Many thanks to Angel you has sent in both the link to Keanu’s interview with Stern and the translation.
Keanu Reeves in an interview for “John Wick”
(The interview was done by Alexandra Kraft – a NY based editor of one of Germany’s leading magazines “Stern” – I tried to translate it from German to English as good as I could.)”In the end there will always scars be left”
January 20, 2015, 10:39Do you remember Keanu Reeves? The cool guy from ”The Matrix”? With ”John Wick” he returns as a tough action hero. A personal interview.
Mr. Reeves, you have turned 50 recently. Now you come up with “John Wick” in theaters, a very leaded, very bloody action thriller. How does this fit together?
Exceptionally good. Look at Harrison Ford, Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone. They are all much older than me and they too still make such films.What about your physical condition?
To tell the truth, I had to train harder than before. I am still doing most of the stunts myself. It took me three months until I was fit enough. Overall, I think I can still make something like this for quite a while.
The hero you play is a former hitman who avenges the murder of his little dog. So well …
That does make sense. The dog was a gift from his late wife, a symbol of all that was taken from him. The revenge that he exerts on the perpetrators is his way of mourning. And: The killers belong to the gang of a Russian mafia godfather, with whom John Wick has a common past.
Sounds like you found the man not that unlikable.
Well, I understand at least what he feels. And we all know these moments where we like to freak out and search for revenge. His determination impressed me. But I’m more of a person who tries to avoid conflicts. I also don’t own a weapon. Although I have to admit that it is an overwhelming feeling to have a gun in your hand and shoot real bullets. It makes the inhibiton level sink and the adrenalin level rise.
Tell us about your last revenge fantasy?
I’m sorry, but with something like this I can’t serve. But there are some things that make me angry. Bad reviews, for example. Although I am accustomed to that for years. I’ve always been the whipping boy of the critics. In an occupation in which self-doubt is part of the daily business, this is even more annoying. Especially when it gets personal.
Don’t you take it easier as you get older?
It is very important to maintain a certain distance. I’m better in this as I get older. For me there has never been an alternative to acting. I have already started with 16 and the work has given my life structure. And often saved me when I was not doing well. To burn for something and to also be successful with it, is just wonderful. But the doubts remain.
Have you ever suffered from a midlife crisis?
Yes, ten years ago. After I turned 40, suddenly everything changed. I felt old, useless and physically not as agile. At that time I also began to think about death. Today I wonder, for example, if I’m going to be in a good place when I die. That sounds pretty depressed, but probably comes automatically with age.
As long as you do not overdo it.
Don’t worry, it’s not that dramatic. But you have to be able to take that. Life scares us but the wounds heal. But in the end there will always be scars and these scars change us. We have to live with it. But they also make up who we are.
During the last years it had become pretty quiet around you. What happened?
Nothing special. Many people talk about ”John Wick” as my great comeback – even Chad Stahelski, the director. Pretty strange. I don’t see it that way.
But?
I didn’t make any big budget Hollywood productions during the last years – but for “47 Ronin”- nevertheless I have worked regularly. Made a documentary, directed a film. Now I have one new film to premiere. That’s all.
But ”John Wick” ties on to the times of great hits such as “The Matrix” or “Constantine”. Back then you were even considered to be a sex symbol.
I have always been amused about this, however, I also didn’t complain, as many have written. Even if I’m not so. This is onlyone of countless images the public does have of me. None of them is only roughly accurate.
Why are you so reluctant to give anything away about yourself?
Because I’m shy. I prefer to talk about my work. Why does everyone want to know more and more about me? It’s totally irrelevant how I’m privately.
Well …
Really. I like being alone. I read a lot. Or just sit there. Enjoy the silence dwelling on my thoughts and feelings. Nothing has to happen around me. However, it’s not so good to be alone that much. That’s a struggle sometimes.
Well, and where do you find this silence (quiet/calm)?
Always there where I’m currently living. Right now Los Angeles is my home. I have a house there. I don’t have roots or atraditional family. I was born in Beirut, moved around a lot in my childhood, often had to change school. This feeling that younever really belong, has influenced me. I was an outsider.
Has success made you even a bit more lonely?
No, of course I have friendships, but they are not that deep. I have no old best friend who gives me advice. But that has nothing to do with the success, but simply evolved so.
Keanu Reeves, the lone wolf.
It’s not that bad. But I simply like it, to sometimes be alone. I’m happy to be on the road with the bike, as quickly as possible, that’s what I love. Straight after work when I’m really restless, I need that. Driving to the Pacific through the canyons, gorgeous. I am also partner of a company that manufactures bikes.
You have already had some accidents.
Yes, that’s true, but I always got off easy. I try to abide by traffic rules. Does not always work.
How many speeding ticket did you already get?
Some. Once I was caught with 180 while 110 were permitted, as on most roads in the United States. You Germans did it really better with your highways.