed several aspects of the source material. For one, it was set in Los Angeles, rather than England, which director Francis Lawrence justified by claiming that the comic book was not exclusively set in London. Reeves played the role of John Constantine with his real-life American accent and black hair, while the character in the comics was drawn to resemble the blond musician Sting and came from Liverpool. For the film, Constantine was also given the psychic ability to see "half-breeds" as they truly are, and this led him to attempt suicide, causing his damnation, which, in the comics, was punishment for summoning a demon that killed a young girl. Additionally, the resolution of the lung cancer plotline in the film was amended so that Lucifer willingly saves the redeemed Constantine to give him a second chance at falling, rather than being tricked into doing so.

Hell as it is depicted in the film.

Director Lawrence decided to base the film's conception of Hell "on the geography of what's around us now". He further explained:

That was actually a combination of me and the visual effects supervisor and the production designer sitting down and sort of coming up with the biological growth that's growing all over the cars and what that looks like and the color palette. And we started to look at the nuclear test films from the 1940s of the nuclear blasts and just decided that it would be great if the landscape was not only violent with these creatures, but also the atmosphere. So we decided that it was kind of an eternal nuclear blast except nothing ever really gets obliterated because it's eternal and it's constantly going.

Music

Soundtrack

Constantine: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by Brian Tyler and Klaus Badelt
ReleasedFebruary 15, 2005
Recorded2004
GenreFilm score
Soundtrack
Length51:47
LabelVarèse Sarabande
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic

Constantine: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released on February 15, 2005. It is an orchestral compilation of songs from the film, performed by The Hollywood Studio Symphony & The Hollywood Film Chorale and composed by Brian Tyler, the composer for films such as Eagle Eye and Fast & Furious, and Klaus Badelt. Two songs heard in the film, "Passive" by A Perfect Circle (heard as Constantine walks through Midnite's bar) and "Take Five" by The Dave Brubeck Quartet (heard on a record played by Constantine), were not included on the soundtrack.

The album was panned by Allmusic, who referred to it as "clichéd" and "religiously formulaic".

Release

Theatrical

The original release date for the film was September 17, 2004, but was subsequently pushed back to February 2005. Although the film was intended to be rated PG-13, it received an R-rating from the MPAA, which Lawrence attributed to its religious overtones.

Home media

The film was released on VHS and DVD in 2005. Warner Home Video intended to release the film on HD DVD on March 28, 2006, making it one of the earliest titles released on that media format, but, following delays to the launch of HD DVD, it actually debuted on June 6 the same year. It was released on Blu-ray Disc by Warner Home Video on October 14, 2008. For its 20th anniversary, the film is scheduled to be released on 4K Blu-ray on February 18, 2025.

Reception

Box office

Constantine opened in 3,006 theaters in the United States on February 18, 2005, earning $29.8 million in its opening weekend and ranking second behind Hitch's second weekend. It ended its run on June 16, having grossed $76 million in the United States and Canada, and $154.9 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $230.9 million, against a production budget of $70–100 million.

Critical response

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 46% based on the reviews of 227 critics, and an average rating of 5.5/10; the site's consensus states: "Despite solid production values and an intriguing premise, Constantine lacks the focus of another spiritual shoot-em-up, The Matrix". On Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average, it has a score of 50 out of 100 based on the reviews of 41 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.

Richard Corliss of Time magazine called the film "a one-of-a-kind hybrid: a theological noir action film". He cited Keanu Reeves' ability to "retain his charisma in a weird-silly moment" as proof that he is a "movie star", and referred to Tilda Swinton as "immaculately decadent". Corliss also praised the variety of camera placements employed by Francis Lawrence. He was, however, critical of the climax of the film, referring to it as "irrevocably goofy".

Ella Taylor of LA Weekly wrote: "Constantine, which opts in the end for what I can only describe as a kind of supernatural humanism, is not without its spiritual satisfactions". Carina Chocano of the Los Angeles Times said that "Keanu Reeves has no peer when it comes to playing these sort of messianic roles—he infuses them with a Zen blankness and serenity that somehow gets him through even the unlikeliest scenes with a quiet, unassuming dignity".

Pete Vonder Haar of Film Threat gave the film three stars out of five, writing that "the film (barely) succeeds, thanks to impressive visuals, the idea of an uncaring God wagering with Satan for souls, and two immensely enjoyable scenes (one with Weisz, one with Stormare) in which Reeves actually plays his character as the cynical asshole he really is".

Jack Mathews of the New York Daily News gave the film 2 out of 4 stars: "For all its spiritual angst, Constantine is about as silly as fantasies get". Michael Sragow of The Baltimore Sun also gave the film 2 stars out of 4: "It all comes off as a case of filmmakers wanting to have their communion wafer and eat it, too". Desson Thomson, a writer for The Washington Post, had similar sentiments of the film, specifically criticizing its differences from the comic book:

If you are a fan of the Hellblazer comic book series, on which this movie is based, you'll definitely need a distraction. The relation between Constantine and its source material is, at best, superfluous. The disparity starts with the original John Constantine (Reeves's character) being from Liverpool, England. Reeves from the city of John and Paul? As if.

Leonard Maltin's annual publication Movie Guide gave the film a BOMB rating, describing it as "dreary, to put it mildly". Film critic Roger Ebert gave it one and a half out of four stars, panning the depiction of Hell ("a post-nuclear Los Angeles created by animators with a hangover"), the premise of the film itself ("you would think that God would be the New England Patriots of this contest, but apparently there is a chance that Satan could win"), plot holes, inconsistencies, and general actions depicted throughout the film. He was not particularly critical of the acting, only mentioning it by stating: "Reeves has a deliberately morose energy level in the movie, as befits one who has seen Hell, walks among half-demons, and is dying. He keeps on smoking". Ebert added the film to his list of "most hated" films.

Novelization and video game

To tie-in to the film's release, a novelization by John Shirley and a video game adaption were produced. The novelization states that the buildings in Hell are built with the souls of the damned, rather than brick, and lined with blood, rather than mortar.

Sequel

In 2011, director Francis Lawrence stated, regarding a sequel:

It's interesting that over the years, Constantine seems like it's become ... like it has this sort of cult following, which has been great. It's been embraced. It would be great to figure out a sequel, and if we did, and we've been trying to figure one out, it would be great to do the really dark, scary version. We got caught in that weird PG-13–R no man's land, and we should do the hard-R scary version, which I would love to do.

In November 2012, Guillermo del Toro signed a deal to write and direct a Justice League Dark film centered around DC Comics' supernatural characters, John Constantine among them.

Reeves said in 2019 and 2021 that he was open to reprise the role in the future.

In November 2020, Stormare announced in a post on Instagram that a sequel was "in the works", though neither representatives for Warner Bros. nor Reeves immediately responded to requests for comment.

In September 2022, Deadline Hollywood reported that Warner Bros. would develop a Constantine sequel, with Keanu Reeves set to return in the lead role. Francis Lawrence was set to return as the film's director, with Akiva Goldsman writing the screenplay. Goldsman would also produce, alongside J. J. Abrams & Hannah Minghella. Reeves stated that he had spoken to DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn and was told that the sequel would still be made, being part of DC Elseworlds, a film series intended to distinguish itself from the upcoming DC Universe (DCU).

Lawrence gave an update on the project in October 2023, indicating that work had proceeded following the conclusion of the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike; he, Reeves and Goldsman have been meeting and discussing the story. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura revealed that the film's script was complete in September 2024.

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