The only (out of the 4) Shakespearean works Keanu has acted in that is permanently, and only, on film and not on stage. I remember the very day my aunt and my sister went to see it in theatres back in early 1993. I was regretfully rehearsing for a lip-sinc. I saw it on video around the same time I first saw Speed (July 1994) and didn't think much of it! It wasn't bad, but I didn't understand it very well. At some point after my obsession began I watched it with some friends, listening to the language as much as possible and successfully understanding the whole just of it. From watching it a few more times, it has come to be one of my favorite movies.
Back in 1997 I got to see it in a theatre where they showed older movies and this made it all the more special. It's not the best work from Keanu, as he disapears part-way through and we are left to watch the rest of the cast. Directed and starring Kenneth Brannagh (THE master of bringing Shakespeare to film) it is a light and moving comedy. Keanu is the bastard...the very handsome bastard. I love this movie most for the horses.
I just have to say this: Keanu appears to be the most comfortable on a horse in this particular shot (Richard Clifford looks pretty good too - happy!). He's leaning an awful lot on his right side, but not so much in the other photo [above]. This could be a means of half-halt as the horse is turned sightly to the left. One hand on the riens - a bit of Western style there...that's all I have to say! Oh yeah and - horses rock!
Kenneth Brannagh....Benedick
Richard Briers....Seigneur Leonato, Governor of Messina
Kate Beckinsale....Hero
Robert Sean Leonard....Claudio
Imelda Staunton....Margaret
Jimmy Yuill....Friar Francis
Brian Blessed....Seigneur Antonio
Andy Hockley....George Seacole
Chris Barnes (II)....Frances Seacole
Conrad Nelson....Hugh Oatcake
Phyllida Law....Ursula
Emma Thompson....Beatrice
Alex Lowe....Messenger
Denzel Washington....Don Pedro of Aragon
Keanu Reeves....Don John
Richard Clifford....Conrade
Gerard Horan....Borachio
Well, you could just refer to the closest Complete Works... but I'd enjoy summarizing some good ones here.
Keanu Quotes:
"I thank you. I am not of many words, but I thank you."
"In the meantime, let me be that I am and seek not to alter me."
"Borachio!" (the way he says it is so funny...)
-Keanu, and the rest, come galloping in from war on horses.
-Keanu is one of the only people in the whole movie we get to see shirtless...while everyone else is clothed, I mean.
-The part where Keanu started laughing then runs down a hallway - so cool!
-Lots of funny bits to keep one entertained while Keanu isn't there.
-Keanu has a beard...and is wearing leather pants...and is doing what he's known best for loving to do - speaking some Shakepeare.