- Keanu Reeves is almost 60
- This has made his life journey take a turn
- Keanu explains his new frame of mind and upcoming projects
Let's all dive into the mind of Hollywood's gentle soul as he reveals his thoughts on death, his passion for storytelling, and his stance on the controversial link between fictional and real-world violence.
A Novel Venture
In an eye-opening interview with BBC News, Keanu Reeves shares his constant contemplation of death, not as a morbid obsession, but as a path to appreciating life more deeply.
"I'm 59, so I'm thinking about death all the time," the Hollywood megastar has revealed to BBC News. "That's a good thing", he adds.
"Hopefully it's not crippling, but hopefully it's sensitised [us] to an appreciation of the breath we have, and the relationships that we have the potential to have," admits Reeves, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every breath and relationship.
Reeves has teamed up with British sci-fi author China Miéville to co-author 'The Book of Elsewhere', a novel that spins a tale around an immortal warrior's desire for mortality.
This collaboration marks Reeves' first leap from the comic book world to novel writing, following the success of his BRZRKR comic series. Despite Reeves' humility in crediting Miéville with the novel's creation, both authors highlight the intensive collaborative effort behind the book.
'The Book of Elsewhere' is rooted in the universe of BRZRKR, Reeves' comic series that's not only gained positive reviews but is also set for a Netflix adaptation. Reeves' love for the intertwining of images and storytelling shines through as he discusses the transition from comic to screen and now to novel.
The Violence Debate
"I love the images," he said. "I love words and storytelling and I love the way that you can have this engagement that overlays. And so you can look at the art and then you can follow the story."
The actor plays down his role in the collaborative process though, insisting: "I didn't write a novel. China wrote a novel."
Miéville argues "that's putting it too far," adding: "It wouldn't exist in the form without a lot of very thoughtful and careful work with Keanu."
Addressing the often-discussed link between on-screen/book violence and real-life aggression, Reeves and Miéville offer a robust defense. While acknowledging the graphic nature of their work, they stress the underlying themes of love and humanity.
Reeves hopes readers find love in the story, while Miéville criticizes the scapegoating of media as a simplistic explanation for societal violence.
Despite the violent capabilities of "B", the protagonist bearing a resemblance to Reeves, the actor is quick to distance his persona from his creation. Known for his kindness and gentle demeanor, Reeves' real-life experiences with loss and love add a layer of depth to his creative endeavors, distinguishing him from his fictional counterpart.
So where does such violence come from?
"I think it was influenced by some of the action films that I had done," said Reeves, who has also starred in the 'Speed' and 'John Wick' franchises.
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As Reeves and Miéville await the reception of The Book of Elsewhere, fans of Reeves' action-packed filmography and heartfelt public persona are eager to explore the depths of his novelistic venture.
With a blend of existential musings, creative passion, and a touch of controversy, Reeves continues to captivate audiences, both on-screen and in print.