Keanu Reeves has appeared in a wide range of films in various roles. In a series of hilarious stoner comedies, he portrayed a time-traveling high schooler, in a science fiction trilogy, he played a cold, calculating, angry ex-assassin, and in an action thriller franchise, he played a cold, calculated, vengeful ex-assassin.
Whether someone wants to admit it or not, the guy has a wide spectrum of emotions. Few actors can pull off both comedic and dramatic roles, as well as zaniness and melancholy. Reeves is a fantastic actor who has played a variety of memorable characters. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of Keanu Reeves’ most memorable roles.
1. Don John
Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Kenneth Branagh, features a star-studded cast that includes Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, Emma Thompson, Kate Beckinsale, and Branagh himself. In addition, Keanu Reeves portrays Don John. Shakespeare is a sure-fire way to establish credibility as an actor, and Reeves had previously been renowned for his performances in action and comedy films.
This was the initiative that demonstrated to the rest of the world that he had more to offer. Don John is one of the antagonists in Much Ado About Nothing. It’ll be intriguing to see Keanu Reeves play a terrible character, as he doesn’t frequently get the chance.
2. Kevin Lomax
There are not that many legal thrillers that devolve into a Satanic supernatural horror narrative in the middle of the storyline, so when one does, it’s a sight to witness. In this film, Keanu Reeves’ role as a Satanist lawyer is often overshadowed by Al Pacino’s portrayal as his boss, John Milton, who turns out to be the Lord of Darkness himself.
Reeves, on the other hand, is fantastic in the film. Kevin’s outfit complements his performance; as Kevin’s soul draws closer to the Devil, his suits become darker and darker. He’s not a good person; he discredits his victim to get a “not guilty” judgment for a child abuser he’s defending. It was a difficult position for Reeves to take on.
3. Jack Traven
On paper, “Die Hard on a Bus” appears to be a ridiculous notion for a film. But that’s part of what makes Speed so appealing. It pulls you in with a ludicrous idea about a bomb on a bus and then takes you along for the journey. The protagonist in the majority of these “Die Hard on a…” films is basically a John McClane clone (John McClone?).
Keanu Reeves, on the other hand, created an entirely original action movie hero in Jack Traven. The actor recognized the character’s lack of uniqueness and had script doctor Joss Whedon alter Traven to transform him from “a maverick hotshot” to “the courteous man trying not to kill anyone.”
4. John Wick
Back in 2014, when John Wick was tied to a chair by one of his many deadly opponents, he declared, “I’m thinking I’m back.” Keanu Reeves has found the role that would define his career after a two-decade search in yet another dramatic comeback. He’s the world’s finest assassin, responsible for the killings of hundreds of people, yet his love for his dog makes him sympathetic.
You want Wick to get the guy when he goes for someone. Parabellum, the third installment in what is planned to be a long-running franchise, will be released later this year.
5. Evan Webber
Keanu Reeves often plays doctors, scientists, or, in this case, an architect. They are sensible roles but often find themselves in crazy situations. This film uses unassuming Keanu Reeves and places him in chaos. What makes this role memorable is that Reeves is fully committed. At first, it contracts his behavior, what the audience may identify as normal, with that of his hypersexualized assailants. We feel uncomfortable for him, and that’s exactly the feeling the film wants. Later, he cracks, and it becomes fascinating watching him explode. It has Nicholas Cage-gone-crazy undertones, but for a shocking horror movie, that’s what you need. This isn’t trying to be realistic, it’s a fantasy turned into a nightmare.