The Tragic Hero

As an actor, he is more successful than most others, but his private life is full of strokes of fate. In September Keanu Reeves turns 40.

It is these eyes that enthrall us. They seem dark, mysterious, and always a little sad. Look into them for a second only, and you will immediately want to hug Keanu Reeves. On 2 September, the boyish Hollywood star turns 40 – and he has a lot to look back on. While he has reached the peak of blockbuster heights during his acting career, his private life is haunted by blows, tragedies and deaths. Keanu Reeves, who grew up in Toronto, does not talk about the dark hours of his life. But he talks about his latest film "Something's Gotta Give", his next project "Constantine" (in cinemas in February 2005) and his love for rock music and other romances.

In this movie business that loves young stars, are you afraid of your 40th birthday?

No, I don't feel that young. I am as old as I am. It won't be a special birthday. Either I will be alone in the desert, or it will be an outrageous party.

People say that the camera loves you. Do you take that as a compliment?

I can't identify with that, but I understand what they mean. The picture on the screen has little relation to reality, and in my case the camera probably hides more optical flaws than it does with others.

At the beginning of your career, would you have thought about being a Hollywood favourite?

No, I didn't have a plan, only hope. I was hoping to be able to work as an actor and to master this craft, make good movies and be on stage with high-class theatre productions.

Your first film role was in "Youngblood" at the age of 22. When did you say: Okay, now I am a real, established actor?

I haven't said so until today, honestly. I am challenging myself. Anthony Quinn once said to me: "The feeling of uncertainty will never leave you, inwardly you will always be looking for work."

Can you remember when you were recognized for the first time?

Of course. That was when I bought ice cream with a friend of mine. It was 1987, a hot day, and the guy behind the counter didn't want us to pay for the ice cream. He said: "Because of 'River's Edge!'" So we took the cones for free.

How do you nowadays deal with a society that does not respect an actor's private life?

I try to take it with dignity. You always hope that people won't climb over garden walls to take a picture of you when you are walking into the kitchen naked. I count on every person I meet to be at least reasonably respectful.

Given your celebrity status, how do you master your everyday life?

When I go out, I need a lot of luck and skill not to be beleaguered by fans. The magic word is inconspicuousness. Before a big premiere, however, there is no use in even trying. People are already taking your picture as you walk out of your car.

In your latest movie "Something's Gotta Give", your character is very interested in Diane Keaton. Can you empathise with this fascination for an older woman?

To some degree. But I've never dated an older woman. Sorry, I shouldn't say this, but to rave about an older woman's beauty takes some experience of life. After all, we are living in a culture that celebrates youth. Although youth craze isn't the whole truth...

Do you believe in true love and spiritual kinship?

Yes, absolutely, I believe in that.

How do you define romantic?

For me, romantic is sharing intimacy with another person, looking inside, but also to enjoy a sense of place to the outside. Romantic is awareness of life, it is about existing together in the here and now. Sometimes a beautiful place can reinforce this feeling. But this kind of romanticism works only on good days.

So you are more of an occasional romantic?

I am not sure. At any rate, being hopelessly in love is very beautiful. And dangerous.

What music did you choose for romantic hours when you where a teenager?

What do you mean, teenager? I still like the music from those times. The Ramones, The Violent Femmes, The Clash... When I discovered that music my world suddenly got better. I danced [to this music], felt life's pulse beat, the vibrating feeling of existing.

Was there a time where emotional vibrations were especially strong?

With a woman called Penny. She had a great stereo in the car, you could take the speakers out and stick them onto the roof. We did that one evening in the park and danced all night long. That was one of the good days...

What happened to your band Dogstar?

We are hibernating. I now play bass in a band called Becky, we will be playing some gigs soon.

Who are you playing in your next movie, the comics-adaptation "Constantine"?

A doomed guy who tries to escape from hell and even bargains with angels. I was attracted by his connection with god, which is, at the same time, his relation to the world. He is full of anger and ambiguity. There is one line which I like especially: "God has a plan for all of us. Some people like their plan, others don't." A fascinating character.

What are the criteria when you choose a role?

Most of the time it is my gut feeling. The script, the story, the character have to match my feelings.

After your rather long career, is it difficult for you to still let new people into your life?

My character, my mind, and my true self haven't changed because of the career. I always trust people until they show me that they aren't worth it.

Captions:

(p. 42) A sensitive loner: Keanu Reeves lives gladly domestic. Although it could bring the ladies with its dark glow eyes in rows to melting. The attraction of the Mysterioesen?

(p. 44) In the heart Keanu is a genuine Rocker: It plays bass in volume, loves the music of its youth and drives inspires motorcycle.

SUCCESSES AND TRAGEDIES

A canvas success hunts the next: By "Dracula" over "speed" and the "Matrix" Trilogie to" which the heart inspired desired "Keanu Reeves the world. Its career began at a group of theatres in Toronto, where it buildup. Born it is however in Beirut, where its parents lived in the sixties. His father, a Hawaiian of Chinese descent, never correctly he became acquainted with, its nut/mother is today four times divorced. Its own family had planned Keanu, but the fate slammed shut merciless: 1999 came daughter EH dead to the world, 2001 had an accident its ex-gotten engaged Jennifer Syme deadly. In addition its sister Kim suffers for twelve years at leukaemia.

The Ultimate Matrix Collection Hits Dec. 7

This holiday season, Warner Home Video (WHV) will give every fan of "The Matrix" movies what they want... more! More eye-opening revelations, more plugged-in discovery, more realms of bold possibility, as the trilogy that set a new standard in moviemaking now sets a new standard in DVD gift sets with "The Ultimate Matrix Collection".

A remarkable ten-disc DVD set; "The Ultimate Matrix Collection" features all three films in the trilogy together for the first time ever with a newly remastered picture and sound for The Matrix. Also included is the companion piece The Matrix Revisited and the best-selling The Animatrix, plus five entirely new DVDs packed solid with brand-new supplemental materials that encompass every aspect of the Matrix universe, including two new audio commentaries on each film, "Enter the Matrix" videogame footage, over 100 deep-delving featurettes/ documentaries and much more!

Debuting December 7, 2004 from WHV and Village Roadshow Pictures, "The Ultimate Matrix Collection" will be priced to own at $79.92 SRP.

In addition, WHV will also present a special "The Ultimate Matrix Collection Limited Edition" which features the remarkable 10 extras-loaded DVD set, plus a limited-edition Neo mini-bust figurine and an 80-page Collector's Book. This exclusive edition will be priced at $129.92 SRP.

Written and directed by the Wachowski Brothers and produced by Joel Silver, "The Matrix Trilogy" stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving. As one of the most successful science-fiction film franchises of all time, "The Matrix Trilogy" has grossed a staggering $1.6 billion dollars in worldwide box-office receipts to date. In addition to the films, the franchise has spawned successful companion DVDs (The Matrix Revisited, and The Animatrix), a best-selling videogame ("Enter the Matrix") and is about to launch an online gaming component to further excite the highly popular franchise, look for information at TheMatrix.com.

"This is the definitive DVD collection that Matrix fans have been waiting for! A pop-culture phenomenon that continues to break new ground, The Matrix has clearly become one of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time・nd the demand from fans for more in the Matrix universe has never subsided," says Mark Horak, Executive Vice President, Warner Home Video. "An epic film series of this size deserves an unrivaled state-of-the-art DVD collection, and The Ultimate Matrix Collection will provide just that for fans worldwide."

DVD ELEMENTS

DISC ONE ・The Matrix

Two all-new audio commentaries with written introduction by the Wachowski Brothers:
-The Critics: Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomsonm
-The Scholars: Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Basics ・Running Time: 136 mins; Rated R; Languages: English & French; Subtitles: English, French & Spanish; Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1; Widescreen Format

DISC TWO ・The Matrix Revisited

What is Bullet Time?

What is the Concept?

The Music Revisited ・41-Track audio-only selection of nearly three hours of music Basics - Running Time: 180 mins; Not Rated; Subtitles: French; Full screen Format

DISC THREE ・The Matrix Reloaded

Two all-new audio commentaries with written introduction by the Wachowski Brothers:-The Critics: Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson
-The Scholars: Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Basics ・Running Time: 138 mins; Rated R; Languages: English & French; Subtitles: English, French & Spanish; Audio: Dolby Surround 5.1; Widescreen Format

DISC FOUR ・The Matrix Reloaded Revisited

Basics ・Running Time: 176 mins; Not Rated; Subtitles: French; Full screen Format

DISC FIVE ・The Matrix Revolutions

Two all-new audio commentaries with written introduction by the Wachowski Brothers: -The Critics: Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson
-The Scholars: Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilber

Basics ・Running Time: 129 mins; Rated R; Languages: English & French; Subtitles: English, French & Spanish; Audio: Dolby Surround 5.1; Widescreen Format

DISC SIX ・The Matrix Revolutions Revisited

Basics ・Running Time: 189 mins; Not Rated; Subtitles: French; Full screen Format

DISC SEVEN ・The Animatrix

Four Audio Commentaries on The Second Renaissance Parts I and II, Program and World Record

Making-of documentaries on each film, profiling the evolution of each one痴 unique style through design and animatics

Biographical profiles of the directors and animation producers

Scrolls to Screen: The History and Culture of Anime ・explores the phenomenon of this exploding worldwide art form through glimpses of the genre痴 greatest achievements and the observations of creators, historians and other leaders in the field

Basics ・Running Time: 158 mins; Not Rated; Languages: English & Japanese; Subtitles: English, French & Spanish; Audio: Dolby Surround 5.1; Widescreen Format

DISC EIGHT ・The Roots of the Matrix

Return to Source: Philosophy & The Matrix documentary ・Scholars, philosophers and theorists deconstruct the intellectual underpinnings of the trilogy

The Hard Problem: The Science Behind the Fiction documentary ・Is the notion of a real Matrix plausible? An investigation of the technologies that inspire the metaphor of the Matrix.

Basics ・Running Time: 190 mins.; Not Rated; Subtitles: English, French & Spanish; Widescreen Format

DISC NINE ・The Burly Man Chronicles

Basics ・Running Time: 177 mins.; Not Rated; Language: English; Full screen Format

DISC TEN ・The Zion Archive

Basics ・Running Time: 45 mins.; Not Rated; Language: English; Full screen Format

Out of 'The Matrix,' Carrie-Anne Moss plans her next move

August 22, 2004

BY CINDY PEARLMAN Advertisement

LOS ANGELES -- Is there life after "The Matrix"? One woman thinks she might be stuck in that void forever.

Carrie-Anne Moss is shocked that in the first few minutes of this interview she hasn't had to say the "M" word even once.

The brunet beauty played Trinity in the three mega-hit "Matrix" movies. Today, in a silver glittery shirt and white pants with her brown hair falling in loose curls around her shoulders, she remarks, "It's weird that I'm not sitting here talking about 'The Matrix.' I almost feel like I should be promoting that movie for the rest of my life."

So what was it like to work with Keanu Reeves? What is the freaking Matrix?

"No, no, no, no, no!" she screams in mock disgust.

Moss is determined not to be defined by her sci-fi past, and to that end, she has two very different projects coming up. She will star as the female lead opposite Tom Cruise in the upcoming "Mission: Impossible 3." She also stars with Ben Kingsley and Aaron Eckhart in "Suspect Zero," opening Friday, as a female FBI agent named Fran who is tracking a serial killer through rather strange methods.

Her partner (Eckhart) has been trained in remote viewing, which means he can mentally see where the killer has been and re-enact the crime scene correctly in his mind. The premise is that anyone can train their mind to see in this way.

"I took this movie because I had heard of remote viewing, which is a real thing," Moss says. "I love that it's psychic and spiritual. I really dig that kind of stuff. It's not that I'm saying I'm psychic, but it's that feeling we all have. Haven't you ever thought about someone and then two seconds later they're calling you on the phone?"

Some people might call that intuition.

"But remote viewing is taking intuition to another level. It's exercising your mind," she says. "I would imagine that the brain is like any other muscle. It needs to be exercised to develop in certain areas."

A psychic experience

Moss had a bit of an experience when it came to getting the role. "In fact, I had seen an episode of Oprah about it, and then days later, I received this script. That seemed a little weird, but I took it as a sign."

The role consists of another strong woman for Moss, who specializes in the type after the world-saving, butt-kicking Trinity.

"Look at me," says the tall, able Moss. "I'm probably not the kind of woman you're going to hire to play someone who's weak and frail. I'm 5 feet 9 inches tall. I can get the job done."

Named after the Hollies' 1967 song "Carrie-Anne," Moss, 37, was raised in Vancouver, B.C., as the youngest of two children. By age 20, she left home to begin a career as a model in Europe. She began her career on TV in the series "Matrix" (1993), "Models Inc" (1994) and "F/X: The Series" (1996). She then starred in "The Matrix" (1999), "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003) and "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003).

Is she glad she's rid of the franchise now? "I would never use the word 'glad to be rid of' 'The Matrix.' Truly, I loved doing it," Moss says. "But it's absolutely wonderful to have a chapter complete."

A 'Matrix' boost

Moss doesn't get upset about the poor reviews for the last two "Matrix" films.

"I believe we completed the three movies in an honorable, gorgeous, graceful way," she says. "Now the whole world is my oyster," she says. "For a long time, I couldn't do any other jobs because I'm doing that movie. But I loved it. I feel really lucky.

"'The Matrix' is the only reason I'm here."

The actress is living in Los Angeles these days, but her heart is elsewhere. "California is a beautiful place, but I've lived her for 10 years now. Wait, it's 13 years. I guess I'm a little bit in denial. When it comes to living here, I'm a little over it. I'd love to be close to my family, but the work is here."

Married to actor Steve Roy, Moss welcomed a son last September. "I don't even want to go out anymore because my son is so much fun," she says. "It's changed my whole life, and I love it, thank God."

She stammers, "I mean, I had a great life before, but my life is just so much more fun now."

Motherhood took her by surprise. "I'm someone who loves to have breakthroughs about life. I've had those life breakthroughs in my acting, but motherhood is different."

Between work and babyland, she's often a little bit tired. "To me, the dream life is getting to watch 'Oprah' and 'Dr. Phil' while the baby sleeps. If I'm out of the country on action, I have to TiVo those shows. I love to TiVo. It keeps me in touch with life."

Someday her son might TiVo all those "Matrix" movies. Moss doesn't freak out at that possibility. "I love the cast. I saw Laurence [Fishburne] last week and talked to Keanu a few days ago. I talked to those Chicago brothers ["Matrix" directors Andy and Larry Wachowski] the other day. They're like the family."

Someday her son will go to school with his very cool mom who played Trinity.

"That will be the one situation where I'll wish I wasn't an actor," she says. "I just want to be like any of the other moms."

Distributed by Big Picture News

Rumon Control: Who's Next?

Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood's hottest stars and most eligible bachelors, so now, at 39, is he finally ready to settle down and tie the knot with his girlfriend, actress Autumn Macintosh?

No -- Keanu himself came to "Extra" to set the record straight, telling us he's not ready to walk down the aisle. Despite a report of wedding bells, for now Mr. Matrix is happy playing the role of the bachelor.

37 plays in 90 minutes

Just add Water and Stir Productions to present ‘The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)’

By BETH HENDRICKS - The Herald-Dispatch

If You Go

Just Add Water and Stir Productions presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" at 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 20-21, at Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington City Hall.

Written by Jess Winfield, Daniel Singer and Adam Long, the comedy costs $15. Part of the proceeds are given to the Ben Bowen Trust Fund to assist with expenses incurred during his illness. Visit www.justaddwaterandstir.com or e-mail info@justaddwaterandstir.com.

For all of you who thought you were taking a shortcut by reading Cliff Notes for your high school English class, prepare to be disgusted: You could have watched the movie instead.

Sort of.

On Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m., Shakespeare novices can learn -- and laugh -- at the 90-minute play, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)." The comedy, affectionately dubbed a "tour-de-farce" by Just Add Water and Stir Production’s duo of Adam Shatarsky and Matt Campbell, will be performed at Huntington City Hall. Also featured in the show is Solomon Landerman. Tickets are $15, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting 20-month-old Ben Bowen, who is battling a rare type of brain tumor.

"This play is for anybody. It’s funny and fast-paced," said Princeton, W.Va. native Campbell, who, along with Shatarsky, is a student at Circle in the Square School of Theatre on Broadway in New York City. Landerman is a graduate of the same program. "We don’t recommend it for children under seven, only because most won’t understand what’s going on. It would just be us running around and acting silly."

Actually, the whole play, written by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, is the three men running around acting silly. It spans 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, and includes a football game, the fastest version ever of "Hamlet" and a rap version of "Othello." It even includes "cameos" by Britney Spears and Keanu Reeves.

Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch

From left, actors Solomon Landerman, Adam Shatarsky and Matt Campbell of Just Add Water and Stir Productions will perform "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged" at City Hall this weekend.

"It’s great for people with short attention spans and those who love Shakespeare," Landerman said. "It’s Shakespeare for the TV generation -- no, the MTV generation."

The only thing missing, Campbell said, is the intimidation.

"If you’re not an avid theater-goer or artist, going to see Shakespeare is probably not something you’d do. But, this is a chance to enjoy it and laugh at him, and see that a lot of what he talked about is stuff we’re still dealing with today. It’s understandable Shakespeare for everybody."

Shatarsky said the play is not only funny, but a learning experience as well.

"I wasn’t a huge Shakespeare fan, until I came upon this show," he said. "But, this is funny from minute one. The costumes are hilarious. There’s audience participation. And, the thing is, you can actually sit and comprehend all the plays you’ll see."

For the three men, being able to contribute some of the proceeds from the show to a worthy cause is no laughing matter.

"As artists, sometimes it’s hard to find a way to help out," said Campbell, referring to the Ben Bowen Foundation, which will be the recipient of some financial support from the trio. "This is the best way we know to help this little guy. From what I understand, he has really fought through this and defeated the odds."

For more information on the show, purchasing tickets or the Ben Bowen Foundation, visit http://www.justaddwaterandstir.com or e-mail ticket requests to info@justaddwaterandstir.com.

Brian Tyler signed to score 'Constantine

Brian Tyler has been hired to score Constantine, the action adventure based on the DC/Vertigo comic book 'Hellblazer'. The film stars Keanu Reeves as a supernatural detective and Rachel Weisz as a policewoman in a story filled with demons, angels, heroes and villains. Directed by debutant Francis Lawrence, the film is slated for premiere on 11 February 2005.

Previously it has been reported that Lisa Gerrard is working on the music for this film. A ten minute overture for the film is supposed to have been recorded for the film. At this point it's unclear if Gerrard is still involved in the film one way or another.

Brian Tyler to Score Constantine Source: Music From the Movies Friday, August 13, 2004

Music From the Movies reports that a composer is on board Warner Bros.' Constantine...

Brian Tyler has been hired to score Constantine, the action adventure based on the DC/Vertigo comic book 'Hellblazer'. The film stars Keanu Reeves as a supernatural detective and Rachel Weisz as a policewoman in a story filled with demons, angels, heroes and villains. Directed by debutant Francis Lawrence, the film is slated for premiere on 11 February 2005.

Hit the link above for more word on Lisa Gerrard's music for the film. You can view Tyler's filmography here.

The Horse Chronicles to re-premier with a star studded line up!

Online indie magazine, ‘The Horse Chronicles’ is due to re-premier on August 29, 2004. Editor Tanya Vece has announced the line up for the re-debuting first September issue. Coverage of John Frusciante (of The Red Hot Chili Peppers) & Ataxia (plus a few surprises) along with a feture on Mad TV- including Bobby Lee’s (of Mad TV) exclusive thoughts to Tanya Vece.

(PRWEB) August 8, 2004 -- Online indie magazine, ‘The Horse Chronicles’ is due to re-premier on August 29, 2004 and the publication already promises more art, more celebrities and more creative writing as editor Tanya Vece announces the line up for the re-debuting first issue.

Coverage of John Frusciante (of The Red Hot Chili Peppers) & Ataxia (plus a few surprises) along with a feature on Mad TV- including Bobby Lee’s (of Mad TV) exclusive thoughts to Tanya Vece regarding the renewal of three more years of the hit comedy show. As if these two articles aren’t enough to set a high-profile tone for the future of the fashionable publication, The Horse Chronicles’ September Issue has an inner city tour of the real Las Vegas (including Vece & staff visiting an S&M shop), juicy Hollywood gossip and an exclusive major entertainment industry announcement!

The Horse Chronicles is an online magazine dedicated to freedom of speech & art without advertiser influence. The publication started as a hobby of celebrity publicist Tanya Vece. Vece , who is also known for her macabre underground novel writing, had a committed fan base that took her publication to the next level. The magazine started in 2003 without announcement and within a half of a year, the magazine went from 200 hits per month to over 20,000. In past issues of The Horse Chronicles, Vece had exclusive photos and interviews with Penn (of Penn & Teller), Chad Smith (of The Red Hot Chili Peppers) , Balcony Lights Record Store, along with other high profile pieces. In addition, Vece’s staff of unpaid writers produced some of the best AIDS, Drug and current issue articles in the online writing community.

The demand for The Horse Chronicles was overwhelming and the free subscribership grew. In July of 2004, Vece shut down the magazine for a revamp and joined up with a special guest editor. The magazine will still remain free , have great interviews & stories in addition to its new improved appearance. The magazine will also have an easier domain addy, as opposed to the old angelfire sponsorship before.

The Horse Chronicles is gaining respect in an international community. Readership has reached places such as Australia and the magazine is a popular commodity not only in the beatnik Greenwich Village literary community, but also in artsy West Hollywood and even stylish England!

The editor, Tanya Vece, is a famed event planner and celebrity publicist who has worked with Robert Downey Jr, Wynnona Judd, Keanu Reeves, The Hank Aaron Foundation, George Nastos, Elton John, Canyon Ranch Spa, Kristen Dunst, Ana Gasteyer, Eminem, Sean Penn, Ashley Judd, The Nautical Mile, James Woods, John Melendez and many more.

To subscribe or for more information please call:

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702-433-6624