they cut all her scenes from the movie to make the main character seem more lonely

#constantine #keanureeves #videoessay
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I've talked about Constantine before, specifically how smartly the movie handles its exposition. But did you know that Constantine was director Francis Lawrence's first feature film ever? Pretty remarkable given the craft on display here. Keanu Reeves gives it his all. The handling of exposition is on point. The CGI still holds up. It's no wonder the movie has become such a cult hit these past years. But today, I specifically want to look at how the film was edited, and how many choices were made in post-production to bring us the version of the movie that we have. Let's dive in.
Written & edited by Danny Boyd

[@CinemaStix]

I’m feeling a bit inspired to make a video looking at some of the other best movie devils of all time. What are some of your favorite depictions in film?

[@memento_mori6454]

For me hands down, Al Pacino - The Devil's Advocate.

[@ChefSandwichboy]

Tom Waits - Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

[@02JAN1970]

It's been a long while for me, but De Niro in Angel Heart always comes to mind.

[@marcuscorvin9998]

The Adventures of Mark Twain (1985) - The Mysterious Stranger

[@Echo3_]

that is a good Idea, I`ll sub based on that!

[@fran9426]

I’ve never been more confused by the reception of a movie. I’ve watched it several times over the years and it’s always great

[@citruscollins]

The vast majority of criticism I’ve heard revolves around the accuracy of the depiction of Constantine himself. Predominantly from Hellblazer fans. Keanu after all, is *not* a blonde Englishman.

[@benjaminforman8901]

​@curtiscollins3434 Got it in one. I was a comic book fan at the time but I'd never read Hellblazer, so I adored the film.

[@short2048]

@@citruscollins At the time I'd never heard of the comics. so I watched it with no preconceived ideas or notions and loved it. Can't wait for the sequel.

[@TheCloudhopper]

I loved it when it came out. I have watched it a couple of times since and still love it. I would have loved another movie with Keanu as Constantine. I'm not a comic reader, never heard of Hellblazer and never understood the criticism.

[@lfgarrocho]

I'm a comic fan, and hated when it came out. Watched it again and recently and, while it is a good movie, is so much worse than the source material in every way I just can't manage to like it.

[@schulzbrianr]

The dual meaning of "I'm going down" "Not if I can help it".

[@CinemaStix]

This

[@becerraluisc]

🤯

[@deebugger]

This always reminded me of the end credits scene in Angel's Heart, riding that creaky elevator down.

[@HeatherHolt]

Always thought she said “going down?” as she is walking towards the elevator, and he says “not if I can help it” talking about himself, right?

[@dead.inside.585]

but my subtitle says, "you going down?"

[@alexmikhylov]

I've never seen that director's commentary before, but he sounds so happy he just got to do the whole movie, it's very wholesome.

[@MegaRayland]

I worked with Lawrence in a commercial just a few years after Constantine. He was a very easygoing and approachable guy who wasn't full of himself for being a director, like many out there are.

[@rulofmg]

@@MegaRayland The ability of getting along the cast/crew, i.e to be a good communicator is one of the most important skills for entertainment industry. It's foolproof way to secure future jobs because to say blatantly most of time its who you know/connections rather than what you can do/skill

[@BaldPerspective]

He was pumped to be doing a sequel & then James Gunn got hired to run DC & quietly canned it.

[@KachZz]

Still think that Constantine is way underrated as a movie. He did a great job with directing.

[@Hlbkomer]

Absolutely, it’s a gem.

[@nicholasvondoelln6814]

I heard they are making a sequel with Keanu

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

@@nicholasvondoelln6814 Keanu is too old now. He’s never been a good actor but with age he’s lost what little ability he had. Just look at John wick

[@theknave4415]

Peter Stormare and Tilda Swinton turned in 'OMG!' performances. We'd never seen anything like it, before.

[@VereskVeil]

yes!

[@blacksand.]

Tilda Swinton's perfomance is OMFG in Suspiria 2018

[@Thund3rstone]

This is 80% of why it is a good movie.

[@lanceelliot9979]

@@Thund3rstone * 8.0%

[@eljefeamericano4308]

I'd watch this movie all over again just for either of their performances. They were fantastic.

[@deebugger]

"I've got a whole THEME PARK full of red delights for you!" Peter Stormare should have gotten an Oscar for those 5 minutes in the movie.

[@Milaaq302]

~rare delights :)

[@deebugger]

@@Milaaq302 is it "rare" or "red"? Everywhere it says "red" but now you've shaken my confidence..

[@orbitolnook2163]

​@@deebuggerit's definitely rare*. Remember Luci himself came up to collect Constantine's soul, that's the equivalent of Bill Gates selling you a copy of windows in person.

[@deebugger]

@@orbitolnook2163 you're pulling my leg right? I have to know! 😟

[@Milaaq302]

@@deebugger It's definitely "rare delights" because a rare delight is (or used to be) a very common phrase.

[@paulmdevenney]

Tilda Swinton's Gabriel is simply mesmerising.

[@tonycrabtree3416]

agree

[@geraldpope3779]

Absolutely.

[@Nick1979BN]

* -('s Gabriel) At least if she is not playing an outright bonkers character.

[@user-uy1rg8td1v]

She's great in Snowpiercer and needs to be in a live action Bioshock movie.

[@kazuya99ace]

The line that gets the most from this movie is, "Balthazar...." John says it with so much disdain each time, it's like he can't contain his contempt so it bursts out of his mouth.

[@RickReasonnz]

Just from the intonation, you know he and Balthazar know each, have tousled a few time, and are competitively rivals, JUST from that one word.

[@jjackson6082]

I gotta say that whenever something particularly fuckity happens that I run across

[@masserphi2534]

The lead singer of BUSH payed a good Balthazar

[@qwertyboo]

This film had iconic character designs. Gabriel and the devil. Keanu even acted well in this, and that's not always the case with him. Constantine 2005 you will always be famous!

[@mzmm4186]

I would say the character is a shoe in for Keanu's... unique acting range. Always gloomy with a hint of anger. Even when the character cracks a joke the melancholy just oozses out, not so much malace, just an abundance of sadness and frustration .

[@Gelton321]

Ok. You've enticed me to re-watch several movies I hadn't appreciated before, and somehow you've done it twice with the same one. What a wonderful channel.

[@CinemaStix]

Hehehe

[@dasamont8274]

This makes me want a movie that's shot with three hours of intended content, and then edited by different editors independently to see how the final products would turn out. Like the video about how Passengers (2016) goes from showing Chris Pratt as a tragic protagonist to a tragic (and creepy) antagonist by changing whether the first act is from Jennifer Lawrence perspective, or from Chris Pratt's.

[@pjetrs]

That video is great

[@asckee]

A rashomon of editors

[@alexmikhylov]

not exactly that, but you should watch The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him and [...]: Her. it's shot in 2 versions, from a perspective of each of 2 protagonists. I'd start with :Him. it's not exactly a re-edit, but it's very close to what you describe.

[@carlsonmedia]

I actually did an edit of Passengers that way just to see it how it would turn out, and it was a better movie in that edit. If you're interested, I can send it to you.

[@SupremeGreatGrandmaster]

Do you have a link?

[@MaxIronsThird]

over 15 years later, people finally agree with me that this is a great movie. Sure, Keanu isn't blonde or english, but outside of that, they got the character on point.

[@TheTuttle99]

You mean you've finally *found* people that agree with you

[@CaulkMongler]

I honestly never understood the hate to begin with either

[@Michaelfatman-xo7gv]

Irish.

[@brettrcooper]

As someone who has seen Bram Stoker’s Dracula, I am relieved they didn’t make Constantine English.

[@ericaugust1501]

i prefer the keanu take on the constatine character. its more noir. the original constatine always came off as a smug, gary sue. whatever "weaknesses" he had, are really just excuses to show him as badarse or kewl. this 2005 keanu version had significantly less of that, and the choice to show him as 'alone' and 'lonely' emphasizes his failings.

[@xtalviper]

I always thought it was strange Michelle Monaghan only had two words of dialog and ten seconds of on-screen time. Now I know why, her other scenes were cut.

[@salmonn_gz7987]

my bae Monaghan was in Keanu Constantine ?!?! WHAT?!?!? i've seen the movie any times on many providers/channel !

[@MegaRayland]

@@salmonn_gz7987 If you watch the theatrical cut she shows up for a brief close up shot at the end when Constantine confronts the demons in the hospital outside of the indoors pool room.

[@Rosskles]

Ditto!

[@gsmollin2]

You can see the bedroom scene in the out-takes reel. Is it on the BD version?

[@fourlights]

Stunning woman

[@FaithOriginalisme]

I'd forgotten how well shot Constantine is

[@didgeridoobidrewbi5750]

The amount of information conveyed through narration and video clips is continuously amazing. The science of art, how absolutely encapsulating. Thanks Mr. Boyd

[@ajvonline]

Constantine is one of my all-time favorite movies. Thanks for your always insightful content!

[@I4get42]

When we hear the real screen door close in sync with the cartoon is probably my favorite edit ever 😀

[@CinemaStix]

Agreed. Must’ve been a green screen TV, because the timing is perfect, and the shot leading up to that moment is not a short one.

[@I4get42]

@CinemaStix ooh, I had guessed that the screen door didn't make much noise in the original recording, and they did a foley effect after, but timed it to the cartoon. But it does make way more sense to have the TV just play green and then time the cartoon and foley later. Since it is outside bright, they wouldn't have to worry about the green tv lighting the scene either.

[@J-Healy]

The first video was the reason I actually watched Constantine, and it's one of my favourite films now, as soon as I saw the post this video was coming up I was so excited haha

[@CinemaStix]

This makes me very happy :)

[@TheAwsomeSawse]

Just rewatched it last night, so incredibly disappointing that it never got a sequel. It really grows on me every time I revisit it.

[@ErebosGR]

It's getting one. It is currently in production.

[@qwertyboo]

@@ErebosGR with Keanu?

[@ErebosGR]

@@qwertyboo Yup, and with Francis Lawrence directing it.

[@dom0]

No way.

[@HellaBatShitCrazy]

@@dom0yes way 😂

[@defvent]

i like how Danny showcases an example of editing by completely cutting out Shia LeBeouf from this video

[@honestjohn3865]

😂

[@silver_crone]

The collision of your insight and my adoration of the film has brought this sense of wonder and fucking awe at how much editing is truly an art unto itself. I needed this fascinating moment, peering into editing magic today, thank you.

[@fharper3176]

This channel is a great example of good editing. You know when to pause the audio commentary to let a scene play, pulling the watcher’s attention right when you should. Glad to see your subscriber numbers reflect this.

[@sarahy1680]

While I have loved this movie for years, I haven't looked into its behind-the-scenes stuff before. I would have never guessed that it was Lawrence's first film. It's very assured in its characters, POV and world building.

[@eljefeamericano4308]

This was my reaction, too. It was done so well I'm amazed it was his first film!

[@shannonpotratz489]

My favorite film adaptation of any DC character ever...

[@SteveDCM]

Oh no guys I think cinema is stixing again

[@fraaz_k]

its always the cinema you stix along the way

[@bovanshi6564]

Best part of this video was when he said "it's stixin' time" and he stixed all over the place

[@thegrunbeld6876]

​@@bovanshi6564I can't stop stixing when he stix it in!

[@TheGhostFLA]

This made me giggle. Just thought I’d share lol

[@mykmcgrane]

I have to watch this at least once or twice a year, and in the background also while I'm on my computer just for comfort. The cinematography, shot placement, timing, length, holding, and framing and lensing is amazing.

[@wonjoomin]

Just rewatched it for the first time since in theaters (can’t believe it’s been 20 yrs) and it is so much more than as I remember it: great artistic adaptation of comics that deserves distinction and rewatch (4k remaster release). Loved the color, scene framing, and the short lines that can be read like a comic book. Thank you for taking me back in time!

[@Corranorn]

Man this channel is such a gift for everyone who loves cinema. A prime example for the art of connecting and analyzing art. Bravo.

[@DaveBjornRapp]

Now I need to watch Constantine again - the best possible result of this video. Good job.

[@CinemaStix]

1. Check out my other video on Constantine here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYLdc3t_ndimsKc 2. New Perks! Join the new CinemaStix members-only Discord by making a pledge at: www.patreon.com/CinemaStix

[@klyanadkmorr]

psst- Ridley Scott first directed commercials and music videos too

[@phineascromwell]

@@klyanadkmorr David Fincher, as well... and Russell Mulcahy

[@fraterseamus]

Great job as always. Love Constantine, just rewatched it recently and it still holds up, very underappreciated gem.

[@Thund3rstone]

Rewatched, too, and still feel like forwarding to scenes with Gabriel or Devil.

[@marcblanchet678]

Nice. One of the few channels I get excited to see a notification for. Especially with Keanu in Constantine as the 1st thing I see. edit: oh, almost forgot, Thank you bud.

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@seanb.6793]

Amazing! I’m very impressed that he could go from 5-minute music to a feature film and do so well! Thanks for the awesome video

[@schmiggidy]

There's a long line of rather exceptional directors that emerged from the music scene, especially in the 90s. Successful directors line John Singleton and Antione Fuqua immediately come to mind ....

[@chriswho4232]

I've always appreciated the quality of this movie's craft, but your videos on it have deepened my love for its richness even more.. Excellent work as per usual, man.

[@25jessieg]

LOVED Peter Stormare playing the devil. Seen this movie a dozen times, very rewatchable movie.

[@princecharon]

Constantine is one of those film adaptations that would have been received better if they'd just dropped the 'adaptation' part entirely, and made it its own thing.

[@MaleusMaleficarum]

Meh. It's still a comic book movie. It holds to the story... he is just no longer English, or blonde. Lol

[@ShaunHensley]

I don’t think most people at the time realized it was an adaptation

[@ReinoldFZ]

You have Tim Burton's Batman to know that author versions can be popular even if they don't stick to anything in the comic books. The MCU is different from the comics and it was not only immensely popular, but at the same time they didn't increase comic book readership.

[@cornbreadreturns296]

So good. I've loved this movie forever. But you're videos have made me appreciate it so much more. Thank you.

[@juletaurus]

LOVE this film. Anxiously awaiting the sequel. PLEASE!

[@Anonymous-cc9vh]

"Hey, I'm Danny Boyd." ... and this is what? Say the line Bart!

[@CinemaStix]

I didn’t do it.

[@hornetf18]

@@CinemaStix Yaaaaayyyyy!

[@Anonymous-cc9vh]

​​​​​​@@CinemaStixHa, that works on 2 levels. Nice! I love your channel, keep up the great work, and I hope you have a wonderful day.

[@taltonfiggins38]

I feel like Danny is doing a round-up of everything I've always felt about so many films. He gets it.

[@bartmoss]

This movie has always stuck with me. I also find myself defending it from some Hellblazer fan. I am so happy you keep finding more to see in it and taking me back for another watch.

[@gabeshaffer5444]

you always know u got a banger to watch when cinemastix uploads 😁😁

[@bluesirenx]

I love love love this film. Still one of my favs. The fact that this movie still holds up well today - its pacing and the melancholy in its imagery... all so so good

[@SageLegacy]

I really love seeing the differences of directing and editing that a persons background can contribute.

[@Fict10n]

One of my all time favorite movies, amazing performances in this film.

[@newwave26]

It's simple. I see a CinemaStix Upload, I click.

[@jakelong3466]

I’m always impressed when I see editing maneuvers like this.

[@stefannegrila7102]

Hey man, just wanted to let you know I love your work! The way you choose which aspects to analyze in a movie deeply amazes me.

[@ezcompane]

I never understood the mixed reception of this movie when it came out. I never read the actual books, but I knew general information about the character and I still loved this movie when I saw it in the theater. Even to this day I love listening to the song from A Perfect Circle that was played in the club scene.

[@wttwtg4165]

Awww, that sentence about "...the greatest onscreen depictions of the devil..." You listen, you truly listen. You are a good man Charlie Brown.

[@ADarrell]

Makes me want to watch it again. Great work.

[@personmcperson4440]

Love you, Danny. Thanks for improving my life.

[@Steven-vo5nu]

We need to get this man to a million subs asap

[@CinemaStix]

I won’t stop you.

[@mothjoke]

Ugh such a beautiful piece

[@GeekyGamerPodcast]

Hands down one of my favorite movies. Also, thanks so much for clearing up that sprinkler scene. It always felt a tad out of place, well, like something was missing!

[@ladylandlubber499]

There's just so many reasons for this film to be my third favourite film... soooo goooood

[@sagalexoso]

You never seize to amaze with the videos man, bravo.

[@Bryce_C.]

*cease

[@nvi_]

Danny, or should I say Mr. Boyd, I admire your attention to detail and your work. Thank you.

[@ligli500]

I always appreciate your videos, but your Constantine "series" get me giddy like nothing else, and I click immediately. Despite being an ardent fan of Constantine for almost 2 decades now, showing it to as many people as possible, and watching the commentary track even more times than the movie itself, I still hadn't picked up on so many of the observations you made in this video essay. That makes this video more scrumptious and appetizing than any Michelin star meal. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!

[@resetXform]

It's still one of my favorite films! Great job to the entire team, looking forward to the sequel!!

[@TheXcodfishx]

So excited to finally get a sequel to this underrated gem. I remember seeing it in theaters and loving its noir, Americana spin on the source material.

[@djkairos4667]

Yes! Love Constantine 😍

[@channel-gf9ze]

this guys videos are a piece of art on its own

[@alexander-cv3li]

i always learn so much from your videos!

[@N0KKENWAITS]

Great video essay! This was wonderful

[@SuckaFreeWillie]

That’s the best adaptation I’ve ever seen! Including the last 20 years of Marvel co ice and movies! Well done!

[@krumpits]

Ive always loved this movie

[@thegrinningfrog]

Constantine is my favourite comic character and I love this film. (even with how far off the source material) Really interesting points about the editing. It is a masterful film and very lean which works for it. Thanks for the video.

[@mbra8228]

what an amazing take. respect man

[@reanetsemoleleki8219]

The fact that this is a directorial debut is quite impressive.

[@chonkychookie6949]

youre doing something right. i keep watching your videos based on title alone and havent subscribed yet

[@Emthe30something]

Excited to watch Constantine with all this in mind.

[@ran_braden]

Gabriel's little speech about bringing humanity horror so they can rise above it inspired me as a writer. If you bring people to their lowest letting them soar feels twice as sweet.

[@RocoPwnage]

I watched Constantine for the first time because of your last video about it, and it might be my favorite comic book movie of all time. Thanks.

[@LarsGoldbachDP]

miraculous presentation!

[@KazingaD]

thank you, again. great essay

[@kurstydownie496]

Epic casting choices

[@NateHatch]

I've almost never rewatched superhero movies, even when I liked them and I even grew up on DC and Marvel, but I've seen Constantine once a year ever since it came out. It's such a good film. I wish he made more of them, if only to have more of Peter Stormare as the Devil, God what a performance.

[@wisewtf110]

Another banger, Danny.

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you!

[@Victor_OLSM]

The best channel about cinema just posted a new video WW

[@jojetparedes4024]

My teenage daughter is so fascinated with this movie that she has not stopped asking questions about the plot and everything else in it...The beauty of it is that I seem to get a different view of it each time I re-watched it. One of my fave characters in comics..

[@orbitolnook2163]

I constantly have to hold myself back from binge watching this movie back 2 back for fear of it losing it's luster to me plus I wanna give as much time as I can to forget most of it so when I finally do get to watch it again it almost feels like the first time again

[@PaKePo]

Oh man, the 2000's... the last of an age where you could smoke in an elevator to push that "I don't give a fuck" vibe to the maximum.

[@MultiDriven]

Great video!

[@themanhimself6620]

Dope eassy as always danny.

[@CinemaStix]

Thank ya kindly!

[@MotokoKusanagi]

thanks for this

[@shr00m7]

A huge departure from the Comic is was based on, but one of my favorite movies, and really one of the best examples of how you can make a good film without sticking to the source material.

[@MrBibbah]

With those cuts,, it made this movie my favorite of all time..

[@thetalentof]

A brilliantly presented overview of one of my all time favourites CinemaStix, always insightful takes backed by extensive research, great job. Would love to see you eventually cover how Tom Cruise at the peak of his stardom randomly decided to produce an indie movie he saw at Sundance ('Narc') and get Paramount to back it and distribute theatrically to help give it new life. A rather obscure story that I can see you covering very well with your usual style.

[@zzz181085]

Another great video essay.

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@dragiel]

finally i know why i like this movie so much and can watch it again and again. it is a whole hour+ long cool ass music video.

[@jarlbregadan914]

Hell, I love this movie.

[@eljefeamericano4308]

I love this movie, but I never knew about the cut character. Now I just wanna watch this, again. Such an incredible cast!

[@TheDallboi]

Man, makes me want to watch this again. I feel like I never picked up those nuances before (probably because I was 15 years old when this came out)

[@toki-rin]

this is one of my favorite movies of all time i love this movie i love keanu reeves and god gabriel does things to a person

[@matthewvelazquez2013]

Pure 'lightning-in-a-bottle', this one.

[@salvadorslim3234]

Great. Appreciate you

[@fourlights]

Stunning Michelle Monaghan

[@linedpaper5374]

great video. absolutely love video essays discussing editing. sidenote, 04:00 - is keanu smoking a cigarette, IN an elevator, with people, IN a hospital? amazing.