|
|
Post by JustStoppingBy on Feb 9, 2004 1:06:00 GMT -5
Hi all,
I just watched Equilibrium for the very first time (but not my last). Never heard of it, grabed it off the $1.00 DVD shelf at the local rental on a whim. Obviously I was impressed with it because I found this place. Anyway back to my question. One of the first things I thought after watching the movie was that Bale would have made an excellent Neo in the Matrix. Yes, No?
Adam
|
|
|
|
Post by MisterAnderson on Feb 9, 2004 1:57:41 GMT -5
Unfortuneately, this question has done the rounds before here.
I don't think Christian would have done any better than Keanu, in fact I think Keanu was perfect in the role. I think a lot of people are forgetting that it is him on the screen during the fight scenes (except for a few CGI scenes in the burly brawl & superbrawl) - not a stunt double...his physical prowess & discipline for these films was unbelievable.
As for the acting - the Wachowskis wanted robotic/hardened/emotionless performances from the cast and because the films are all about Neo, the most criticism often gets leveled at Keanu. But he is the consumate professional and often asks to do many takes to get it exactly right.
If you still think he is a weak actor then I suggest you rent out "The Gift" starring Kate Blanchett and see him play a redneck....he got some critical aclaim for that role.
So in summing up, no...I don't think Christian Bale would have made a better Neo. Keanu IS the One. End of story.
|
|
|
|
Post by StarDancer on Feb 9, 2004 3:36:40 GMT -5
As much as I love Christian Bale, I agree with Mister Anderson. Keanu is not a weak actor and is perfect as Neo. Check out his heart felt speech at the end of Hardball, or his romantic lead in Something's Gotta Give. The way he LOOKS at Diane Keaton when he realizes he's in love? The disappointment on his face when he realizes she doesn't love him back. I'll tell you what, any man who looked at me like that, I would be hooked. What I'm saying is Keanu is good and people refuse to notice how good he can be. It's a shame. Somewhere down the road, Keanu got a rep, probably from Bill & Ted, for being a dumb actor. It's critics who are the dumb ones. To prove how impressed I am with Keanu Reeves... My site. www.keautude.com ;D Any Keanu fans, feel free to visit... keanucrazy.proboards26.com/index.cgiThe last site is kinda r rated, so be warned.  |
|
|
|
Post by Porkmyster on Feb 9, 2004 3:59:09 GMT -5
i dont, bring on Christian Bale as neo. thats just what the film needs. the matrix films need to bo redone with him in it. and I dont know what you where talking about with regards to us forgeting about Keanu being the person in the fight scenes. perhaps you should talk to the directors that Christian has worked with and find out just how hard he works. I would be happy to quote the majority of them in saying that he 'is probably the most hard working actor today'.
With that in mind I would say that he would have the best neo that there could have been.
another comment for : MisterAnderson I have never in my life of watching films seen directors worse than the Wachowskis. I will never tire of EQ and the matrix does not touch it with a bargepole. A 1,000,000 mile bargepole.
Thankyou and goodnight.
|
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Feb 9, 2004 4:17:18 GMT -5
Does this need to be moved to the CBB, Jen? ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by MisterAnderson on Feb 9, 2004 6:08:03 GMT -5
ianother comment for : MisterAnderson I have never in my life of watching films seen directors worse than the Wachowskis. Then you need to get out more. |
|
|
|
Post by Witcher Wolf on Feb 9, 2004 6:11:04 GMT -5
Some people lack the communication skills to respond to a discussion like this without resorting to pointing out the flaws in someone elses work.
If you can do better than the Matrix Guestie, then go get yourself the requisite things you need to make a movie and impress us with it.
Till then, put up or as the saying goes shut up.
I'm not a Matrix fanboy as anyone will tell you, but I get sick of people ragging on it.
I agree with the majority here that Keanu did a good job as Neo, just as he did a good Johnny Mnemonic.
|
|
|
|
Post by Xenia Onatopp- Bale on Feb 9, 2004 7:10:47 GMT -5
CB as Neo ??Maybe......
|
|
|
|
Post by JenGe on Feb 9, 2004 14:20:53 GMT -5
Hey Adam,
You'll find that Matrix sometimes is a bit of a touchy subject around here. Sorry you had to step in the goo.
Personally I prefer Keanu as Neo & Bale as Preston.
|
|
|
|
Post by JenGe on Feb 9, 2004 14:25:08 GMT -5
Does this need to be moved to the CBB, Jen? ;D Well you know this one could actually go on several threads...redundant & rhetorical comes to mind. ;D I think I'll just leave it for now...too lazy... |
|
|
|
Post by mawa on Feb 9, 2004 14:51:46 GMT -5
Would Bale make a better Neo? First, I thought, yes, but after watching The Matrix for a second time I thought... no.
Bale would make... a different Neo. Not better and not worse - just different. Maybe tougher, more confident - but then The Matrix would be a different movie.
And although I didn't like Reloaded and Revolutions i have to admit Reeves fits perfectly into this role.
And to make things clear I have to tell you, dear Guest, that I'm a quite new, but huge Bale fan. Period.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kodanshi on Feb 9, 2004 15:23:43 GMT -5
If you still think he is a weak actor then I suggest you rent out "The Gift" starring Kate Blanchett and see him play a redneck....he got some critical aclaim for that role.  OMG! Someone else who has seen that film and thinks Keanu did a great job! YES! I cite that film as one of his best performances, along with stuff like My Own Private Idaho, Point Break, The River's Edge and Bill & Ted! |
|
|
|
Post by MisterAnderson on Feb 9, 2004 18:16:48 GMT -5
I really enjoyed "The Gift". It was a pretty good story.
I thought Keanu had a great performance in the original Speed as well.
Another reason I prefer Keanu over Christian for the Matrix is image related. Christian is cut like a greek god (meaning his physique is nigh on perfection) where as Keanu is more of an "everyman" - he looks a like a regular guy. Its the power of his mind which makes him unbeatable.
And I feel I can identify more with that - it makes you feel that you don't have to look like a superhuman to be a superhuman. That one can achieve almost anything if one sets their minds to it. Thats why it would work better for me with Keanu.
That said they are both fine actors & I looks forward to all of their future projects.
|
|
|
|
Post by TrustKill on Feb 9, 2004 18:22:10 GMT -5
plus, there is no way that christian bale could have pulled off that "i know kung-fu" line with as much quotability that keanu did. hehe, sorry... i couldnt resist.
-in all seriousness though, keanu did better than even i originally imagined he would in the matrix series. i dont think christian bale is made from the same stuff that neo's character would demand.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kodanshi on Feb 9, 2004 18:27:01 GMT -5
Plus Keanu has this whole really sweet, innocent, naive thing going for him as Neo in 'The Real World'. The way he portrayed grateful surprise in Revolutions when Niobe said she'd let him take her ship... Wow. Fantastic!
|
|
|
|
Post by JustStoppingBy on Feb 10, 2004 0:10:49 GMT -5
Well....there you have it. Thanks everyone. Oh, by the way, the Matrix is (the first one) currently in a tie (with The Shawshank Redemption) as my all time favorite movie, and I have nothing against Keanu . Not sure were EQ ranks yet....need to see it a couple of more times, but it's certainly in my top 20. FYI...some of my other favs in no particular order:
True Romance
Fight Club
Shindler's List
Gladiator
Dark City
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Best Trilogy EVER!) so good I bought the pinball machine. (not my first pinball though).
|
|
|
|
Post by MisterAnderson on Feb 10, 2004 1:23:03 GMT -5
Oh, by the way, the Matrix is (the first one) currently in a tie (with The Shawshank Redemption) as my all time favorite movie It would seem we have similar tastes then. If it wasn't for the Matrix, Shawshank would be my number one as well! |
|
|
|
Post by MAX on Feb 10, 2004 1:57:00 GMT -5
If Neo was Bale... Neo would have been british...
Lol! Strange thought? Don't ya think?
|
|
|
|
Post by StarDancer on Feb 10, 2004 2:59:31 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Kodanshi on Feb 11, 2004 20:16:00 GMT -5
If Neo was Bale... Neo would have been british... Lol! Strange thought? Don't ya think? Neo had the whole Jesus/Prophet thing going for him. And guess Keanu Reeves' country of birth. Go on... ... Yes - Lebanon, in the Middle East. And, of course, all the biblical prophets including Jesus came from the Middle East. Truth = stranger than fiction? ;D |
|
|
|
Post by MAX on Feb 11, 2004 20:51:07 GMT -5
Thanks for telling us, Kodanshi! Lol! You learn a new thing everyday...  |
|
|
|
Post by Saska on Mar 22, 2004 17:46:00 GMT -5
In may opinion, Christian Bale could be perfect Agent Smith, instead Hugo Weawing. (Weawing is fantastic actor, too)
|
|
|
|
Post by mawa on Mar 22, 2004 18:03:32 GMT -5
In may opinion, Christian Bale could be perfect Agent Smith, instead Hugo Weawing. (Weawing is fantastic actor, too) Hm... Christian Bale as Agent Smith? That would be interesting indeed... ;D |
|
|
|
Post by JenGe on Mar 22, 2004 19:42:57 GMT -5
In may opinion, Christian Bale could be perfect Agent Smith, instead Hugo Weawing. (Weawing is fantastic actor, too) oooo...I like that one!!! We could have a Neo Vs. Preston after all!! |
|
|
|
Post by MAX on Mar 22, 2004 22:02:56 GMT -5
OK OK! Someone's GOT to photoshop that!!! |
|
|
|
Post by aka Jack Torrence on Mar 23, 2004 17:00:15 GMT -5
I can't imagine anyone but Reeves taking the part of Neo. Bale is a superior actor to Reeves, but Neo was not an overly emotional character, most of the time he just seemed frightened or confused--now Bale's acting is convincing when it comes to emotionally charged roles, but I think his talents in this area would not have been called upon by Neo. Bale is good at conveying a character's thoughts and feelings with facial expressions, and that is definitely one of the improvements he could have brought to Neo.
If I had to choose between Reeves and Bale, I'd go for Reeves; I'd select Reeves over ANY actor, as a matter of fact.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cleric Queenie on Mar 23, 2004 17:05:40 GMT -5
Personally I prefer Keanu as Neo & Bale as Preston. I couldn't agree more. I love both movies! |
|
|
|
Post by aka Jack Torrence on Mar 23, 2004 17:13:37 GMT -5
Yeah I agree with that, they each suit the roles they were given.
On a side note, who do you think would win a real fight between Reeves and Bale? (Imagine if they got into a scuffle at the Oscars on live TV!) I'd place my money on Reeves being the last man standing. Bale is probably stronger than Reeves, but Reeves martial arts knowledge would lend him the critical advantage. He trained like a mofo to prepare himself for his role as Neo in the Matrix Trilogy. (Even Wu Ping, the fight choreographer in The Matrix, once famously asserted that Reeves could even beat Jet Li in a one-on-one.)
It'd definitely be close, and I think Bale would inflict some serious damage, but Reeves would prevail! HI-YA!
|
|
|
|
Post by EsbenF on Mar 25, 2004 4:08:31 GMT -5
Here we go again  Oh well, in my oppinion Cristian Bale could have made a good Neo. He would have been a bit more of a macho Neo, but still a good Neo. I'm no particular fan of Keanu Reeves, and hence I don't really like to see him in any film. I think he's too stiff - he needs to cry some more in real life, then maybe I'll like him  I don't really think one would make a better Neo than the other - if it'd been Cristian Bale getting the humongous sum of money that Reeves got for the Matrix, he would probably have gone through just as much martial arts training as Reeves did during the filming, and hence I think that's a poor point of comparison. As an actor I by far prefer Cristian Bale to Keanu Reeves - he just seems more real. |
|
|
|
Post by MAX on Mar 25, 2004 21:43:01 GMT -5
...he needs to cry some more in real life, then maybe I'll like him Err? I'd say he's done quite enough of that... |
|
]
OMG! Someone else who has seen that film and thinks Keanu did a great job! YES! I cite that film as one of his best performances, along with stuff like My Own Private Idaho, Point Break, The River's Edge and Bill & Ted!
